Haraamkhor Conduct

Haraamkhor (ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ) is a Persian word made of two terms: Haraam (ਹਰਾਮ) + Khor (ਖੋਰ).

Haraam (ਹਰਾਮ) => It has multiple meanings such as forbidden, prohibited, wrong, unlawful, improper, acquired by dishonesty or illegally, and so on.

Khor (ਖੋਰ) => Also has multiple meanings such as eater, cove, estuary, creek, inlet, canyon, persistence on something (e.g. stealing, cheating, corruption, bribery, untruthfulness etc.).

Hence, to put it mildly, Haraamkhor (ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ) is a crook:

• Who steal from others – eater of Haraam, dishonesty etc.
• Who lives life in the cove or estuary of Haraamkhoree.
• Who persists on unrighteous living (unlawful, wrong, improper…).
• Who steals and takes from others; who exploit others
• Who consumes sin and thrives on breaking the law.
• Who engages in reprehensible deeds.
• Who earns his kicks by doing what he is not supposed to be doing.
  Who obtrudes himself on another for bed and board.
• Who resorts to illegitimate means or underhand dealings to make a living, and so on.

To put it otherwise, a Haraamkhor is a scoundrel, thief, embezzler, lazy bum, expletive, wicked, rascal, bastard, transgressor, rogue, exploiter, burglar, corrupt, false, crook, crafty, fraud, Thugg, ungrateful, predator, freeloader (ਵੇਹਲੜ, ਨਿਕੰਮਾ) etc.

The Gurmat Wisdom of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) asserts there are countless such ‘Haraamkhor‘ in the world.

• ਅਸੰਖ ਚੋਰ ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ ॥ : There are countless thieves and ‘Haraamkhor’. (sggs 3).
• ਚੋਰ ਕੀ ਹਾਮਾ ਭਰੇ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਚੋਰੁ ਕੀਆ ਚੰਗਾ ਕਿਉ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥ : (Upon a thief being captured) no one would want to be the guarantor of a thief. A person who is known to be a thief commits fraud, and hence cannot be a good person. (sggs 662).

To say it in simple Punjabi: ਕਿਰਤ ਕਮਾਈ ਨਹੀ ਕਰਨਾ ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰੀ ਹੈ — ਪਰਾਇਆ ਹੱਕ ਖਾਣ ਵਾਲਾ, ਚੋਰੀਆਂ ਠੱਗੀਆਂ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ; ਪਰਾਇਆ ਖੋਹਣ ਵਾਲਾ; ਹਰਾਮ ਦੀ ਕਮਾਈ ਖਾਣਾ, ਮੁਫਤਖੋਰੀ, ਲੂਣਹਰਾਮੀ; ਪਾਪ ਦੀ ਕਮਾਈ ਖਾਣ ਵਾਲਾ…

Since Sikhi is a Way of life based on the Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS, Sikhs (learners) are to remember and emphasize Godly Virtues in their individual and corporate life.

Let alone Godly Virtues, however, a ‘Haraamkhor’ is a freeloader who keeps an eye on others’ pocket!

• ਹਕੁ ਪਰਾਇਆ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਉਸੁ ਸੂਅਰ ਉਸੁ ਗਾਇ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੀਰੁ ਹਾਮਾ ਤਾ ਭਰੇ ਜਾ ਮੁਰਦਾਰੁ ਨ ਖਾਇ ॥ ਗਲੀ ਭਿਸਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਈਐ ਛੁਟੈ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ ਮਾਰਣ ਪਾਹਿ ਹਰਾਮ ਮਹਿ ਹੋਇ ਹਲਾਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗਲੀ ਕੂੜੀਈ ਕੂੜੋ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥੨॥ : To violate or usurp someone’s right or taking away something that rightfully belongs to others is like eating pork for a Muslim and beef for a Hindu. The ‘Guru Pir‘ (Spiritual Guide) would standby only if the follower does not make unlawful living. Mere talk does not lead to heaven; salvation (from corrupting influence of the world) lies in realization of Truth. If you add spice to unlawfully earned food, it does not become Halal (lawful). Nanak, falsehood begets only falsehood. ||2|| (sggs 141).

