Kabir : Medieval Indian History

Kabir was different from the other followers of Ramananda in one very significant way. He did not give up home and worldly possessions which the others had done. But he remained in contact with his family, helped them in their economic needs, and participated in all important family functions like marriages and funerals.

He was born near Banaras to a brahmin widow. But he was brought up by a Muslim couple who were weavers by profession. He is regarded as the greatest of the mystic saints and his followers are called Kabirpanthis.

Kabir’s object was to reconcile Hindus and Muslims and establish harmony between the two sects. He denounced idolatry and rituals and laid great emphasis on the equality of man before God.

He emphasized the essential oneness of all religions by describing Hindus and Muslims ‘as pots of the same clay’ To him Rama and Allah, temple and mosque were the same.