It was a part of Sai Baba's spiritual work to unite the Hindus and the Muslims spiritually. The village of Shirdi had a Maruti (Hanuman) Temple near the Dwarkamai Masjid. In fact, Sai Baba used to refer to his mosque as a "Brahmin mosque." Sometimes Sai Baba would have the Koran read to him by his Mohammedan followers, and sometimes he would have the Gita and Ramayana read by his Hindu followers. Sai was an unusual Perfect Master, a unique blend of Hindu and Mohammedan spiritual characteristics. His work with both religions signified that there is no real difference between the two, for each worships the same One.
Whether Sai Baba was born a Hindu or a Muslim, it is certain that his spiritual upbringing was directly connected to both, because he had both Hindu and Muslim Masters. Sai dressed like a Muslim but bore the caste marks on his forehead of a Hindu. He celebrated the holy days and festivals of both religions with equal fervor. He quoted the Koran to the delight of the Muslims but was equally well versed in the Hindu Vedas or Shastras (scriptures).
To someone like Sai Baba, his own human identity and religious differences were nothing into nothing. When someone once asked him where he was born, he replied, "I have no residence. I am the Attributeless One — the Absolute! The universe is my abode. Brahma is my father and Maya is my mother. By their interlocking, I got this body. Those who think I reside at Shirdi do not know the real Sai, for I am formless and everywhere!"
Over the years, hundreds flocked to Sai Baba — many with material gain on their minds. The Master once remarked about those who sought his blessing:
It is I who seek them out and bring them to me; they do not come by their own volition. Even though some may be hundreds of miles away, I draw them to me like a sparrow with a string tied to its feet.
He would often repeat to his devotees:
I give you what you want so that you will begin to want what I want to give you. My Master told me to give bounteously to all who beseech me, but none of you beseeches me with wisdom.