Sikhism

[[File:SikhiKhanda.png|thumb|right|165px|The Khanda, the most widely recognized symbol of Sikhism.]]
{{religion}}
'''Sikhism''' is a [[religion]] founded in [[India]] around 1500 [[CE]]. It ranks fifth among religions in terms of worldwide membership-numbers (about 26 million). Many Sikhs conform to the traditions of '''Khalsa''', which includes various specific rules on diet, observance, behavior, etc; however not all Sikhs do, and there is sometimes conflict between the two groups.<ref>{{wpa|Khalsa}}</ref>

Contrary to popular belief, Sikhs are '''''not''''' [[Islam| Muslim]]s (or [[Hinduism|Hindus]] either<ref>https://www.baaznews.org/p/sikhs-are-not-hindus-sikhs-are-a-distinct-people</ref>). Unfortunately, this fact is irrelevant to some [[Islamophobia| Islamophobes]]—who see a bearded, brown-skinned man in linen headgear as a looming terrorist threat.<ref>Web Desk (December 13, 2015) [http://tribune.com.pk/story/1009198/sikh-athlete-mistaken-for-muslim-becomes-victim-of-racist-meme/ "Sikh athlete mistaken for Muslim becomes victim of racist meme"]</ref><ref>Devjyot Ghoshal (November 16, 2015) [http://qz.com/550915/once-again-the-internet-is-confusing-a-sikh-man-with-muslim-terrorists/ "Once again, the internet is confusing a Sikh man with a Muslim terrorist"].</ref> Some Sikhs are hostile to or try to distance themselves from Muslims as a result, but many show solidarity.<ref>
[https://religionnews.com/2019/01/28/why-sikhs-dont-throw-muslims-under-the-bus/ Why Sikhs don't throw Muslims under the bus], Simran Jeet Singh, Religion News, Jan 28, 2019.
</ref>

==History==
Sikhism is much younger than most major world religions. It is based on the teachings of {{wpl|Guru Nanak}} {{lived|1469|1539}}, and the nine gurus who succeeded him, ending with {{wpl|Guru Gobind Singh}} {{lived|1666|1708}}, who established the principles of Khalsa in 1699.

The homeland of most Sikhs is the Punjab, which is currently split between [[India]] and [[Pakistan]]. However that has not always been the case; in the 18th century, there were many independent Sikh states in the area, from which Ranjit Singh established the Sikh Empire in 1799, which lasted until the [[British Empire|British]] defeated them and captured Punjab in 1849.<ref>{{wpa|Sikh Empire}}</ref> Following independence of British India, the region was partitioned between India and Pakistan; while India is predominantly [[Hinduism|Hindu]] and Pakistan predominantly Muslim, Sikhs were denied a homeland.

Since then there has been tension between Sikhs and Hindus in India, which boiled over in 1984 when Sikh militants occupied the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and Indian troops attacked, killing hundreds of militants and Sikh civilians; this was followed by anti-Sikh pogroms in India which killed thousands more. The assassination of Indira Gandhi and possibly the [[terrorism|bombing]] of Air India Flight 182 are considered reprisals by Sikh terrorists.<ref>{{wpa|Operation Blue Star}}</ref>

Today, there are Sikh [[nationalism|nationalists]] in the Punjab, trying to establish an independent Sikh state they wish to call Khalistan; this is separate from secular Punjabi nationalists who focus on ethnic nationalism.<ref>{{wpa|Khalistan movement}}</ref>

==Beliefs==
=== Scripture ===
The main holy book for Sikhs is the Gurū Granth Sāhib,<ref>{{wpa | Guru Granth Sahib}}</ref> also sometimes called the Ādi Granth, although more strictly this name refers to the first volume of [[scripture]]s, which were compiled under Guru Arjan in 1603-1604 based on Guru Nanak's poetry. Guru Gobind Singh finalised the scriptures in 1678.<ref>{{wpa|Sikhism}}</ref>

=== Ethics ===
While [[Christianity]] has [[Sin#The seven deadly sins|seven deadly sins]], Sikhs only have to worry about five: [[sex| lust]], anger, [[greed]], worldly attachment, and pride.<ref>[http://www.sikhs.org/philos.htm "Sikh Religious Philosophy"]</ref>

Sikhism's stated values more or less boil down to "be a good person and do good for other people", and Sikhs espouse a system of absolute [[equality]] between [[gender]]s, religions, and [[race]]s.

Sikhs do not believe in [[heaven]] or [[hell]] (although they do believe in a form of [[reincarnation]]<ref>[http://sikhism.about.com/od/sikhism101/qt/Sikh_Afterlife.htm About Sikhism]</ref>), but do hold that paradise can be found on Earth by doing good deeds and helping others. Sikhs are not supposed to have faith in any meaningless rituals ([[fasting]], [[Idolatry|idol worship]], going on pilgrimages etc.) and think that any ritual or practice which cannot be explained rationally should be discarded, although this has not stopped them from having rituals and gatherings of various kinds. Sikhs are forbidden to proselytize, but anyone who willingly converts to Sikhism is to be accepted, regardless of race, gender or nationality. Sikhs are forbidden to consume [[alcohol]] or other intoxicants. 

