The Prophets of Punjab: Guru Nanak and Ghulam Ahmad

L. Ali Khan

 

Abstract: This article explores how Guru Nanak and Ghulam Ahmad, living centuries apart in Punjab, aimed to reform their respective religions, Hinduism and Islam. Born into a Hindu Kshatriya family, Guru Nanak rejected the caste system and promoted the principles of equality and monotheism. His teachings led to the creation of Sikh Dharma (also referred to as Sikhism or Sikhi), a distinct faith that is predominant in East Punjab and beyond. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a Sunni Muslim from an aristocratic background, proposed revolutionary reinterpretations of Islamic scriptures, founding the Ahmadiyya movement. No reformers have ever succeeded in changing a religion without creating new sects. Nanak’s message could not convert Hinduism, though Sikh Dharma is now thriving worldwide. Similarly, Ahmad’s teachings could not alter Islam and faced strong opposition as deviations from orthodox theology. Notably, Nanak did not claim prophethood and is widely regarded as a non-controversial holy man. Ahmad, however, claimed to be a divinely appointed prophet, which led to controversy. This article examines how Nanak benefited from the Punjabi Sufism that Islam had inspired and the obstacles that prevented Ahmad, despite his fierce defence of Islam, from gaining acceptance.