Sheikh Sajjan

When Guru Nanak and his companion Bhai Mardana were travelling and spreading the word of God they reached Tulamba in Multan. There on the roadside was an inn fit for a Sultan. Its owner was named Sajjan whose real name was Sheik, he wore white to look pious. He was good to Hindus and Muslims who stayed in his inn. They could pray in the masjid or mandir he had built for the use of the followers of both religions. His workers took care of his vast lands well which appeared to have made Sajjan a wealthy and generous man.

But his wealth was secretly earned by robbing his guests who stopped in, but were never seen leaving. In reality Sajjan and his men were killing and robbing their guests, after gaining their trust they would fall upon them in the night , rob them and dispose of their bodies by throwing them down a local well.

Seeing Guru Nanak ji he thought 'he must be a wealthy man.' He served him and Mardana with great care. Guru ji was aware of what was on Sajjan's mind. Sadly it was an ugly affair. Sajjan said 'O holy man, come and sleep in comfort inside. It's night and quite late besides. Guru ji replied, "Sajjan we shall first sing a hymn in praise of the Lord, Then welcome sleep to dream about the kingdom of God." He began reciting the hymn as Mardana played the rabab. The shabad explained that shiny bronze pots, do cover the fingers with dirty black dots. Those that have not done any good deeds, Are like a garden full of weeds. So it is with white clothed holy men who rob the innocents. They are like pretty storks at places of worship' Whose diet alas includes frogs. To become good and be able to do good in this world, one needs the help of God.' Hearing this shabad Sajjan knew what it meant, for whom it was. As soon as Guru ji finished the hymn he fell at his feet, begged forgiveness and promised not to kill or cheat. He distributed all his wealth among the poor at hand, and started living like a true Sajjan in that land.