What is Sikhism? What is Sikhism? By Sukhmandir Khalsa Updated August 22, 2016. If you have questions about Sikhism you may be able to find some of the answers you are looking for here. This brief introduction is for anyone new to Sikhism, or who is unfamiliar with the Sikh people and Sikh Faith . Sikhism is the religion of the Sikh people. The word Sikh means one who seeks after truth. The first word in the Sikh scripture is "Sat", which translates to truth. Sikhism is based on truthful living. More » Amritsanchar - Panj Pyara. Photo © [Ravitej Singh Khalsa / Eugene, Oregon / USA] A Sikh is defined as a person who believes in: One God The teachings of the ten gurus and Guru Granth Baptism according to the method outlined by Guru Gobind Singh How Many Sikhs Live in the World and Where? Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. There are about 26 million Sikhs worldwide. The vast majority of Sikhs live in the Panjab, a part of northern India. Sikhs live in just about every major country around the world.

It is estimated that nearly one million Sikhs live in the United States. More » Waheguru Etched in Marble. Photo © [S Khalsa] Who is Waheguru? Waheguru is the Sikh name for God. It means wonderful enlightener. Sikh believe that repeating Waheguru keeps God ever present in the mind, which is considered is the key to overcoming ego and becoming enlightened. Sikhs believe the creative aspect of one God is manifest in all of creation as intelligent design. Sikhs worship only one God. Favors sought from images, icons, pictures, nature, or other deities, is not condoned, and considered idol worship . More » 3 Golden Rules of Sikhism. Photo © [S Khalsa] Sikhs believe in meditation as a way of life. The Sikh ideal is to remember God while carrying out daily duties. A Sikh is to remember God while employed in honest work. Sikhs believe in sharing what they earn with others in need. Charitable work is considering the same as giving service to God, if carried out while meditating and keeping God in mind. Indulgence is considered to be an entrapment of ego.

Sikhs believe meditation is a means of moderation to guard against excess pride, desire, greed, and attachment, which can result in anger and diminish the soul’s connection with God. More » The Panj Pyara Prepare Amrit. Photo © [Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa] At the time of baptism , initiated Sikhs are instructed in the Sikhism Code of Conduct and given four commandments: Honor the intention of the creator by keeping all hair intact. Uphold the values of family life by abstaining from adultery. Refrain from eating animals who suffer a ritualistic death. Observe temperance by avoiding the use of intoxicants. What is Adherence to the Five Articles of Faith? Sikhs maintain a distinctive appearance. Baptized Sikhs keep five articles of faith with them at all times. Part of the religious duty is to keep every hair intact and unaltered. Men, wear turban s to keep long hair tidy. Women wear turbans or long silky scarves. Long hair is groomed daily with a wooden comb. A loose undergarment is worn for modesty. A steel bangle is worn as a sign of faith. Sikhs wear a small sword.

It symbolic of battling the senses. It also signifies the Sikh ideal of protecting the innocent against aggressive force. Christianity vs Sikhism - Difference and Comparison | Diffen Christianity vs. Sikhism While Christianity is about 2,000 years old, Sikhism is a relatively newer religion that originated in the Indian subcontinent in the fifteenth century. Both religions are monotheistic but their rituals and practices are very different. Comparison chart Christianity versus Sikhism comparison chart Christianity Place of origin Roman province of Judea. Punjab, in an area which was partitioned into modern-day Pakistan. Sikhs are now predominant in Indian-Punjab. Place of worship Church, chapel, cathedral, basilica, home bible study, personal dwellings. Gurdwara for congregational worship. Anyone may enter a Gurdwara, however-no matter their faith, caste, or skin color. Personal worship can be done in any place at any time. God resides in everything and everyone. Practices Prayer, sacraments (some branches), worship in church, reading of the Bible, acts of charity, communion. Daily prayers.