In short, a ‘Haraamkhor‘ expects food, shelter, clothing etc. from others — a freeloader who deceptively takes advantage of others’ generosity without giving anything in return!

• ਫਾਹੀ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਮਲੂਕੀ ਵੇਸੁ ॥ ਹਉ ਠਗਵਾੜਾ ਠਗੀ ਦੇਸੁ ॥ ਖਰਾ ਸਿਆਣਾ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਭਾਰੁ ॥ ਧਾਣਕ ਰੂਪਿ ਰਹਾ ਕਰਤਾਰ ॥੩॥ : The people sitting in the shrines are dressed as angles/ascetics (i.e. dressed in religious robes, symbols etc.). But their deceitful mind’s focus is on defrauding or trapping people. These big thugs are looting the people. They pretend to be wise. But they carry too much load of sins on their heads. Such righteous looking people are very cruel. ||3|| (sggs 24).
• ਏਕੁ ਸੁਆਨੁ ਦੁਇ ਸੁਆਨੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥ ਭਲਕੇ ਭਉਕਹਿ ਸਦਾ ਬਇਆਲਿ ॥ ਕੂੜੁ ਛੁਰਾ ਮੁਠਾ ਮੁਰਦਾਰੁ ॥ ਧਾਣਕ ਰੂਪਿ ਰਹਾ ਕਰਤਾਰ ॥1॥ : One dog (of greed) and two bitches (desires, avarice, ਆਸਾ, ਤ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨਾ, etc.) are with (the mind of humans). In the early morning, they (rise and) constantly bark (constantly engage in corruption, etc.). The greedy person lies incessantly (i.e. through deception he cheats his own people and strangers). His cunningness is as sharp as a knife. taking what rightfully belongs to other people is equivalent to eating carcasses. O Creator! (the mind) lives as a wild hunter (ਭਾਵ ਭਯਾਨਕ ਅਤੇ ਨੀਚੁ-lowly and scary). ||1||  (sggs 24).

Since ‘Haraamkhor‘ persons conduct in a way that is contrary to the Wisdom of the SGGS, their corrupt lifestyle (Manmukh-Saakat-Mayadhaaree mindset) is rejected and condemned in the Gurbani.

• ਜੇ ਜੀਵੈ ਪਤਿ ਲਥੀ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਹਰਾਮੁ ਜੇਤਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਖਾਇ ॥ : If a person (devoid of Naam may) be alive but he lives a life of dishonor. Whatever that person eats (here), its all Haraam (forbidden, prohibited, wring, unlawful, improper…). (sggs 142).
• ਗੈਬਾਨ ਹੈਵਾਨ ਹਰਾਮ ਕੁਸਤਨੀ ਮੁਰਦਾਰ ਬਖੋਰਾਇ ॥ : The heedless human being (i.e. the one who has forgotten his Mool) like ghosts, phantoms and animals eats Haraam (i.e. eats other people’s wealth) by killing (other’s right-ਦੂਜਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਹੱਕ). (sggs 723).
• ਲੂਣ ਹਰਾਮੀ ਗੁਨਹਗਾਰ ਬੇਗਾਨਾ ਅਲਪ ਮਤਿ ॥ : An ungrateful Haraamee person is a criminal (offender, culprit, sinner…),; has shallow understanding, and is alienated from (his Mool). (sggs 261).

In fact, many such ‘Haraamkhor‘ who steal or take from others, and exploit others call themselves Sant, Saadh, Baabaa, Brahm Giaanee, Mahaatmaa etc.!

