There are moments in history when the world seems completely overturned—when injustice feels overwhelming, when suffering is visible everywhere. In such times, it is easy to fall silent, to wait for things to settle, or to protect ourselves by going along with what is safe and acceptable.

The four compositions by Guru Nanak Sahib, conventionally referred to as Babarvani (Utterances on Babar), describe Babar’s invasion of South Asia. In these compositions, Guru Nanak documents the human suffering caused by the invasion and places it into the context of IkOankar (the One).

In the fourth composition, Guru Nanak describes Babar’s invasion as a wedding party of “sin,” in which South Asia is a wedding gift taken by force. “Satan” officiates as Muslim and Hindu women are raped. Their cries are a wedding song of blood. Through the extended metaphor of an inverted wedding ritual, Guru Nanak portrays a nightmarish world where the social and moral order has been turned upside down, where goodness has gone missing, and falsehood reigns.

We pause.
We reflect.

The Guru speaks to those experiences that can shatter our faith in a just universe. We know this feeling—disbelief at the horrors that persist, at the dehumanization of the most vulnerable, at the greed that motivates the most powerful to commit acts of violence. How do we speak honestly about what we see? How do we name the injustices we are witnessing with a sense of clarity and conviction?

In the second stanza of the composition, Guru Nanak Sahib says, Nanak sings the virtues of the Sovereign in the town filled with corpses and utters this statement and proposition. The Guru is not waiting for a safe time to speak the truth. While the bodies are still on the ground, the Guru models fearlessness and trust in the One.

Despite appearances, these wielders of worldly power are subject to the eternal Sovereign who delivers true justice. Babar, Guru Nanak Sahib says, will be overthrown in nineteen years. South Asia will remember these words when the next ruler comes. This is not a threat; it is merely a fact of the temporary nature of worldly power, in stark contrast with the permanent, supreme power of the One.

As we wade through the tumultuousness of our current global crises, as we lose hope and find ourselves growing numb to what we see, Guru Nanak Sahib shows us how to continue to say what we see, to be brave in our witnessing, to be clear in our principles.

In the final line, Guru Nanak Sahib says, Nanak proclaims the speech of truth; in the moment of truth, will proclaim only the truth. Speaking the truth is difficult for us to do when we are preoccupied with our own worldly self-preservation. But when our focus is entirely and wholly on the One, when we can see these temporary powers for what they are, we begin to transform into much braver beings, steady within ourselves and steadfast in doing what is right.

Amid injustice, do we hesitate to rock the boat?
Do we dare to speak up when it is most needed and also most dangerous?
Do we pattern our behavior and attitudes after what is socially and politically convenient at the time? Or do we pattern our behavior and attitudes after the truth?

What will it take for us to act fearlessly even when doing so threatens our livelihoods, social status, and lives?

May we bear witness.
May we speak the truth.

May the Wisdom-Guru guide us.