The three pillars of Sikhism are: a) To remember God at all times which includes being thankful to God for what you have been given, b) To live your life honestly/with integrity and c) Sharing what you have with those less fortunate. Use of statues and pictures In Catholic & Orthodox Churches. Not allowed as considered Idolatry. Pictures of the Sikh Gurus are considered Idolatry and are not accepted from a religious perspective. Gurus maybe praised because they are equivalent to God. Means of Salvation Through Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Worship God, do Good Deeds in the name of God, performing service for community. Fight 5 evils (5 sins) - Greed, Ego, Attachment, Anger, and Lust. Meditate, pray, and improve your relationship with God and God will forgive, cleanse, and save you. Clergy Priests, bishops, ministers, monks, and nuns. The Granthi is appointed as one take care of Guru Granth Sahib besides No clergy. Raagi who sings the Granth Sahib Baani in Respective Raagas. Belief of God One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Monotheism About Christianity broadly consists of individuals who believe in the deity Jesus Christ. Its followers, called Christians, often believe Christ is "the Son" of the Holy Trinity and walked the earth as the incarnate form of God ("the Father"). A Religion spread by 10 Gurus to preach to worship one creator Life after death Eternity in Heaven or Hell, in some cases temporal Purgatory. A constant cycle of reincarnation until enlightenment is reached. Sikhs believe that there are 8,400,000 forms of life and that many souls have to travel though a number of these before they can reach Waheguru. The goal is to merge with God. Human Nature Man has inherited "original sin" from Adam. Mankind then is inherently evil and is in need of forgiveness of sin. By knowing right and wrong Christians choose their actions. Humans are a fallen, broken race in need of salvation and repair by God. People are essentially good; the divine spark within them needs only to be fanned into a flame of goodness. Sinning is following the veil of illusion "Maya". Karma is unavoidably paid f you sin.

Second coming of Jesus Irrelevant Confessing sins Protestants confess straight to God, Catholic confess mortal sins to a Priest, and venial sins straight to God (Orthodox have similar practice) Anglicans confess to Priests but considered optional. God always forgives sins in Jesus. As the Divine light is in all of us, God already knows of our "sins". We are to pray to God for God to forgive us and cleanse us. Only through God and doing Good Deeds in God's name in a way that God is pleased can we obtain salvation-escape from sin Status of Muhammad N/A. Saint, a guru of time. He is mentioned in Sikhism- but is used to name the guru incarnate of god.(irrelevant to some) Marriage A Holy Sacrament. Marriage can be arranged or it can be a love marriage. Monogamistic, against premarital sex. Marriage is the merging of two souls as one. God's role in salvation Humans cannot save themselves or ascend on their own to a higher level. Only God is good and therefore only God is able to save a person. Jesus came down from Heaven to save mankind. God is generous and loving.

mankind will reincarnate until he becomes a Sikh and achieves paradise. Authority of Dalai Lama N/A Holy days/Official Holidays The Lord's Day; Advent, Christmas; New Year, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, every day is dedicated to a Saint. No one day is deemed holier then another. However dates that have historical significance such as Vasaikhi and Gurpurabs are celebrated with Prayers in Gurdwaras. Identity of Jesus The Son Of God. Jesus is looked as a "saint". Sikhs do not believe that Jesus is God because Sikhism teaches that God is neither born, nor dead. Jesus was born and lived a human life, therefore, he cannot be God. However, Sikhs still show respect to all beliefs. View of the Buddha There is an important person in Sikhism who is called Buddha . Original Language(s) Aramaic, Greek, and Latin. Punjabi was the original language in Sikhism and Persian also but Sikhs can learn as many languages as they want to learn. Use of Statues Forbidden in Protestant denominations; icons are used in Catholic & Orthodox denominations. Forbidden Cross, ichthys ("Jesus fish"), Mary and baby Jesus.

The Khanda ☬ Goal of religion To love God and obey his commandments while creating a relationship with Jesus Christ and spreading the Gospel so that others may also be saved. To merge with and have the greatest relationship with God possible. To love and obey God unconditionally. Guru Nanak Dev Ji stressed that we should not be afraid of God's wrath, but instead be afraid of not receiving the full benefits of God's love. Ressurection of Jesus N/A View of Animistic religions Paganism is Heathenism. Witchcraft is communication and interaction with demons, fallen evil angelic beings. These have no real interest ultimately, in helping their worshipers. Demonic possession is common. Sikhism respects animistic religions. Literal Meaning Follower Of Christ. Sikh means "Student" in Persian-Punjabi. It Means To Learn.Sikh means a person who learn all his life from others. Day of worship Sunday, the Lord's Day. Every day Sikhs worship the one God at their homes, even with or without a Gurdwara service. Definition Disciple, student or learner of God.

On Food/Drink Though the Old Testament of the Bible says certain meats should not be consumed, Christians usually feel this information does not apply to them (in the New Testament) and so eat what they want to eat. Do not drink intoxicating drinks, vegetarianism encouraged, eating animals killed ritualistically is forbidden. Only "jhatka" meat allowed, i.e. animal must be slaughtered in 1 stroke. Therefore, fish is not allowed. Rites Seven sacraments: Baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, matrimony (Catholic and Orthodox). Anglicans: Baptism and Eucharist. Other denominations: Baptism and communion. Amrit Sanchar (Being Initiated into the Khalsa. Equivalent to baptism ). Use of statues, images some denominations regard It as forbidden and Idolatry. Anglicans and Lutherans allow pictures but forbid venerating them. Catholics encourage pictures and statues and venerate them. Orthodox encourage pictures and venerate them. Forbidden. Varies by sect/denomination. Saints, the Pope, cardinals, bishops, nuns, church pastors, or deacons.

Gurus, bhagats, sants, gursikhs. View of other Abrahamic religions Judaism is regarded as a True religion but incomplete (without Gospel, and Messiah) Islam is regarded as a false religion, Christianity does not accept the Qur'an as true. All faiths will get what they work towards. Sikhism does not condemn others to Hell or say if you are not Sikh you are eternally damned. Sikhs prays for "Sarbat Da Bhala", meaning the good and prosperity of all Humanity regardless of differences. Belief of deities Only One God: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There is one God whom is without form. Branches Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. Udasis – An order of ascetics & holy men who follow Guru Nanak's son Baba Sri Chand. Sahajdharis – who are clean shaven but have chosen the path of Sikhism & eventual baptism. The Khalsa, who are baptized and follow the traditional practices of S Religion which atheists may still be adherents of No. A person must believe in God to be a Sikh Population Over a billion adherents worldwide.

30 million Views about other religions No other religion leads to God. Judaism being a unique exception, Jews viewed as ignorant of the Messiah. All religions are equal, 15 of the legendary saints in sikhism (Bhagats), in the Sikh Guru, have came from different religions and reflect its universality. Sacred Texts Christian Bible (includes Old and New Testaments ). What is considered canon may vary slightly by sect/denomination. Some groups, like Mormons with the Book of Mormon, have other important books, too. Adi Granth. Nihang Sikhs regard Dasam Granth and Sarbloh Granth also as sacred, but orthodox Sikhs consider them true but lesser. Janamsakhis provide stories of the gurus' lives. Original Languages Aramaic, Common (Koine) Greek, Hebrew. Punjabi Prophet Moses, Samuel, Nathan, Elijah, Elisha, etc., as well as both Johns in the New Testament too. No prophets in Sikhism only direct relation with God with no mediator. No Prophets but Gurus existed. On Race All races generally viewed equal in Christianity.

However, Bible passages on slavery were used to support the practice in the past in the U.S. The "curse of Ham" was sometimes thought to be black skin; modern interpretations reject this. All are equal. On Clothing Conservative Christians dress modestly; women may cover their heads, wear long skirts or dresses; men may wear dress clothes that do not show the chest, legs, and arms. More moderate or liberal Christians generally reject such clothing restrictions. Wear the 5 Ks (kangha, kara, kachera, kirpan, kesh) Direction of Prayer Catholics and Orthodox usually face the Tabernacle in their prayers but it is not considered necessary, but recommended. God is present everywhere recent reforms have prompted many Christians to not face anywhere in their prayers. Sikh's reject the notion of fixed direction of Prayer as God is everywhere. View of Jesus God in human form, "Son of God," savior. Death by crucifixion. Most, though not all, of Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead, was taken up into heaven, and will return during an apocalypse. A very holy messenger of God.

