The Sacred Verses of Shaikh Farid
I have been hearing and also reciting the hallowed verses of ‘Bhagat Farid ji’ ever since I was a child. But when I read about his life and works he went up in my esteem by several notches. The Wikipedia introduces him as follows:
Farīd al-Dīn Masʿūd Ganj-i-Shakar ( 4 April 1179 – 7 May 1266) was a 12th-century Punjabi Muslim preacher and mystic. He went on to become “one of the most revered and distinguished Muslim poets” of the medieval period. He is known reverentially as Bābā Farīd or Shaikh Farīd by Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus of the Punjab.
Bhagat Farid in the Sikh Scripture
The ‘vaani’ of Bhagat Farid ji appears in Sri Guru Granth Sahib at several places, but has a distinct place of pride as ‘Slokas’ at page numbers 1377 to 1383 of the holy book. This year when I was going through the verses, I was struck by something I had never noticed before. I found a mention of ‘Nanak’ in one verse. A closer look revealed that within those slokas, there were a few which had been written by Guru Amar Das ji (the 3rd Sikh Guru) and Guru Arjan Dev ji (the 5th Guru). That led me to do some more detailed research.
The Timeline
Shiakh Farid ji was born in 1179, and that was nearly 300 years before Guru Nanak (b 1469) and our holy book was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev ji (1563-1606). There is no mention of Bhagat Farid in Guru Nanak’s works. And yet, if his ‘slokas’ were considered worthy of inclusion in the holy book, it is apparent that the followers of the Sikh Gurus had been singing Bhagat Farid’s rhymes, for the nearly four centuries that had elapsed. Three things become evident from this:
-
Punjabi, as spoken in the twelfth century was much the same as it was during the time of our Gurus.
-
The fundamental philosophy of the Sufi saints was quite similar to the vision of the Sikh faith.
-
The slokas of Shaikh Farid had apparently come down to the disciples by word of mouth, since the ‘gurmukhi’ script was evolved by Guru Angad Dev long after the demise of Shaikh Farid.
A Few Shlokas of Farid ji
For those who may not have read his works, I am giving below four of his shlokas, along with their English translation.
Shaikh Farid on Old Age
Shaikh Farid lived to the ripe old age of 93. He could, therefore, comprehend the specific problems of the old people better than anyone else. The renowned singer, Jagjit Singh recorded an album which has some of the verses, under the title, ‘Buddha hoya Shaikh Farid’ and this album has been converted into a ‘sing along’ format. In this you get the original verses along with the English translation. The lady who joined Jagjit is Neelam Sahny. Please click on the link given below to listen to the shlokas:
The Tailpiece
Yesterday, I entered the eightieth year of my life. And my personal feelings about the old age have been described so accurately in these sacred verses, that I beseech all my friends who are in the same age bracket to listen to these ‘shlokas’ intently. It also gives me great pleasure to place below, a picture of the shrine built by the admirers of Farid ji in a town called Faridkot, which has been named in the memory of the great saint.
jagdish chander
2:34 PM (3 hours ago)
to me
Dear Sir,
I am sorry I have been out of touch with you for some time ; and trickle in only once in a while, when I manage to open this account of mine on hot mail.
What a beautiful explication, after very detailed research. Brilliant would be an understatement.
The technical linkings and attachments can only be expected from someone as endowed as you Sir.
With very warm regards,
Jagdish
Jagdish,
And who can express his appreciation in better words.
Your messages take me back to Sikkim, which is one of the best tenures in my service career. And you gave me the maximum affection.
Nostalgia!!!
Surjit
Thanks General Surjit Singh for sending write up and Bhajan based on Baba Sheikh Farid. regards.
Major General [Emeritus,Indian Army]
Dr. J.R. Bhatti,Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ph D, MBA, MSc.
Fellow AIMA Delhi & DAVV [SDMS] Indore
Front Line Militay Leader 37 years.
