Guru Arjan - A Moral Story

Guru Arjan

The story of sacrifice, dignity, and spiritual strength in the face of tyranny.

The Conflict with Emperor Jahangir

When Prince Khusro, son of Emperor Jahangir, rebelled against his father, he sought help from Guru Arjan. Being compassionate, Guru Arjan agreed to help the prince who was in great need.

However, this act was used against him by those who already bore ill-will. They poisoned Emperor Jahangir’s mind, accusing Guru Arjan of siding with a rebel and insulting religious beliefs.

Guru Arjan’s Trial

Guru Arjan was summoned to the royal court. Jahangir accused him of rebellion and of offending both Hindu and Muslim clergy through the verses in the Guru Granth Sahib.

The Emperor asked the Guru to remove the so-called "offending" verses. But Guru Arjan stood firm. He said the scriptures were pure, composed to uplift humanity, and no verse insulted any religion. Therefore, no changes could be made.

The Price of Truth

This response enraged Jahangir, and Guru Arjan was imprisoned and tortured. Still, the Guru endured all pain with grace and silence.

One day, Miah Mir, a respected saint and friend of Guru Arjan, came to visit. Moved by the Guru's condition, he asked, “Why don’t you use your powers and escape this suffering?”

Pearls of Wisdom

1. What was the Guru's reply?

Guru Arjan replied, “Yes, I can escape. But many others too are suffering for standing by the truth. My sacrifice will inspire them to stay strong and continue to stand by their beliefs.”

💜 Moral: Real strength lies in upholding truth and values, even at great personal cost. Guru Arjan’s calm in the face of suffering remains a shining example of spiritual courage.

Disclaimer: This is a spiritual retelling of Guru Arjan's final days. While based on historical events, it focuses on the values and lessons derived from his life. Interpretations may vary.