Guru Arjan

Guru Arjan (1563–1606) was the fifth Sikh Guru, remembered for strengthening Sikhism as an organised community and for becoming its first major martyr.

• Builder of Sikh institutions: He helped the Sikh community grow beyond a small group of followers by encouraging stable centres of worship and community life in Punjab.
• Compiler of the Guru Granth Sahib: He prepared the first major compilation of Sikh sacred hymns (then called the Adi Granth), choosing authentic compositions so the community had a reliable scripture to guide belief and practice.
• Why his martyrdom mattered: His death under Mughal authority became a turning point—many Sikhs felt they needed not only spiritual strength but also the ability to protect their community.
• Connection to Guru Hargobind: After Guru Arjan, his son Guru Hargobind promoted martial training and defence, shaping the Sikh tradition of combining faith with responsibility toward justice and safety.
• A lasting legacy: Guru Arjan is remembered for linking Sikh spirituality with community organisation—scripture, worship, and service—while his martyrdom influenced the later Sikh emphasis on courage and resistance to persecution.