Marriage and Divorce Explained by Jesus in Mathew 19:3-9 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Therefore what God has put together let man not seperate.' One can marry peacefully and take Laavan (wedding prayer) in Gurudwara but if personal differences occur they can take divorce. Conservative Sikhs believe marriage is a holy bond that cannot be broken. Praying to Saints, Mary, and Angel Encouraged in the Catholic & Orthodox Churches; most Protestants only pray directly to God. forbidden Worship is to be for One God only, gurus may be Praised because they are manifestations of God in the flesh. Saints Catholics and Orthodox venerate very Holy people as Saints. Most Protestants do not do this. The Sikh notion of a saint or prophet is called a guru, meaning one who can offer salvation, and deliver a soul from darkness into light (Sanskrit: gu = darkness, ru = light). Important Tenets The Ten Commandments, The Beatitudes. Rehat Maryada, 52 Hukams of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Number of Adherents An estimated 2.1 billion, largest religion in the world. A estimated 30 million, fifth largest religion in the world. On Women Equal to men. In some denominations, they may become nuns. Equal to men. BBC - GCSE Bitesize: Sikh beliefs about God Sikhs believe in one God whose name they must keep in their mind. Sikhs must live their life as God would wish. Sikh beliefs about God Belief in one God is central to Sikhism. Sikhs are monotheists. They believe it is important to keep the name of God in their mind and live their life as God would wish.

Sikhs believe that God: cannot be described and is neither male nor female is eternal truth, timeless, beyond the cycle of birth and death, and self-existent is both sargun (immanent – everywhere and in everything) and nirgun (transcendent – above and beyond creation) created the world for people to use and enjoy created people, and made them know the difference between right and wrong is present in everyone's soul but can only be seen by those whom he blesses is personal and available to everyone is the only one to be worshipped; no images of God are to be worshipped is made known by the grace of the Guru There are many Sikh names for God, yet each is inadequate to express the reality of Waheguru (God). Sikh names, popular with the Gurus when addressing God Name Hinduism vs Sikhism - Difference and Comparison | Diffen Hinduism vs. Sikhism Diffen › Philosophy › Religion › Sikhism This chart compares Sikhism and Hinduism on the basis of their philosophy, view of God, religious practices and beliefs, as well as principles and teachings.

Both religions originated in the Indian subcontinent — Hinduism about 3,000 years ago and Sikhism in the second half of the last millennium. While Hinduism is considered polytheistic, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion. Comparison chart Hinduism versus Sikhism comparison chart Hinduism Place of worship Temple (Mandir) Gurdwara for congregational worship. Anyone may enter a Gurdwara, however-no matter their faith, caste, or skin color. Personal worship can be done in any place at any time. God resides in everything and everyone. Place of origin Indian Subcontinent Punjab, in an area which was partitioned into modern-day Pakistan. Sikhs are now predominant in Indian-Punjab. Practices Meditation, yoga , contemplation, yagna (communal worship), offerings in the temple. Daily prayers. The three pillars of Sikhism are: a) To remember God at all times which includes being thankful to God for what you have been given, b) To live your life honestly/with integrity and c) Sharing what you have with those less fortunate. Use of statues and pictures Common Not allowed as considered Idolatry.

Pictures of the Sikh Gurus are considered Idolatry and are not accepted from a religious perspective. Gurus maybe praised because they are equivalent to God. Means of salvation Reaching enlightenment by the Path of Knowledge, the Path of devotion, or the Path of Good Deeds. Worship God, do Good Deeds in the name of God, performing service for community. Fight 5 evils (5 sins) - Greed, Ego, Attachment, Anger, and Lust. Meditate, pray, and improve your relationship with God and God will forgive, cleanse, and save you. Founder Not credited to a particular founder. Guru Nanak Dev Ji Goal of religion To break the cycle of birth, death and reincarnation, and attain salvation. To merge with and have the greatest relationship with God possible. To love and obey God unconditionally. Guru Nanak Dev Ji stressed that we should not be afraid of God's wrath, but instead be afraid of not receiving the full benefits of God's love.

Religious Law Dharma shastras No necessary laws but a sikh may follow the 3 rules of their life such as 1)Naam Japna (remember/meditate on God) 2)Vand K Shakhna (give to those who need it) 3)Kirat Karna (earn by honest means). Belief of God Many gods, but realize that they all come from Atman. Monotheism Clergy No official clergy. Gurus, Yogis, Rishis, Brahmins, Pundits, priests, priestesses, monks, and nuns. The Granthi is appointed as one take care of Guru Granth Sahib besides No clergy. Raagi who sings the Granth Sahib Baani in Respective Raagas. Human Nature Depends on sects. People are essentially good; the divine spark within them needs only to be fanned into a flame of goodness. Sinning is following the veil of illusion "Maya". Karma is unavoidably paid f you sin. Literal Meaning The followers of Vedas are called as Arya, noble person. Arya is not a dynasty, ethnicity or race. Anyone who follows the teachings of Vedas is considered Arya.

