Sikh Guru Game Hunters

Introduction

The portrait on the left is that of the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, from the British Library: “He is shown on horseback, followed by a hunting dog and attendants.” [1]

The crucial word in the above quote, around which this article will revolve, is ‘hunting’.

Due to their acclaimed magnanimity, righteousness, fairness, justice and humanity, the 10 Gurus are revered by all practicing Sikhs. Hence, all Sikhs must regard these 10 moral standard-bearers as the beau ideal to be followed and emulated.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the so-called “Living Guru”, states in no uncertain terms:

Emphatic proclamations! The contention is that the Lord will bring any and all forms of tyranny to account. This includes killing living beings, which is akin not just to actions of unrighteousness, but also belief in atheism – disbelief in God Himself.

We wish to see, however, whether these stern warnings are also applicable to those who cruelly hunt animals not for food, but simply for play and amusement.

It is our contention that contrary to claims that the Gurus were a paragon of virtue in upholding the rights of all living things, the reality, however, is that they were, in fact, addicted to the leisurely pursuit of tracking and hunting animals without any justifiable reason.

Our intention is to show that it is Islam rather than Sikhism that has afforded and legislatively enshrined proper rights for animals.

Let the Hunt Begin

It is an undisputed fact that some of these Gurus were involved in hunting animals.

According to the May 1995 issue of ‘The Sikh Review’:

Although it is admirable that a standing-army be physically honed and ready to fight oppression, it is far from admirable if that physical strength is attained and maintained at the expense of the lives of defenceless animals. What is more, it is condemnable that an eleven year old boy not be corrected and disciplined for encouraging others to participate in woodland hunting expeditions especially when “Guru Hargobind had started joining hunting parties even in the life time of his father”. [3] And who was his father? None other than his predecessor: Guru Arjun Dev. Since Hargobind both encouraged and participated in this leisure, it stands to reason, thus, that his proud father Arjun Dev must have tacitly approved of his son’s actions.

In fact, Guru Hargobind and his fellow Sikhs must have made this quite a habit since according to the following account “racing and hunting [not only] became their pastimes” (bold and underline ours), [4] but also led to the following incident:

Since evil begets evil, one wonders whether this battle might have been avoided had Hargobind not been in the position of cruelly hunting animals. [6]

It is also worth noting that Hargobind was the first of the Gurus – emulated, of course, later by his successors – to make use of hunting dogs, as confirmed by none other than arguably the most prominent Sikh theologian, Bhai Gurdas himself, who states the following in his Vaaran (var 26, pauri 24):

Likewise, it is recorded that some other Gurus also subsequently took up this barbaric activity. The following is regarding the 10^th Guru, who “like his father … [Guru Tegh Bahadur] enjoyed hunting”: [8]

While Raja Medini Prakash, who ruled the state of Sirmur situated along the river Yamuna in the Kayarda Dun valley of the Sivalik hills from 1684 to 1704, invited Guru Gobind Singh in April 1685 to spend some time with him at Nahan, which “had abundant game should the Guru wish to hunt”. Of course “the Guru readily accepted the invitation and travelled to Nahan” and “remained in the Nahan territory for about three years and had a fort built at Paonta. Today the city is known as Paonta Sahib”.

According to the Dasam Granth: “The years spent at Paonta were the most creative and significant in the Guru’s career. He enjoyed hunting in the surrounding thick forests where the opportunites [sic] were enormous. The Guru wrote, ‘I enjoyed myself on the banks of Yamuna and saw amusements of different kinds.'” (bold ours) [10]

While Dr Kirpal Singh cites the following recorded account in the Bachittar Natak about Guru Gobind Singh’s stay at Paonta:

Similarly, the seventh Guru Har Rai was “very fond of hunting, a habit he acquired from his grandfather [Hargobind]”. [13] Moreover, we are told:

Of course, since his grandfather “was famed as an avid hunter“, it is only natural that “Guru Har Rai continued the hunting tradition of his grandfather, but he would allow no animals to be killed on his grand Shikars (hunting expedition)”. (bold ours) [15]

Sikhi apologetics is always an interesting affair. Does Guru Har Rai’s alleged “sensitive nature” towards not wanting to kill these targeted animals make any difference to the obvious threat the animals would have perceived? To look at it another way: were the animals showing gleeful and happy consent in being chased and hunted down? The explanation is insulting to one’s intelligence and common sense. We can only imagine how distressed and frightened these animals would have been in fleeing for what they would instinctively have read as a threat to their very survival.

