ALLĀYĀR, a wealthy Muslim horse-dealer of Delhi, who turned a preacher of Sikhism, first came to Gurū Amar Dās at Goindvāl escorted by Bhāī Pāro, a prominent Sikh of Ḍallā, a village in present-day Kapūrthalā district of the Punjab. It is said that returning from Kābul once with 500 newly purchased horses, he was held up near Goindvāl owing to the River Beās being in spate. He had not been there long before he saw someone tearing across the swollen river on horseback from the opposite bank. This was Bhāī Pāro coming to make his daily obeisance to Gurū Amar Dās. Allāyār was still wondering at the man's daring when Bhāī Pāro was again seen emerging from Goindvāl and preparing to plunge into the river on his way back. Allāyār beckoned him to come near him and asked him what made him run such a great risk. Bhāī Pāro replied that he had his Gurū's protection and felt no risk of any kind. The intrigued merchant begged him to take him to the Gurū who inspired such faith and confidence in the heart of his disciple. He was led into the Gurū's presence and was converted at first sight. Gurū Amar Dās remarked to him: "It is difficult to become a yār (friend) of Allah (God), but I shall make God thy Master and thee His servant. " 'Allāyār became a disciple. He left his trade to his son, and devoted himself whole heartedly to the Gurū's service. Gurū Amar Dās appointed him head of a māñjī or diocese to preach the word of Gurū Nānak. In later life, Allāyār came to reside near his friend Bhāī Pāro, at village Ḍallā, where a shrine in honour of his memory still exists.