SOMA, BHAI, a native of Jhang, now in Pakistan, was a devout Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan. He laboured with devotion during the digging.of the sacred pool at Amritsar. One day, as Guru Arjan was supervising the work, a mendicant came to him for alms. The Guru did not have at that moment a coin to offer and asked if any of the Sikhs would give him one. Bhai Soma possessed only two piece which he offered to the Guru, who gave them to the mendicant.
“Bhai Soma is now my shah, or creditor,” remarked the Guru. From that day Bhai Soma came to be known as Soma Shah. Later, he became rich through business. His descendants were living until recent years in the district of Sahival, Dera Isma`il Khan and Bannu, in West Punjab and North-West Frontier Province. The epithet `Shah` is suffixed to their names up to this day.
References :
1. Kahn Singh, Bhai, Gurushabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh [Reprint]. Patiala, 1981
The legacy of Bhai Soma Shah—affectionately known as Soma Bhai before his transformation—is a cherished tale in Sikh tradition that encapsulates the transformative power of unwavering devotion and humility.
From Humble Beginnings to Divine Blessings
Bhai Soma began his life as a simple, devout Sikh engaged in honest labour near the sacred sarovar at Amritsar. Earning his livelihood by selling ghunganiyaan (a popular local snack) to devotees, his modest earnings became the stage for a profound spiritual test. One day, when Guru Ram Das visited his humble shop, he inquired, “Bhai Soma, what have you earned today?” With utmost reverence and humility, Soma responded truthfully—even though his profits were meagre—and without hesitation, he placed his entire day’s earnings at the Guru’s feet. This act of unreserved generosity was not a one-off display; for several consecutive days, Guru Ram Das sought the same earnest submission, each time testing Soma’s sincere trust in the Guru’s wisdom.
The Transformation into “Shah”
Impressed by Soma’s consistent devotion and the absence of any hint of greed, Guru Ram Das blessed him in a manner that would forever change his destiny. With a simple yet profound declaration, the Guru announced that Soma’s unselfish service and faith had elevated his status—no longer was he seen merely as Soma, but now as Soma Shah. The title “Shah” (denoting a king or a person of great wealth and stature) was symbolic: it encapsulated both the spiritual richness and the material prosperity that would soon follow his devoted service. Through this blessing, the Guru demonstrated that true wealth in life springs from a selfless heart and total surrender to divine will.
Legacy and Enduring Lessons
Bhai Soma Shah’s story is much more than a narrative of personal elevation; it is emblematic of the Sikh teaching that trusting the Guru and relinquishing personal gain can lead to abundant blessings. His journey from a simple devotee to one celebrated as “Shah” inspires Sikhs to embrace humility, generosity, and the belief that spiritual wealth inevitably manifests in every aspect of life. It also stands as a timeless reminder of how the Guru’s blessings can transform even the humblest of lives, turning small acts of devotion into legacies of enduring prosperity and grace.