Professor and Director General Higher Education Institutes 17 Years.
Mob 9456830055
Dear Dr Bhatti,
Thanks. I am impressed by the string of degrees and decorations which you have earned!
I myself am married into a Bhatti family, and would like to get in touch with you.
God bless
Surjit
sl vash
10:41 AM (1 hour ago)
to me
Sir,
Thanks for sharing. I did go to Baba Farid’s shrine at Faridkot during my service but got to know much more about him after reading details sent by you.
Thanks once again.
Regards,
Brig. Surender Vashisht
Dear Sir,
It is always a pleasure reading your pieces here. One thought which has always remained in my mind is that why Sikh history, beginning 1469, is not taught in our Schools. All we remember of history in School is the Mughal empire and its kings.
Warm Regards
Kapil,
I agree with you.
There is a lot to learn from the lives of the Gurus and the Saints whose compositions are included in the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib.
Surjit
satish kumar bhandari
8:45 AM (3 hours ago)
to me
Thanks sir.
It is very informative and interesting article.
ASFIC
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU
SATISH
Thank you very much Sir.
Could you tell me the full form of the acronym ‘ASFIC’
Regards,
Surjit
We are soldiers and soldiers never die// either they /few// become martyrs //
rest of us// mostly fade away
one day
some day
any other day
CORONA//COVID 19//
DOES NOT at all us sway
Spanish Flu came and went //left soldiers knotted as cement//
Glad to see on 6th July your ocean of friends //
iF you still believe in rebirth// amen /////
I would like to have you as my SGMT in NDA //
overhaul me //then teach me how to make friends
if not today in the next birth ///as you profess and say// educationist master unlike me//
Have a Happy Birthday 79Th//wait for 20 per cent increase of Pension //
by mai baaps for a while// let me still lead the queue///
still stilled SGMT FOR YOU ///
12 JUL
DID YOU NOT KNOW
WISH ME TOO //THE ONLY FRIEND I have is///
GENERAL SAHEBJI//
YOU
A WEEKS WAIT WON’T HARM YOU
6 JUL 2020
From: vijay mayadev
Date: Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 5:10 PM
To: Maj Gen Surjit Singh
Hi Surjit,
Belated Happy Birthday.
I too am in the same boat and wonder how the years ran by. I think it is wonderful to think of yourself as elderly and not old.
You have to keep energy and fitness levels high to enjoy 20% increase in pension being bestowed by maibaap sarkar.
Like Clint Eastwood says. Keep the old man out.
Cheers and god bless for a wonderful elderly avatar.
Regds
Vijay mayadev
Thanks, Vijay.
Whenever I see your mail, my mind’s eye goes to the road that divided your squadron and ours.
Nostalgia!!!
Surjit
From: ABS Sidhu
Date: Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 2:23 PM
To: Maj Gen Surjit Singh
Hello Surjit ,
Thanks for sharing about life of Farid ji .
His shaloks written about 700 yrs ago
are very meaningful and applicable even today .
Once again happy birth day . From the messages
exchanged it gave the impression that you had
completed 80 yrs .However it is now clear you have
entered 80th yr. Wish you long , happy and healthy
life .
With warm regards and best wishes .
ABS Sidhu
Thanks, ABS.
What is the great difference between 79 and 80?
I think the observation of Shaikh Farid is very profound. Even if we go on to complete the century, we still return to the mother earth, and turn into ashes!
Surjit
Dear Major General Sir,
Satsriakal! It is always a pleasure speaking to you. Once again, I wish you a very happy 80th birthday. It seems to have been a full life and you have earned every moment of these 80 years.
I thank you for sharing your research on Baba Farid. I will certainly go through it.
I spoke to Col NJS Pannu Sir and learnt from him that his brother was only engaged at the time of martyrdom and not married. On another note, he suggested to confirm if you were mentioning Mr Gul Pratap or Gur Pratap Singh because both with similar names and seniority were Sanawarians. Col Pannu Sir will be speaking with you soon.
