When Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled to Baghdad, he engaged in a profound spiritual encounter with Peer Dastgeer, challenging the beliefs of Islam regarding the number of skies and underworlds. According to Islamic teachings, there are seven skies and seven underworlds, but Guru Sahib revealed that there are countless worlds beyond human perception. This event, recorded in Bhai Gurdas Jiโs Vaars, showcases Guru Nanak Dev Jiโs divine wisdom and ability to transform the hearts of those who initially opposed him. The following account highlights this historic meeting and its impact.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived on the outskirts of the city of Baghdad in Iraq. He sang the shabad with Bhai Mardana Ji:
Some onlookers heard and went to Pir Dastgeer and told him, “There is a holy man come with a white turban, he is transfixing the local people with his music. He is singing that there are not only 7 under worlds and 7 skies, there are in fact hundreds of thousands.”
The Peer became enraged and said, “This is the worst kind of kaafir (non-believer). He comes to our Islamic land and questions our Quran. Get the people to stone him to death!”
The group gathered a crowd of people in the city armed with stones to kill Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Bhai Mardana said to Guru Nanak Ji, “They are bringing big stones to come and kill you.” Guru Nanak Dev smiled and said, “Mardana, if truth never dies, then those that speak the truth never die also.”
As they attempted to throw their stones, they grew stiff and couldn’t move. The Peer heard what had happened and came to investigate. He said to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, “What are you talking about, hundreds of thousands of skies and worlds?” Guru sahib asked, “How many do you say?” The Peer said, “There are 7 skies and 7 underworlds.” Guru sahib said, “Have you seen these 14?” He replied, “I have seen 14.” Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, “I’ve seen hundreds of thousands.” The Peer said, “Can you show me?” Guru Sahib replied, “Sure.”
The Peer was asked to look into Guru Sahib’s eyes and was shocked with what he saw. Before he went any further he became scared and said to Guru Ji, “Here is my son! You can show him instead as my health is not to good…” Guru Sahib said to the son, “Are you ready?” He anxiously said “Yes.” Within an instant he left his body and a few seconds later returned.
His father said, “What happened?… What did you see?” He was very shaken and wasn’t speaking properly. Then son explained, “I saw millions of worlds and millions of skies, everywhere we went they rejoiced and were overjoyed because Guru Nanak had arrived. They all bowed down to Guru Sahib and came begging to him…”
The son went on to say, “I believe Guru Nanak is Khuda (God) himself.”
Guru Nanak Dev Ji even brought some karhah parshaad for Peer Dastgeer from the another world. Seeing and hearing this all, Peer Dastgeer fell at the feet of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The meeting between Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Peer Dastgeer in Baghdad highlights Guru Sahibโs divine wisdom and spiritual power. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji-sang about countless skies and underworlds, it challenged the prevailing belief of the time. Initially, the Peer reacted with hostility, but after witnessing Guru Sahibโs divine vision, he was humbled. The Peerโs son, after experiencing the vastness of creation through Guru Sahibโs grace, declared Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a divine being. The event demonstrated Guru Nanak Dev Jiโs ability to reveal spiritual truths beyond human perception, ultimately leading Peer Dastgeer to bow before him in reverence.