• ਗਲੀ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀਆ ਲੋਟੇ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬਗ ॥ ਓਇ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਸੰਤ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ ॥੧॥ ਐਸੇ ਸੰਤ ਨ ਮੋ ਕਉ ਭਾਵਹਿ ॥ ਡਾਲਾ ਸਿਉ ਪੇਡਾ ਗਟਕਾਵਹਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : Who have rosaries around their necks, and glittering jugs in their hands, (just because of such religious paraphernalia) they should not be called the Divine’s Sant — they are thugs of Banaras (i.e., religious conmen, robbers, cheats…). Such sants are not pleasing to me. They devour (trees including) stems and branches (i.e. who do not even hesitate to kill human beings for the sake of Maya, etc.). (sggs 476).
• ਰਹਤ ਅਵਰ ਕਛੁ ਅਵਰ ਕਮਾਵਤ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਨਹੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਮੁਖਹੁ ਗੰਢ ਲਾਵਤ ॥ ਜਾਨਨਹਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਪਰਬੀਨ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੇਖ ਨ ਕਾਹੂ ਭੀਨ ॥ : The outward signs of religion are different and practical life is different; (i.e., Gurbani’s Rahat is quite different than what’s being practiced; the outward display of Dharma is quite different than living actual spiritual life; the man professes one thing and practices quite another, etc.). There is no divine love in (his) mind, but with his mouth he talks big. The Inner Knower (Rabb) is Wise. (Rabb is never) impressed (pleased) with anyone’s outward appearance. (sggs 269).

Now perhaps we can appreciate as to why Baabaa Nanak thunders forth the following declaration for such people:

• ਗਿਆਨ ਵਿਹੂਣਾ ਗਾਵੈ ਗੀਤ ॥ ਭੁਖੇ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਘਰੇ ਮਸੀਤਿ ॥ ਮਖਟੂ ਹੋਇ ਕੈ ਕੰਨ ਪੜਾਏ ॥ ਫਕਰੁ ਕਰੇ ਹੋਰੁ ਜਾਤਿ ਗਵਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੀਰੁ ਸਦਾਏ ਮੰਗਣ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਲਗੀਐ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥ : Someone sings the hymns (Kirtan etc. as a source of livelihood or bread, but he lacks Giaan or wisdom (since he uses it as a source of income, his understanding could not be higher). The mosque of the starving mullahs is also for the sake of livelihood (i.e. the Mullahs have also made the act of praying in the mosque a source of livelihood or bread). There is another (third one) lazy bum (unemployed, ਹੱਡ-ਹਰਾਮ, ਵੇਹਲੜ) gets his ears pierced (to look like a Yogi). Someone else becomes a panhandler and lives life of a beggar-ਮੰਗਖਾਣਾਂ), and thus loses his social status. Someone pretends to be respected by becoming a Guru or a Pir (spiritual guide…) but is also greedy for material things (i.e. accumulates wealth by craftiness and making excuses. Don’t ever touch such person’s feet (i.e., don’t consider him a Guru or a Pir – don’t follow him). One who eats by working diligently (with honesty…) and helps the needy in the right way out of this noble work; O Nanak! Only such people have come to know the right way of life. ||1|| (sggs 1245).

In addition to Pakhand and crookedness, a ‘Haraamkhor‘ (ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ) is said to be very unappreciative and ungrateful.

• ਮੈ ਕੀਤਾ ਨ ਜਾਤਾ ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰੁ ॥ ਹਉ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਹੁ ਦੇਸਾ ਦੁਸਟੁ ਚੋਰੁ ॥ : (O God!) I am thankless; I have not acknowledged what You did for me. I am an evil thief (I steal from others etc.); how will I face you (i.e. how will I realize you)? (sggs 17).
• ਮੂੜੇ ਤੈ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਰਾਮੁ ਬਿਸਾਰਿਓ ॥ ਲੂਣੁ ਖਾਇ ਕਰਹਿ ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰੀ ਪੇਖਤ ਨੈਨ ਬਿਦਾਰਿਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ : O fool! You have forgotten Raam (i.e. Mool, True Nature or Jot Saroop…) from your mind! Having benefitted from (Raam), you do not acknowledge it; you shamelessly commit ‘Haraamkhoree‘. ||1||Pause|| (sggs 1001).

Why does a ‘Haraamkhor‘ conduct himself this way?

As asserted in the Gurbani, a ‘Haraamkhor‘ conduct himself this way because he is a Virtueless person (‘Nirgun-ਨਿਰਗੁਣ’). In other words, ‘Haraamkhoree‘ and being devoid of Virtues (‘Nirgun-ਨਿਰਗੁਣ’) is synonymous!

