Sikh-Muslim unity shines at Fatehgarh Sahib: Langar by Muslims and trust at Laal Maseet
In a display of interfaith unity, Muslims from Malerkotla and its adjoining areas continued a cherished tradition of organising the langar of “zarda” (sweet yellow rice) during the Shaheedi Sabha at Fatehgarh Sahib.
The tradition was started to mark the bravery of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan, a historical figure who stood against the brutal execution of Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh by Wazir Khan, the faujdar of Sirhind.
“Asin mithe chaulan naal mithaas vand de han (we spread sweetness with this delicacy),” said Dr Naseer Akhtar of the Sikh Muslim Sanjhan of Malerkotla while activists prepared rice in large containers. The sweet rice, known for its comforting fragrance and warmth, is prepared and served to lakhs of pilgrims who converge on Fatehgarh Sahib every year to pay homage to the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri. “We are the proud residents of Malerkotla, whose Nawab had stood against Wazir Khan’s tyranny,” Dr Akhtar said.
In a similar demonstration of communal unity, residents of two nearby villages, Bathan and Ranwan in Khamanon tehsil, organised a langar at the tomb of a Muslim saint, locally known as Laal Maseet. The centuries old tomb is situated next to the railway line near Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib. It is not just an important landmark for the local Muslim community, but also holds significance for Sikhs, who regard it as a symbol of shared history and respect. Each year, the Muslim custodians of the tomb, in a remarkable act of trust and friendship, hand over the keys to the Sikhs, allowing them to oversee the management of the shrine and the langar during the three-day Shaheedi Sabha.
Balwinder Singh, a Sikh volunteer in his early 70s, said he had been part of the langar for over 60 years now. “Our elders taught us that respect and unity between communities is not just a tradition, but a responsibility,” he said.
The story of Fatehgarh Sahib, the shared history of the Sikhs and Muslims, and the acts of cooperation at the Shaheedi Sabha stand as a living testament to the values of tolerance, love and respect. In a world often divided by differences, the legacy of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan and the bond between the two communities continues to shine bright, a beacon of hope for future generations.
