Choosing Death Over Life: Sikh Martyrs
Sikh Martyrs are individuals that are killed and/or brutally mistreated for enacting their religious beliefs and values. As commonly viewed in heroes, Sikh Martyrs embody the character of true advocates through their ability to fight for religious freedom for everyone, and in addition, to protect their faith. These brave warriors derive strength from their will to persevere and sustain their religious identities. Faith is significant and as highlighted in Sikhism, we should all do what we can to conserve our religious rights in our own possession.
Martyrdom is a fundamental theme across Sikh teaching. Several of the Sikh festivals focus on the lives of Gurus and Sikh Martyrs. “Not only is martyrdom a religious (and essential) institution but it is also the most potent method of education and training for the cause of righteousness, love and truth. This is amply proved by the capacity of the Sikhs to make maximum sacrifices for the cause of religion and man”. We must honor the lives of these Sikh martyrs for they have surrendered simply to protect their religious beliefs. We should all aspire to be as fearless as that.
Two of the most prominent martyrs are the fifth and ninth gurus. Guru Arjan Sahib Ji, the fifth Guru, is known for being the first Sikh Martyr. Guru Arjan is famous for building the Golden Temple and building the four doors in a Gurdwara. In addition, Guru Arjan mandated that all Sikhs donate a portion of their earnings to charity. Most importantly, Guru Arjan put together the Guru Granth Sahib, also referred to as the Holy Scripture. After refusing to remove all the Islamic and Hindu references from the Holy Book (teachings of Sikhism and the Gurus), he was tortured and sentenced to death. Guru Arjan was forced to sit on a boiling sheet while extremely hot sand was poured on his burnt body. As stated by Guru Arjan, “My faith is for the people of all castes and all creeds from whichever direction they come and to whichever direction they bow”. Guru Arjan will be remembered as a hero who died for his religious faith.
The Ninth Guru is Tegh Bahadur. There are several versions and stories centered around how Guru Tegh was killed. Although it is unknown which story is true, most people say that his sacrifice was extraordinary since he died for Hinduism, a religion that he did not follow himself. During the late 17th century, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb mandated that everyone in the empire had to follow Sharia Law. He also placed an extra jizya tax on non-muslims. Rumor also has it that he forced people to convert to Islam. Guru Tegh traveled to Delhi in efforts to attempt to convince Aurangzeb not to go through with these new rulings. One story says that Aurangzeb asked Guru Tegh to perform a miracle and when Guru Tegh declined, Aurangzeb beheaded him. Another story says that Aurangzeb asked the Hindus to bring someone willing to sacrifice himself for his religion, and Guru Tech volunteered himself as tribute. Regardless, it is historically proven that Guru Tegh was beheaded on November 24th, 1675 in front of a huge crowd, at the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk. Guru Tegh is remembered for dying for the faith of the Hindus.
Aside from Guru Tegh Bahadur, a few other individuals were killed after trying to change the harsh rulings of Emperor Aurangzeb. Bhai Mati Dass told the Qazis, Indian judges, that he would be willing to sacrifice himself for the power of faith. His last wish was ‘When I am being cut with the saw, let my face be towards my mentor so that I may behold my Guru till my last breath and he may keep on seeing me so that he may be convinced how happily I reach my last destination”. Despite being sawed in two, Bhai Mati Dass died a happy person, devoted to his faith. Similarly, when the Qazis gave Bhai Dayal Dass the choice to die by being placed in a pot of scalding hot water or to save himself, Bahi Dayal Dass chose to die to “attain unity with the Lord”. Another martyr, Bhai Sati Dass, chose to die by being wrapped in cotton to burn because he believed he could only be happy if he obeyed the command of his Guru. When being given the choice between life and death, all the Sikh Martyrs chose death since they believed, deep down in their hearts, without faith there would be no point in living. Without faith they could not be happy and “live a life of love.”
Guru Nanak is accredited with creating the underpinnings behind the concept of Martyrdom. In his famous hymn, ‘Jap Ji’, he refers to life as “a game of love”. Followers of the Sikh religion are encouraged to “live a life of love” since God is all love. Sikhs are supposed to center their lives around their spiritual relationship with God. To live a life of love, Sikhs are supposed to create a loving relationship with Sikhism. Martyrdom is meant to highlight Sikh leaders that, through their courageous acts, symbolized their truest form of love to God.
Does reading about faith inspire you? Do you have a story or information about your faith you want to share? Tell us more!
Discover More:
