In the course of his missionary activity Nanak often visited foreign countries. According to local folklore, he is said to have visited Mecca in the guise of a Muslim devotee. But his not paying heed to Mohammedan etiquette nearly cost him his life. On his first night at Mecca he slept with his feet towards the Kaaba. He was rudely awakened by an Arab clergyman who said, “Who is this sleeping Kaafir (infidel) who lies with his feet towards God?". To this Guru Nanak replied, “Turn my feet in the direction where God is not".