Recall what Kabeer is made to say in Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

In comparison, dwell over the following incident narrated by our Prophet’s (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) companion ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood:

Once we were travelling with the Prophet and he went to do something. Meanwhile (we found a bird with its young ones) so we took them. The bird came and started flapping its wings continuously. Whereupon the Prophet asked: “Who has distressed this bird by taking its young? Return them to it at once.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

The Hunters’ Club

Since these Satgurus are the role-model to be imitated, it is unsurprising to find numerous examples of Sikhs following in their shikari (hunter) footsteps.

We have the example of Roshan Singh – a Sikh warrior in attendance upon Guru Gobind Singh – who is said to have killed a lion single handedly:

Of course, the tiger cannot be at fault for defending itself against an expedition it instinctively perceived as a threat to its life.

The eldest son of Guru Hargobind, Baba Gurditta (1613-1638), is also “as the legend goes” said to have “resurrected earlier on that day a cow which he had inadvertently killed while out hunting”. [17] Although the legend does not elaborate on how one “inadvertently” kills a cow!

Sher Singh Maharaja, Sikh sovereign of the Punjab from 1841-1843, was the son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and “loved hunting and hawking”. [18]

While “wrestling, horseback riding, and hunting were his [Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716)] major hobbies.” [19]

Deep Singh Shahid (1682-1757) is said to be “one of most honoured martyrs” of Sikhism. He “also learned the art of horsemanship, [and] hunting”. [20]

Bhai Banta Singh (1894-1921), was “one of the Nankana Sahib martyrs, was the son of Bhai Bhola Singh Dhillon and Mai Bhag Kaur of village Bihera, in Hoshiarpur district” and “as a youth, he had engaged in wrestling and gone out hunting”. [21]

There are many more although this shall suffice the point being made.

Islam’s RSPCA

We could not do justice to the subject of hunting as practiced by the Gurus without comparing it to the rights afforded to animals in Islam.

Our Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) was sent as a mercy to all creatures, as the Lord of the heavens and the earth states:

Islam has encouraged the humane and just treatment of animals with Allah having ensured abundant reward for those Muslims who do so. Conversely, any who violate these divinely prescribed animal rights have been sternly warned and threatened with severe punishment having incurred the anger of their Mighty Lord for such mistreatment.

In fact, prior to the inception of Islam over 1400 years ago, one will be hard pressed to find such comprehensive rights as those established in the Shari’ah (Divine Islamic Legislation).

This is no better demonstrated than by the distinguished example of our Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) who said:

The famous account of the cat that came and slept on the robe of Muhammad (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) while he read the Qur’an is a perfect example to begin with. Such was his merciful nature that when it came to the time for him to get up, rather than disturb the cat, he gently tore the necessary part of his robe upon which it slept. How far apart is this sublime and noble behaviour in comparison to those who disturb the peace and hunt down animals in order to captivate or kill them?

Our Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) inculcated in his followers not just good treatment towards animals, but to proactively seek opportunities to gain reward and the pleasure of their Lord by looking after them:

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) said:

There are numerous examples where the Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) admonished, warned and disciplined those guilty of animal cruelty – including his beloved wife:

Ibn Mas’ud said:

Ibn ‘Umar entered upon Yahya ibn Sa’eed and one of Yahya’s sons had tied up a hen and was shooting at it. Ibn ‘Umar walked over to him and untied it, then he brought it and the boy and said:

Ibn ‘Abbas said:

Again Imam An-Nawawi said regarding this tradition:

Subhan’Allah (Glorified is Allah)! The difference between this and those who practice hunting is insurmountable.

Similarly, there are reports of the Prophet prohibiting overburdening animals:

While Ibn ‘Umar said:

Imran ibn Hussain reported:

A practicing Muslim who understands the religion of Islam is ever aware of mistreating animals especially in light of the following authentic tradition:

Imam Al-Shawkaani said commenting on this tradition:

It is for this reason that the Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) called for mercy and perfection in the slaughtering of animals for consumption. When he saw a person preparing a lamb for slaughter by laying it down while sharpening the knife in front of the animal, the Prophet exclaimed with displeasure:

Based on this, it is impermissible for Muslims to slaughter animals in front of other animals since it is known to cause unnecessary distress. [24]

Similarly, the Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) said:

Islam likewise prohibited the disgusting act known as ‘Muthla‘, which involved the Pagan Arabs cutting off the limbs of animals while they were alive during the pre-Islamic period. Ibn ‘Umar narrated:

Hence, the Muslim is cognisant of the rights of animals because s/he knows that every single action and deed done in this life will be brought to account on a day when all scores will be settled with absolute justice. Our Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) warned:

Conclusion

Where does all of the above leave us?