With every good wish,
Maneet
–
Maneet
9910911789
Thanks.
I will look forward to the call from the brother of the martyr, DJS Pannu.
Surjit
Dear Arun Vermaji, Namaste.
1. I am forwarding a SEND by my Course Mate, Major Gen Surjit Singh. In 1972, we did our Staff Course at Defence Services College Wellington, together. We began our 1 year Course with personal losses. And then our tough and wise, Commandant Maj Gen Ranjit Singh, called me to his Office and ordered me to join Classes where as CI Navy had given me 1 week. And the at conclusion of Course, the Commandant of a few words told me that my Loss had not affected my Course. Same was the case with General Surjit.
2. To be honest, being from Pakistan/Punjab, I do not understand DOABA Punjabi of Indian Punjab.
A little on my personal perspective.
I have a restless soul which seeks THE TRUTH. More one learns, more it exponentially expands.
As I was growing I remain a HINDU to my Bones. But to seek THE TRUTH, I would have to have an open mind.
That was true more of every HINDU in now PAKISTAN PUNJAB.
For the record, my studied Class 2 in GURUDWARA/WARWAAL/CHAKWAAL Paksitan. She knew GRANTH SAHIB by Heart. It was SIKH MILITANCY that drew her apart and towards BHAGWAT GITA, a Book which used to be under the Pillow of my Father. Towards her end, my Mother wanted both GRANTH SAHIB and GEETA read to her.
General Surjit would not know that my Mother’s 1st Sikh Cousin by the same name, was in my BAKER Squadron but a Batch. Never acknowledged much because in JSW/NDA there is no quarter to keep you away from Academy Treatment. Later, his Daughter and my Son had the option of being Life Partners. But Militancy in Indian Punjab, seperated Brother from Brother.
3. My Father belonged to a TEHSIL/TOWN/TALAGANG/CHAKWAL/PUNJAB/PAKISTAN/CULTURE of Urbanity. And my Mother was from a Villager and a Daughter of RICH SEED MERCHANT. Both Cultures are very different. My one Family, refused to marry his Daughter with JAT SIKH Culture is different.
In my Mothers Village, it was all Arab Healers and which crude but very effective. My NANA had a Son from a Muslim Woman, RESHAM KHAN, and he was a pillar of strength to the Family. My Grandparents made him a Legal Heir to all their vast Properties but not being, educated, others took it away from him. He was never BEYGANAA to the Family and me.
My Mother had been twice to PUNJA SAHIB, before marriage.
4. My Father was posted to Rural THANA/LILLE/LALA MUSA/PUNJAB/PAKISTAN. Some body convinced my Father that the FAMILY should seek Blessings of a PIR there. We went to his small Cottage, I remember, he gave us the Boys TAWEEZ. LILLE was a huge ANAAJ MANDI belonging to HINDUS. It is in disuse today, if one searches on GOOGLE EARTH.
Then in 1996, my PUSSER was KADRI/who are original Leaverned Ones from S Arabia. His Elder Brother was personal Astrologer to late Sachin Pilot. In fact, he bought Muslim Almanacs, told me few things, very true and put TAWEEZ on my Arm.
5. It was a stable composite culture but strict lines were drawn and respected.
6. My LODE STAR of seeking the Absolute Truth took me to a different direction. One can never get pass any learned one, step by step. So told my self why seek MOKSH and JENNAT. Then it is easy to see Millions of before, today, and Millions of years ahead.
When one looks from ZENITH, Miles atop, every thing looks small and when visualise the past, the present and tomorrow.
