Guru
Arjan Dev Ji, our fifth Guru, is known for starting the construction of
Harmandir Sahib, starting the compilation of scriptures into one book (now Guru
Granth Sahib Ji), and being the first Sikh martyr (1). In memory of Guru Ji’s
shaheedi (June 16, 1606), I have written about his martyrdom (2).
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Prince
Khusrau had been captured fighting Emperor Jahangir to the throne, however he
managed to escape and received aid from Guru Ji (3). This enraged emperor
Jahangir who won the throne and was intimidated by the political threat from
the growing numbers of Sikhs (3). There were many individuals who were against
the Guru and added to Jahangir’s hatred, fueling him to order Guru Ji to accept
Islam or face execution by torture (3). Guru Ji was arrested and tortured for 6
days (2). He was made to sit in a cauldron of boiling water with hot sand
pouring on his head, and then later, made to sit on a hot plate with hot sand
being poured over him (2). Despite the blistering of his skin and physical torture,
Guru Ji remained calm and recited gurbani (2). Guru Ji spoke the words “Whatever
you ordain appears sweet. I supplicate for the gift of name” (3). Mian Mir, the
muslim sufi saint that laid the foundational stone of Harimandir Sahib, tried
to intervene, however Guru Ji told him that this is the will of God (2).
Sikhiwiki.org describes this exchange
“Guru Sahib said, ‘All is happening in accordance with the will of
Waheguru. Men who stand for Truth have to suffer often. Their sufferings give
strength to the cause of Truth. Go, brother. Pray for me. Pray for the success
of my cause. Pray for victory to truth.’
Mian Mir asked, ‘Why are you enduring suffering at the hands of these
vile sinners when I possess superpowers?’
The Guru replied, ‘I bear all this torture to set an example to the
Teachers of the True Name, that they may not lose patience or rail against God
in affliction. The true test of faith is in the hour of misery. Without
examples to guide them, ordinary people's minds would tremble in the midst of
suffering’” (2)
Guru
Ji was taken to the cold River Ravi as it was thought this would bring further
torture, however he never emerged from the river (2). Although Jahangir
believed that this would put an end to the political threat that the Sikhs
posed, he could not have been more wrong because it solidified the resolve of
the Sikhs to be saint soldiers under the guidance of Guru Hargobind Sahib, son
of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (2,3)
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