Sikhi is based on faith. When the world around us seems full of darkness, when even our closest ones do not support us, it is only the Word of the Guru which takes us to where we need to be. Gurbani tells us: “If someone could unite me with my Beloved Lord, I would dedicate myself again and again to such a Guru.” That is to say, the light that takes us to God is only the Guru.
Once, in Multan, there lived a Sikh named Bhai Tara Singh Ji. He was a wealthy and respected businessman. But as people often say, when someone prospers, envy and opposition also rise against them. Around that time, a robbery took place in the region. Coincidentally, the robber’s name was also “Tara.”
The head of the local police (Kotwal) distorted the story and falsely accused Bhai Tara Singh Ji. He was arrested and brought before the court of Nawab. The Kotwal made a huge case out of him, even producing 80 false witnesses to give evidence against Bhai Sahib.
The Nawab was, however, perturbed. Deep within himself, he could not accept that a chivalrous and upright Sikh of the Guru, a man of such sterling character, would do such a thing. Nevertheless, in the face of so many witnesses and none favorable to Bhai Sahib, the Nawab had to sit through the proceedings.
The Qazi replied sternly, “Nawab Sahib, 80 witnesses have testified against him. By law, the guilt is established. Pass the verdict.”
The Nawab addressed Bhai Tara Singh Ji and inquired, “Do you know what will happen to you? You will be dug into the ground and hunting dogs will be released upon you. With so many witnesses against you, do you have no defense to offer?”
Bhai Tara Singh Ji did not lose temper and answered, “Nawab Sahib, even if I tell the truth, Kotwal’s power will turn it into lies. In my eyes, the entire world now seems to be false. If there is one true witness, it is only my Guru. Other than Him, I have no one.”
The Nawab again asked him to speak: “Still, so many are against you. Do you not want to say anything at all?”
Bhai Tara Singh Ji’s face was calm. His trust in his Guru did not waver. He declared, “I don’t even trust myself anymore, nor anyone else in this world. My only trust is in my Guru. If He wills, He will stand as my witness. I will make no pleas before you or anyone. My Guru Himself will defend me.”
Learning this, the Nawab asked him to produce a witness in his behalf within 15 days. For 15 days, Bhai Tara Singh Ji prayed and left everything in the Guru’s hands.
When judgment day arrived, the entire city of Multan filled the court. Every one of them was sure that Bhai Sahib would have no defense, as he had not brought forth any witness. Again the Nawab questioned, “Tara Singh, today I have to pronounce the judgment. Will you still keep silent?”
With firm faith, Bhai Sahib answered, “Nawab Sahib, if anyone defends my honor, it will be my Guru alone.”
The Nawab, conflicted within but under pressure from the Kotwal, raised his pen to inscribe the sentence. A soldier then darted into the court with a letter. The Nawab read it, and relief flooded him.
The letter had come from yet another official in the region. It reported that the actual robber had been apprehended, and all the booty recovered from him. It explicitly declared that Bhai Tara Singh Ji was innocent and had been wrongly accused through fake witnesses.
The court was filled with silence. The Nawab looked at the Kotwal and the deceiving witnesses and said, “You attempted to ruin the life of an innocent man.” He acquitted Bhai Tara Singh Ji right away and instructed that the real offender be punished.
Brothers and sisters, this story reminds us that when the world abandons us, the Guru Himself comes to protect our honor. The lesson here is clear: never turn away from your Guru, no matter how dark the times may seem. Just as the Guru upheld Bhai Tara Singh Ji’s faith, He continues to stand with us today.