7. Lastly Arunji, you would sing more melodiously than the CD.
Great regards,
Commander Prem P Batra Retired
============================================================
Baba Farid or Sheikh Farid was a twelfth century Sufi saint and first punjabi classical poet. We have no record of any written poetry prior to him. He could not have mentioned Guru Nanak who came three centuries after him. The poetry referring to Guru Nanak and other gurus must have been of Khwaja Farid an equally eminent poet saint of Punjabi classical Sufi poetry and his time line was nineteenth century. Both mention themselves as ‘Farid’. Hence confusion.
Regards.
B M Kakar.
Dear Sir,
Wishing you a very happy 80th birthday and many, many more to come. You have entered the Super Senior Category and eligible for additional pension.
Regards
Jaswal
Greetings Surjit
Dear General Surjit, Please accept our belated greetings and best wishes on your birthday. May God bless you with very long healthy and peaceful life.
Regards
AVM Mishra
Wish you a very happy 80th birthday Sir. Many more to come to cross century. God bless.
Dear Sir,
Thanks for sharing.
Not the least , BELATED HAPPY BITHDAY , Sir.
Regards.
Lt Col R S Ahuja
To begin with our heartiest congratulations on your birthday. We wish you good health and may you cross the figure of the great mystic. Lucky are those who step into older years
Dear SBS,
Thanks for your kind words.
Whenever your message appears on the screen, my mind’s eye goes back to CI camp. And I them think of your poet father and the forever cheerful mother. Then I think of Guddi, Kiki, Pichkoo, Babbo and Cukoo.
जाने कहाँ गए वोह दिन !
सुरजीत
SBS,
Thanks.
I knew that Kiki is gone. But the passing away of Cuckoo, has come as a news to me. He was the youngest, and I think he was the darling of the family!
Surjit
Thanks for sharing belated happy birthday stay blessed
A belated Happy Birthday Sir. I understand the octogenarians stay safer than the septuagenarians health-wise, statistically. Wish you good health and happiness for years to come.
Warm regards
Hari
Dear General,
You are 80 young ! Wish you many happy returns of the day & keep on giving us the very interesting news & writings you have been doing for the past so many years.
With warm regards,
Zal.
Dear Surjit Jee,
You are our Farid for bringing us such master pieces.!!
WISHING YOU VERY VERY HAPPY B’DAY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. NEXT PARRAO 90!!
However, let us look at it in another way. We are so blessed to be living so long and in reasonable health. let us make the best of it. LET US KEEP CONTRIBUTING TO THE BETTERMENT OF OUR SECTOR, CITY, STATE, COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.
LET US HELP LESS ENDOWED.
I am a teetotaler, but CHEERS!!
Harbhajan Singh
Bhai Sahib,
I am overwhelmed!
Indeed I am a pygmy when compared with the likes of Shaikh Farid, Kabir and Bulle Shah.
Thanks, nevertheless for your kind words. If I am able to write, it is because of your words of encouragement.
May the Lord give you many more years to bless us.
Surjit
Happy birthday, Sir.
Many happy returns of this lucky day.
Dear Sir,
On his joyous occasion, Hina joins me in extending our best wishes and congratulations to you and your family. May God Almighty bless you with the best of health, peace and happiness!
I enjoyed reading about Shaikh Farid and listening to his verses which bring forth the truth and finality of life. As always there is so much to learn from you. Thank you sir.
You are among the few who has always, very deftly, used the pen as a medium of expression. But here, I feel that you have gone beyond expression.
For as someone has said…..
More important than the freedom of expression is the freedom of acceptance:
You can hear but need not listen,
You can read but need not absorb,
You can see but need not believe,
You can understand but need not accept.
Best wishes & warm regards
Dhiraj
Dhiraj and Hina,
In the next birth, if I am given the choice to select just one friend, I will choose you, without any hesitation!
Covid does not worry me; but what is going on at the borders does bother me. I do hope that better sense will prevail.
Surjit
Surjit,
Thanks.
