Gurmat & Islam

Why did Guru Nanak’s own son abandon Sikhi?

Guru Nanak Sahib Ji he was blessed with two sons, born around 1491 and 1494, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das. Baba Sri Chand was a very spiritual person and Guru Nanak Sahib Ji could see that he had chosen a path of quiet contemplation on the Almighty and did not care much for worldly affairs this played a part in the Guruship being passed on to Bhai Lehna Ji. This is not to say that Baba Sri Chand abandoned Sikhi. In fact the Gurus right up to the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji showed the utmost respect for Baba Sri Chand Ji. On one visit Baba Sri Chand asked Guru Hargobind Sahib for something to link him and his followers to the Sikh Panth for eternity. Guru Hargobind in his divine wisdom then gave Sri Chand his son Baba Gurditta, who is revered as the successor of Baba Sri Chands order. Thus, Baba Sri Chand did not reject Sikhi.

It is sometimes stated that Guru Nanak Sahib Ji abandoned his family on his long Udassis (journeys). This is not true. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji was a devoted father and husband and cared and provided for his family. Guru Sahib Ji was married when he was about fifteen years old as was the custom of the times. By the time of the first udassi Guru Sahib Ji was around thirty years old and his two sons were around ten years old. So the early years were spent looking after and providing for the family, when the call came form God to spread His name across the lands Guru Sahib Ji placed his family in the care of his parents and extended family, also his elder sister Nanaki Ji and husband who lived in nearby Sultanpur were instructed to keep an eye on Mata Tripta Ji and the two little ones. So, in no why did Guru Sahib Ji neglect his duties as a householder. In fact Guru Sahib Ji showed practically how to effectively manage the duel roles of worldly and family affairs.