Guru Arjun Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs and first martyr of Sikhism, gave the world the scripture known today as Siri Guru Granth Sahib, a beacon of light to illuminate the soul on the path to enlightenment. Inaugurated September 16, 1581, Arjun Dev took up the mantel of Guru, in a barbaric world ridden with cast, idolatry, and forced conversion. Guru Arjun wrote many verses of the poetic scripture which Sikhs look to for guidance. The wisdom of these inspired words are known as shabad, and are the true light or Guru of Sikhism even to those inspired to write them down. Guru Arjun wrote:
"Kal kaalakh andhiaareeaa ||
In this black age is only pitch darkness.
Gur giaan deepak oujiaareeaa ||1||
The Guru's spiritual wisdom is the lamp which enlightens." ||1|| SGGS||210