RPM
One thing Corona has done Great is put all poor-rich, young old, all those management gurus, corporate flying buntys and similar others to come and stand in one line. LITERALLY NUDE AND PUT A MIRROR IN FRONT OF US TO HAVE A GOOD LOOK AT OUR KARNIS(DOINGS). KAHIN MAIN PEECHE NA REH JAAOON.!!.
All those trying to fly ahead of the clock, have been made TO look utterly foolish today(includes me too), with losked up in human ZOOs, mouths sealed to just SHUT UP.
Manimals we are. deceitful, liars, and at the core of every problem faced on earth. Farid is humble in his approach where he appreciaties, the old age. We are not learning even from WW2, NUCLEAR BOMBS, AND TODAY led by some of US, WHO care too hoots for philosophies. Lion is the king of jungles, but NO JUNGLE LEFT. MACHHALI JAL KI RANI BUT NOT A DROP OF WATER TO DRINK. OUR WATER SAFE IN BOTTLES.
THANKS CORONA,
NOW BABA FARID included in SGGSJi, IS ITSELF A GREAT SALUTE TO HIS WORKS. HE IS A JEWEL OF THOSE TIMES WHO CONTINUES TO SPARKLE WITH UNIVERSAL TRUTHS FOR ALL OF US.
Sir,
Thanks. Received and read. Nice to hear from you.
With Regards,
n.p.singh
Dear Gen Surjit
I was in Faridkot
You may like to explore
He was returning from Delhi to go to Pakpttan ???
His stay at Faridkot is interesting
I read the shlokas which you had kindly posted
Best regards
K ramani
Sir,
Thank you vey much Gen Surjit Singh ji for sharing
Tejwant
Surjit
I admire the way you have conveyed your gratitude to your birthday ‘well wishers’. Also the message is much thought provoking & inspiring. Be blessed. Regards to you both.
Manmohan
Bhai Sahib,
You are kind with your words.
I owe so much to you…
Surjit
Dear Sir,
Wishing you,
Many Happy Returns of The Day…. Many more to come with good health and a happy blessed life…
with Best wishes,
Maj Gen PN Monga
(m) 8283825665
(LL)01724020723
Surinder Singh
Mon, Jun 29, 8:13 PM (5 days ago)
to me
Considering your health and vigour, it is a bit premature.Satinders Papaji was very fond of saying “ kamban lagi deh” bit that was when he was in his nineties.
Neverthless, it makes enlightening reading especially because Farids bani is difficult tounderstand..the Punlabi is much older.
Gurbani is like an ocean full of pearls…the deeper you go the more you gather.
Well thought of theme..may be the next one you post will unearth more.
Surinder
khudda karey
aap hazzaaaroe saal jiyein
MILTARY KAY
khushwant Singh ji”"
Excellent is the wine
you squeez
out of red roses
and
all drink as amrit
not red wine
coming from those nimble fingers
divine
you do oft read poetry
of mine
for me you alone are
DIVINE
my intrinsic
GOLDEN MINE
you must
like not a diamond
but
SUNSHINE
Kumar
”I wish to thank everyone
who has greeted me on the anniversary of my birth through phone calls, Whatsapp ”messages”
and the Facebook.
Stay safe, and God bless.
Surjit
Thank u 4 tnkng colls
one out of many friends
millions you have
do remember colls
you may have not forgotten yet
You have a MILLION FRIEND
I have one ONLY
YOU SIRJI
HAPPEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee U Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
humor not makhan ji
du peeeeeeeeee and drink red wine freeleeeeeeeeeee
Many Happy Returns Sir. Have a great year ahead.
Stay safe and Stay healthy.
Surjit.. Happy Birthday. Have a Super start to the next decade.
Farid is excellent advise. Each word is well written. Read him for the first time.
Best advice I can give you is “Don’t let the old manin”.
This will keep you going for many more years.
Stay safe Stay Healthy.
Congratulations on entering your 80th orbit around our thermonuclear fireball.
Thanks for this piece on Shaikh Farid. Glad to hear that a town is named after him.