Message:
Peer is a term used by followers of the Islamic faith, Guru is a term used by the followers of the Sikh faith and Avtar is used by those of the Hindu faith. They are all names given to those who we believe to be the existent manifestation (hasti) of Aad Puruk Parameshwar, The Supreme Lord who has existed before time.
Whether we refer to Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, Sri Ram, Sri Krishna or Hazrat Abdul Qādir Gīlānī, all of them are Dastgir. A word of Persian origin, Dastgir literally means holder of the hands. Therefore, meaning one who holds our hand in both the material and spiritual world.
Guru Gobind Singh, when writing the Zafarnama says,
“Tuhi Dastgir, Tuhi Karej Sajh”. Here Paramatma, is referred to as Dastgir and the creator of all.
Where one Dastgir comes, all must follow. They all come from Akal Purukh Parameshwar and were sent for our benefit. When all belong to Paramatma then why do we divide and hold prejudice?
Dastgir comes to our aid but within certain boundaries. These boundaries may be stretched or broken in exceptional circumstances, but they can not be crossed all the time. As we must follow Paramatma’s will, so must they. They too have to remain in compliance with the divine law. We can not judge the will of Paramatma and we can not judge the aid we receive from Dastgir. If we are eligible, we will receive and if we do not then we must accept that to be Paramatma’s wish for us.
Reflection:
Dastgir Peer, Giarveen Wale, born in the Gilan district of Persia, were born to parents Sheikh Abu Saleh and Sayyida Bibi Ummul Khair Fatima in their later years and at a time when women are usually unable to bear children. However, it was their parents’ humility and mother’s seva that they received the ultimate blessing of Dastgir Peer through Saint Hazrat Amir Ali. Hazrat Abdul Qādir Gīlānī’s saintly miracles started taking place shortly after they were born. One such incident was that of the sunken ship.
Mata Rudi turned to Dastgir Peer in her most dejected and broken moment. But, once she was blessed with eleven sons from Dastgir Peer and they had grown up she forgot her true source of happiness, Dastgir. When Dastgir Peer took it all back, it was her years of penance and unwavering trust that had Hazrat Abdul Qādir Gīlānī raise the sunken ship once again.
When do we remember Paramatma the most? Is it not mostly in times of despair and need? The truth is that we often connect with Paramatma the most in our darkest moments. However, when things are going well, we often forget until Paramatma throws a challenge our way; a reminder that we have strayed. Our circumstances should not be the one to dictate our remembrance of Dastgir. We need to remember Paramatma every day through all of our actions.