Sikhism

~6 mins

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in 15th-century Punjab by Guru Nanak. It teaches devotion to one God, equality of all people, and service to humanity. With about 30 million followers worldwide, Sikhism emphasises meditation, honest work, and sharing with others whilst rejecting caste divisions and ritual worship.

1) Sikhism exists because Guru Nanak sought to bridge Hindu and Islamic traditions whilst creating something entirely new. Born in 1469 in Punjab, Nanak experienced a divine calling that led him to proclaim "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim." He taught that all religions contain truth but had become corrupted by rituals, caste systems, and divisions. Sikhism emerged during a time of religious conflict between Hindus and Muslims, offering a path of devotion to one formless God (Waheguru) accessible to all people regardless of birth, gender, or social status.

Related: Sikhism | Guru Nanak | Punjab

2) The Ten Gurus form the spiritual foundation of Sikhism, beginning with Guru Nanak and ending with Guru Gobind Singh in 1708. Each Guru contributed to Sikh scripture, philosophy, and community organisation. Guru Angad developed the Gurmukhi script, Guru Amar Das promoted gender equality, Guru Ram Das founded Amritsar, Guru Arjan compiled the first version of the Guru Granth Sahib, and Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa (community of initiated Sikhs). The Gurus taught through both word and example, facing persecution whilst maintaining their principles of truth, equality, and service.

Related: Sikh Gurus | Guru Gobind Singh | Khalsa

3) The Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, containing 1,430 pages of hymns and teachings. Unlike other scriptures, it includes writings not only from Sikh Gurus but also from Hindu and Muslim saints like Kabir, Namdev, and Sheikh Farid, demonstrating Sikhism's inclusive approach to spiritual truth. The text is written in Gurmukhi script and organised by musical ragas (melodies), as it was meant to be sung. Sikhs treat the Guru Granth Sahib with utmost reverence, installing it on a throne in gurdwaras and never placing anything above it.

4) Gurdwaras are Sikh temples that serve as centres of worship, community gathering, and social service. The word means "doorway to the Guru," and every gurdwara contains the Guru Granth Sahib. Key features include the prayer hall where the scripture is installed, the community kitchen (langar) serving free meals to all visitors regardless of background, and often accommodation for travellers. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most sacred gurdwara, built by Guru Ram Das and later covered in gold by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Related: Gurdwara | Golden Temple | Langar

5) The Five Ks (Panj Kakar) are external symbols worn by initiated Sikhs (Khalsa) to identify their faith and remind them of their duties. Kesh (uncut hair) represents respect for God's creation, Kara (steel bracelet) symbolises unity with God, Kanga (wooden comb) signifies cleanliness, Kachera (cotton undergarments) represents modesty and self-control, and Kirpan (ceremonial sword) symbolises the duty to protect the innocent. These were instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 to create a distinct Sikh identity and promote courage in the face of persecution.

Related: Five Ks | Kesh | Kirpan

6) Sikh worship combines individual meditation with congregational singing of hymns (kirtan). Daily prayers include reciting specific hymns in the morning, evening, and before sleep, whilst congregational worship involves singing verses from the Guru Granth Sahib to traditional melodies. Sikhs are encouraged to meditate on God's name (naam simran) throughout daily activities. The ultimate goal is to overcome the ego (haumai) and achieve union with the divine through devotion, service, and righteous living.

Related: Kirtan | Naam Simran | Haumai

7) Seva (selfless service) is a cornerstone of Sikh practice, reflecting the belief that serving others is serving God. This includes volunteering in gurdwaras, preparing and serving langar meals, cleaning, and helping with community activities. Seva extends beyond religious settings to social service, disaster relief, and helping anyone in need regardless of their faith. The concept emphasises humility, as even wealthy Sikhs perform simple tasks like washing dishes or sweeping floors in gurdwaras.

Related: Seva | Sikh Volunteering | Khalsa Aid

8) Sikh philosophy emphasises three fundamental principles: meditation on God's name (Naam Japna), honest work and earning (Kirat Karni), and sharing with others (Vand Chakna). These create a balanced life combining spiritual practice with worldly responsibilities. Sikhs are encouraged to be householders rather than renunciants, working honestly to support their families whilst contributing to society. The faith rejects extreme asceticism, believing that spiritual liberation can be achieved whilst living in the world.

9) Gender equality is fundamental to Sikhism, with the Gurus explicitly teaching that women and men are spiritually equal. Women can perform all religious functions, including reading from the Guru Granth Sahib and leading prayers. Guru Nanak condemned practices like sati (widow burning) and female infanticide, whilst later Gurus promoted women's education and participation in religious life. Sikh women have historically played important roles as warriors, scholars, and community leaders, though cultural practices sometimes contradict these ideals.