As is consistent with the religion of Sikhism, it has again failed in providing unambiguous and specific guidelines on how animals are to be treated fairly. This failure is a clear indication of an imperfect and, therefore, man-invented religion.The apologetic excuse will always be the usual flippant one that goes something along the lines of: Sikhism is not a religion of rigid rules of do’s and don’ts.

As Muslims, we know where that leads: the relativisation of morality. Although in this case, we are surprisingly told that rules do exist, albeit extremely vague and general to the extent of ambiguity. However, the actions of those who presumably enacted them, viz. the Gurus, ended up belying the rules. Hence, we are told in Sri Guru Granth Sahib that the killing of living beings is an unrighteous deed, that “it is tyranny to use force“; and yet these Satgurus enjoyed terrorising animals during their hunting sprees – something that, as we have shown, became their “pastime”.

As with so many obscurities to do with Sikhism, it is mind-boggling when explanations over why some Sikhs cannot eat meat are compared to the treatment of animals in this regard. Observe:

Contrast this with animals indeed! Except, of course, unlike an animal being hunted, you will never find a carrot running away screaming. Where, then, did the Gurus’ daya evaporate to during these pastime pursuits?

The above cited article inexplicably concludes:

How about the “jerking, [and] gasping of dying animals” during hunting? Can we, thus, conclude from this reasoning that the Gurus, who became avid hunters, could never have been Dharmis? Do we conclude that the Gurus had the hearts of ruthless hunters?

Without needing to get into a debate over the no-brainer row of whether meat is good for human-consumption or not, at least the butcher has the excuse of slaughtering animals for food or trade. In stark contrast, had the Gurus hunted to control a given animal population, i.e. for pest-control purposes, then that might have served as a justification. Instead they merely hunted animals to hone their martial skills.

Today, we have Sikhs hunting and poaching too; completely understandable given that they are only following in the footsteps of their Satgurus. Perhaps this is why the Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar, Prof Manjit Singh, reportedly said:

Presumably, therefore, the Gurus’ hunting expedition was part of the old world order. They helped develop their community during war times to stand against being slaughtered by hunting and slaughtering animals! But, sadly, “life must sustain itself on life”; in this case, the animals were mercilessly terrorised and hunted down in order for the Guru and their followers to survive.

All praise is due to Allah who has guided us to the religion of justice and fairness and saved us from the confusion of falsehood.

Whilst the Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah) said:

[1] This revealing citation was later removed when the original page was moved to: http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/gurugobind/033ori0000ii014u00002v00.html
[2] The Sikh Review, May 1995, Vol. 43:5, p. 19
[3] D. Singh, Sikhism: A Miri-Piri System, (Institute of Sikh Studies; accessed: 16 Nov, 2016).
[4] http://www.sikhs.org/guru6.htm
[5] Ibid.
[6] The following account (euphemistically titled: Duty, Love and Faith: The Sikhs & Guru Hargobind Sahib) states:

[7] S.S. Kohli (2007), Bhai Gurdas, The Great Sikh Theologian, His Life and Work, (Publication Bureau Punjabi University, Patiala), p. 209.
[8] Transformation of the Sikh Panth, (Division of Religion and PhilosophyUniversity of Cumbria; accessed: 16 Nov, 2016).
[9] http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=870
[10] http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Raja_Medini_Prakash
[11] http://www.info-sikh.com/PageLead4.html
[12] K. Singh (2007), Significance of Guru Gobind Singh’s Stay at Poanta, (Sant Sipahi Magazine, April), p. 44.
[13] http://www.sikhiwiki.com/index.php/Guru_Har_Rai_-_The_Apostle_of_Mercy
[14] http://www.sikhs.org/guru7.htm
[15] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Har_Rai
[16] http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Roshan_Singh
[17] http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Baba_Gurditta
[18] http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Maharaja_Sher_Singh
[19] http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Banda_Singh_Bahadur
[20] http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Baba_Deep_Singh
[21] http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bhai_Banta_Singh
[22] Sharh Muslim: 13/108.
[23] Nayl al-Awtaar: 7/7
[24] As a side note, ponder over this ruling prescribed over 1400 years ago by the all-Knowledgeable Law-giver against the horrific slaughtering procedure carried out in abattoirs throughout the western world; yet they have the audacity to claim that Muslims wish to re-enact a primitive law!
[25] What is Kuttha? (Part 2), (The Panthic Weekly, 29 Nov 2006).
[26] Ibid.
[27] Sikh Guru and “Green Cause”, (The Tribune; accessed: 16 Nov, 2016).