Alahania (Mahala 1)

Guru Nanak Sahib

This composition is based on the Panjabi folk poetic form Alahania related to death. In the first stanza, it is stated that death is inevitable and is as per the command of IkOankar (the Divine). The being is, therefore, advised to connect with IkOankar. In the second stanza, unlike the worldly understanding, death is considered good. For a dignified death, the being is encouraged to lead a truthful life in the remembrance of IkOankar. The third stanza conveys that the death of such beings is honorable, and it advises all beings to live in humility. In the fourth stanza, these ideas are summed up by affirming the temporariness of the world. It reminds us that every being who has come to this world has to leave it in the end. IkOankar alone knows the workings of this world. Therefore, instead of crying over death, live in the remembrance of IkOankar.