ਖਿੰਜੈ (khiňjai)
Meaning: verb: Tugged at, angry with.
Quote:
ਗਰੀਬਾ ਉਪਰਿ ਜਿ ਖਿੰਜੈ ਦਾੜੀ॥ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮਿ ਸਾ ਅਗਨਿ ਮਹਿ ਸਾੜੀ॥
gareebaa upar ji khiňjai dhaaṛee. paar-braham saa agan mahi saaṛee.
The beard which is tugged at or angry with the humble has been burnt in the fire by the Divine. – Guru Arjan Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib, 199.
Message: ‘Big Bullies’ and their end
It is wrong if someone takes pride in power and wealth, and tries to oppress others.
This is because one cannot be pleasing to the Creator merely by one’s clothing, physical appearance or power.
Rather, such a person invokes the displeasure of the Almighty and invites one’s own destruction.
According to Bhai Vir Singh, the hymn this verse is taken from was uttered by Guru Arjan Sahib on an incident relating to Sulhi Khan, a tyrant Mogul official of Lahore. Sulhi Khan put his hand on his beard and boasted that he would be able to subdue and harm the Guru.
Coincidentally, through the will of the Divine, Sulhi Khan fell into a burning brick kiln. The Divine has His own ways of punishing those who bully the gentle and virtuous souls.
Man’s beard or face looks beautiful only when his conduct and deeds are good as well. The Divine is pleased with good actions only.
It is a lesson for those of us who unnecessarily slander or torture innocent persons. Never be arrogant and oppress the humble. The Creator is always on the side of the humble and righteous.
Etymology: Modification of khiňchi (pull, tug, draw) from Sanskrit khiňch (to drag, to pull) → Punjabi khiňjṇaa (to pull).
