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The Sikh Gurus believed in giving the individual the freedom to choose his or her spiritual path. There should be no compulsion or force used when an individual makes this choice. Most of the disciples of the Gurus became followers after listening to their sermons. No promises of heaven or paradise were made to these Sikhs. They were not told that because they were Sikhs they only would be welcomed by God.
Bhai Mardana was a life long companion of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhi. Bhai Mardana was a Muslim from birth and remained as such until his last day. In fact it is believed that the Guru, carried out Bhai sahib’s last rites in accordance with the Muslim faith. It is a fact that although Bhai sahib remained with the Guru for most his life, he remained a Muslim for all his life while many thousands became Sikhs and disciples of the Guru. However, due to his merit, the Guru still honoured Bhai sahib ji by including one of his verse (Shabad) in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. The Guru did not force or compel his followers into following his ideology; complete freedom of choice was given to the people. .....More