=== Theology ===
Sikhism espouses [[monotheism]] and the concept of a divine eternal Oneness who has [[creation | created]] and [[Panentheism | permeates]] all things.<ref>{{wpa |God in Sikhism}}</ref>

=== Customs ===
If you ever find yourself hungry in a strange land, seek out a Sikh temple. All Sikh temples are required to serve meals to anyone who is hungry, regardless of their faith. Usually they will serve [[Vegetarianism|vegetarian]] foods and drinks in an attempt to appeal to most people (as almost everyone eats veggies but not all eat meat); however you may find some that do offer meat in rare places. 

Sikhs do not practice [[circumcision]], making Sikhism one of the few religions in which the body is considered sacred, and actually consistent on the matter. {{wpl|Sikhism and sexual orientation |Sikh holy scripture does not specifically mention homosexuality, and opinion on it varies, with younger generations being more accepting.}}

==Practices==
[[File:sikh.man.at.the.Golden.Temple.jpg|right|thumb|300px|We could have made a pretty Sikh pun for this image's caption, but we chose not to.]]
===Personal names===
The men take the name ''Singh'' ("lion") and women take the name ''Kaur'' ("princess") to disassociate themselves from the Indian [[caste]] system, in which family names can identify a person as belonging to a particular rank.

Fun fact: ''[[Star Trek]]'''s Khan Noonien Singh is thought to have been Sikh, or of a Sikh background, as a result of his name (this was specified to be the case in certain novels and comic books, but never yet onscreen). His name is derived from an Indian Sikh man whom Gene Roddenberry knew, Kim Noonien Singh, years before he created ''Star Trek'' (a friend of Roddenberry's, not a criminal superman).

===Grooming===
Khalsa Sikhs look distinctive because they are forbidden to cut their hair unless absolutely necessary (such as for medical reasons), instead keeping it wrapped up in turbans.<ref group=note>However, some Sikhs cut their hair and there is usually no friction between them and other Sikhs.</ref> The turban requirement led to friction between the Sikh community and government/secular groups especially in situations where their distinctive headgear conflict with safety requirements e.g. construction sites (where hard hats are a necessity for obvious reasons) and motorcycle helmet laws.

===5 Ks===
Khalsa Sikhs are also required to keep certain items with them at all times, known as the 5 Ks, including a comb (''kanga''), a steel bracelet (''kara''), undergarments (this is interpreted by most Sikhs as simply wearing underwear, which was once considered a very hygienic thing to do as opposed to the norm), and the ''kirpan'', a ceremonial knife; ''kesh'' or uncut hair completes the five.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/customs/fiveks.shtml The Five Ks], [[BBC]] Religions, 2009-09-29</ref>

The requirement that baptized Sikhs carry a weapon at all times is the most controversial. It usually takes the form of a ceremonial dagger called a {{wpl|kirpan}} (which may or may not actually be usable as a weapon), though some have been known to wear swords or other weapons. This is considered important enough that in India as well as in several [[Europe]]an countries Sikhs' knives are often exempted under certain circumstances from laws against the public carrying of weapons. However, it can cause problems in certain situations, such as when flying.<ref>[https://www.learnreligions.com/are-kirpans-ok-when-flying-3969877 How Kirpans Can Travel on Airplanes], Learn Religions</ref>

===Diet===
Sikhs debate attitudes to eating meat: some feel that a vegetarian diet is best, as it does not harm innocent creatures, while others have no problems eating meat.<ref>{{wpa|Diet in Sikhism}}</ref> Their only dietary ''law'' is that any meat that is eaten is to be from an animal killed instantaneously rather than being slowly bled, making it akin to a reverse [[kosher]]. This means that they cannot eat [[halal]] or kosher meat, which leads to occasional tensions with other faiths (and separate restaurants).<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jun/15/what-makes-sikh-join-far-right Hideously diverse Britain: What makes a Sikh join the far right?], Hugh Muir, ''[[The Guardian]]'', June 15, 2010</ref>

They are not supposed to drink [[alcohol]], although some do anyway.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/boris-johnson-general-election-sikhism-alcohol-respect-religious-a7743041.html Boris Johnson should have done his research about Sikhism before his gurdwara alcohol gaffe], ''The Independent'', 18 May 2017</ref>

==Ravidassia==
Ravidassia is a religion based on the teachings of the 14th century figure Guru {{wpl|Ravidass}}, and has much in common with Sikhism, including a belief in equality and opposition to the Indian caste system; Ravidass was a figure in the {{wpl|Bhakti movement}}, a medieval Hindu philosophy that itself partly inspired Sikhism. However there is dispute over whether Ravidassia is a form of Sikhism or a separate religion, whether it accurately reflects Ravidass's teachings, and exactly how old it is. Although some of its influences are old, it appears to have been formally constituted as a separate religion only in 2010 by members of India's Scheduled Castes (Dalit/“untouchables”) community.<ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/03/india.new.religion/index.html India's 'untouchables' declare own religion], CNN, Feb 3, 2010</ref><ref>{{wpa|Ravidassia religion}}</ref>

==Notes==
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==References==
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[[Category:Dharmic religions]]
[[Category:Eastern religions]]

Categories: Dharmic religions, Eastern religions