10) Sikh history includes periods of persecution, resistance, and empire-building in Punjab. The Mughal emperors executed Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur for defending religious freedom, leading to the militarisation of the community under Guru Gobind Singh. After the Guru period, Sikhs established the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799-1839), which controlled Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Afghanistan. British colonisation, partition of Punjab in 1947, and Operation Blue Star in 1984 significantly impacted the Sikh community and diaspora.

11) Sikh festivals celebrate important events in Guru history and seasonal cycles. Gurpurab marks the birth or death anniversaries of Gurus, particularly Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. Vaisakhi commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 and also marks the harvest festival. Diwali holds special significance as the day Guru Hargobind was released from prison. Hola Mohalla, established by Guru Gobind Singh, is a martial arts festival demonstrating Sikh warrior traditions. These celebrations combine religious devotion with community bonding and cultural expression.

Related: Gurpurab | Vaisakhi | Hola Mohalla

12) Sikh dietary practices emphasise simplicity and compassion whilst avoiding ritualistic restrictions. Many Sikhs are vegetarian, following the principle of ahimsa (non-violence), though this is not universally mandated. Halal meat is generally avoided due to historical conflicts with Muslim rulers who used religious slaughter as a form of oppression. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited as they cloud spiritual judgement. The langar serves simple vegetarian meals to ensure all visitors can eat together regardless of dietary restrictions, promoting equality and community.

Related: Sikh Diet | Ahimsa | Langar meals

13) Sikh marriage (Anand Karaj) is considered a spiritual union blessed by the Guru Granth Sahib. The ceremony involves four circumambulations around the scripture whilst hymns are sung, symbolising the couple's spiritual journey together. Sikh marriages emphasise partnership, mutual respect, and shared spiritual goals rather than just social or economic arrangements. Divorce is discouraged but not forbidden, and remarriage is accepted. The Gurus promoted love marriages over arranged ones, though cultural practices vary in different communities.

Related: Anand Karaj | Sikh Wedding | Lavan hymns

14) Sikh ethics emphasise truth (sat), compassion (daya), contentment (santokh), humility (nimrata), and love (pyar). These values guide personal conduct and social relationships. Sikhs are taught to speak truthfully, work honestly, share generously, and treat all people with respect regardless of their background. The concept of sarbat da bhala (welfare of all) extends Sikh concern beyond their own community to humanity as a whole. Ethical living is seen as essential for spiritual progress and social harmony.

15) The Sikh diaspora has spread globally, with significant communities in Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia. Migration began during British colonial rule when Sikhs served in the army and police, later expanding for economic opportunities and to escape persecution. Diaspora Sikhs have maintained their religious identity whilst adapting to new cultures, building gurdwaras, establishing Sikh schools, and contributing to their adopted countries. Challenges include maintaining traditions across generations, dealing with discrimination, and balancing cultural identity with integration.

16) Sikh contributions to society include military service, agriculture, business, and humanitarian work. Sikhs have served with distinction in various armies, particularly the British Indian Army and modern Indian Armed Forces. In agriculture, Sikh farmers played a crucial role in India's Green Revolution, making Punjab the country's breadbasket. Sikh entrepreneurs have built successful businesses globally, whilst Sikh organisations provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid worldwide. The community's emphasis on service and hard work has earned respect across different societies.

17) Sikh music and arts have deep spiritual significance, with kirtan (devotional singing) being central to worship. The Gurus were accomplished musicians who composed hymns in various ragas, creating a rich musical tradition. Sikh classical music preserves ancient Indian musical forms whilst expressing spiritual themes. Visual arts include elaborate gurdwara architecture, manuscript illumination, and martial arts displays. These artistic expressions serve both aesthetic and devotional purposes, helping believers connect with the divine through beauty and creativity.

18) Sikh education values have historically emphasised learning, literacy, and knowledge sharing. The Gurus promoted education for both men and women, establishing schools and encouraging the study of scripture, languages, and practical skills. Sikh institutions worldwide continue this tradition through schools, colleges, and universities that combine academic excellence with moral education. The concept of vidya (knowledge) as a form of worship motivates Sikhs to pursue education not just for personal advancement but for serving society better.

19) Sikh environmental consciousness stems from the belief that God pervades all creation, making environmental protection a spiritual duty. The Guru Granth Sahib contains numerous references to nature's divinity and humanity's responsibility as caretakers. Many gurdwaras practice sustainable living through organic farming, renewable energy, and waste reduction. Sikh organisations increasingly engage in environmental activism, tree planting, and climate change awareness, viewing ecological preservation as an extension of seva (service) to creation.

20) Modern Sikhism faces challenges of maintaining religious identity in secular societies, addressing gender equality gaps between ideals and practice, and adapting ancient teachings to contemporary issues. Young Sikhs navigate between traditional values and modern lifestyles, whilst the community grapples with issues like caste discrimination despite theological equality. Progressive Sikh movements work to reform practices that contradict core principles, promote women's leadership, and engage with global issues like human rights and social justice whilst preserving the faith's essential spiritual message.

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