• ਹਰਾਮਖੋਰ ਨਿਰਗੁਣ ਕਉ ਤੂਠਾ ॥ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਸੀਤਲੁ ਮਨਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਵੂਠਾ ॥ : (Hukam, Rabb…) is pleased to forgive even a virtue-less person (i.e. the one who goes astray but then mends and gives up Haraamkhoree to become established in Wisdom, Virtues…). Then the life-giving Amrit (-Naam: Virtues, Wisdom…) abides in that the mind and the total being of that person become cool or attain Peace. (sggs 1142).
• ਚਿਟੇ ਜਿਨ ਕੇ ਕਪੜੇ ਮੈਲੇ ਚਿਤ ਕਠੋਰ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਤਿਨ ਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਊਪਜੈ ਦੂਜੈ ਵਿਆਪੇ ਚੋਰ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਮੂਲੁ ਨ ਬੂਝਹਿ ਆਪਣਾ ਸੇ ਪਸੂਆ ਸੇ ਢੋਰ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥ : Their clothes are white (beautiful religious robes) but their conscience is cruel and filthy (full of vices — they look holy or Mahaatamaa on the outside only). Their minds don’t acquire  Naam (Giaan-Wisdom, Virtues…); engrossed in duality they cheat people (i.e. their external appearance is only pretense-Pakhand to cheat people). They do not Understand their own Mool (Source, Jot Saroop…); that’s why they are fools with animal intelligence ||3|| (sggs 751).

The Gurmat Wisdom of the SGGS is the manual for righteous or truthful living — Gurmukh or Enlightened State of the mind realized through internalizing the spiritual Message of the Shabad:

• ਤਬ ਲਗੁ ਮਹਲੁ ਨ ਪਾਈਐ ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਸਾਚੁ ਨ ਚੀਤਿ ॥ : As long as the Truth does not enter into the consciousness, the Divine Presence is not realized (sggs 58).
• ਲੋਭਾਦਿ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਪਰ ਗ੍ਰਿਹੰ ਜਦਿਬਿਧਿ ਆਚਰਣੰ ॥ ਤਜਿ ਸਕਲ ਦੁਹਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੁਰਮਤੀ ਭਜੁ ਚਕ੍ਰਧਰ ਸਰਣੰ ॥੩॥ : Forsake greed, and do not look upon other’s home (ਪਰਾਏ ਘਰ ਵਲ ਦੇਖਣਾਂ…), and give up conduct that is “Jadibidhi” (against the established norms of moral, ethics …). Renounce all evil deeds and evil inclinations, and hurry to the Lord’s Sanctuary ||3|| (sggs 526).
• ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਚੇਤਹਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਵੀਚਾਰਹਿ ਇਹੁ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਕਾ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥ : The conduct of the Manmukh (self-willed…) is that (he) does not think of the Divine Naam (Hukam, Gur-Giaan…), and does not ponder on the Shabad (Gur-Shabad Vichaar..). (sggs 508).
• ਮਨਹਠ ਬੁਧੀ ਕੇਤੀਆ ਕੇਤੇ ਬੇਦ ਬੀਚਾਰ ॥ ਕੇਤੇ ਬੰਧਨ ਜੀਅ ਕੇ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮੋਖ ਦੁਆਰ ॥ ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥੫॥ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਊਚਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਨੀਚੁ ਨ ਦੀਸੈ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਇਕਨੈ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਸਾਜਿਐ ਇਕੁ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਇ ॥ ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਚੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਧੁਰਿ ਬਖਸ ਨ ਮੇਟੈ ਕੋਇ ॥੬॥ :  There are so many stubborn minded (self-centered) people who perform austerities and so many who deliberate on the Vedas to obtain liberation. They create so many obstacles and entanglements for themselves whereas a Gurmukh (Enlightened being…) obtains liberation. Truth is higher than everything, but higher still is truthful living. ॥5॥ Regard everyone exalted as there is no one of low caste. The One, Whose Light shines everywhere creates all. It is the immutable Hukam (Cosmic Law) that one realizes the Creator through one’s deeds only. ॥6॥ (sggs 62).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਸਬਦਿ ਅਚਾਰਿ ॥ : Gurmukh Paaeeai Sabadi Achaar. (sggs 941).