Sikh means "Student" in Persian-Punjabi. It Means To Learn.Sikh means a person who learn all his life from others. Life after death A constant cycle of reincarnation until enlightenment is reached. A constant cycle of reincarnation until enlightenment is reached. Sikhs believe that there are 8,400,000 forms of life and that many souls have to travel though a number of these before they can reach Waheguru. The goal is to merge with God. Confessing sins Repentance for unintentional sins are prescribed, but intentional sins have to be repaid through karmic consequences. As the Divine light is in all of us, God already knows of our "sins". We are to pray to God for God to forgive us and cleanse us. Only through God and doing Good Deeds in God's name in a way that God is pleased can we obtain salvation-escape from sin Marriage Man may marry one woman. However, kings in mythology often married more than one woman. Marriage can be arranged or it can be a love marriage. Monogamistic, against premarital sex. Marriage is the merging of two souls as one.

View of the Buddha Some Hindu sects claim Buddha was an avatar of Vishnu. Others believe he was a holy man. There is an important person in Sikhism who is called Buddha . Followers Original Language(s) Sanskrit Punjabi was the original language in Sikhism and Persian also but Sikhs can learn as many languages as they want to learn. Religion which atheists may still be adherents of Charvakas and Sankyas are atheistic groups in Hinduism. A person must believe in God to be a Sikh Day of worship Orthodox schools prescribe three prayer times a day: at dawn, noon and dusk. Every day Sikhs worship the one God at their homes, even with or without a Gurdwara service. Definition The word Hindu has geographical significance and was used originally for those people who lived beyond the river Sindhu or the region watered by the river Indus. Hindus themselves, call their religion "Sanatana Dharma, " meaning "Eternal Law." Disciple, student or learner of God. Second coming of Jesus View of other Abrahamic religions Hinduism is a Dharmic religion, not an Abrahamic religion. All faiths will get what they work towards.

Sikhism does not condemn others to Hell or say if you are not Sikh you are eternally damned. Sikhs prays for "Sarbat Da Bhala", meaning the good and prosperity of all Humanity regardless of differences. Position of Mary N/A God's role in salvation Beliefs vary by sect. Upanishads (scripture) say God chooses who gets salvation. Salvation is attained via good deeds and righteousness (following the "dharma" and avoiding sin) God is generous and loving. mankind will reincarnate until he becomes a Sikh and achieves paradise. Use of statues Branches Shaivism and Vaishnavism Udasis – An order of ascetics & holy men who follow Guru Nanak's son Baba Sri Chand. Sahajdharis – who are clean shaven but have chosen the path of Sikhism & eventual baptism. The Khalsa, who are baptized and follow the traditional practices of S Identity of Jesus N/A. Jesus is looked as a "saint". Sikhs do not believe that Jesus is God because Sikhism teaches that God is neither born, nor dead. Jesus was born and lived a human life, therefore, he cannot be God.

However, Sikhs still show respect to all beliefs. Names of God Brahman and many other names in other languages Waheguru, Ik Onkaar, Sat Nam, Akhal Purakh. Use of statues, images FAQ - Sikh Coalition Sikh Coalition FAQ WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A SIKH? The most widely accepted definition of a Sikh comes from the Sikh code of conduct, the Rehat Maryada. Originally written in Punjabi, it is translated as: “A Sikh is any woman or man whose faith consists of belief in: One God, The ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh, The Guru Granth Sahib, The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus, Who has faith in and aspires to take Amrit, initiation ceremony into the Khalsa, And who does not owe allegiance to any other religion.” As with most religions, however, a devotee cannot be confined to a definition. HOW MANY SIKHS LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES? WHEN DID SIKHS FIRST IMMIGRATE TO AMERICA? There are over 500,000 Sikh Americans, and Sikhs have been in America for over 100 years.

WHY DON’T PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT SIKHISM EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE 5TH LARGEST WORLD RELIGION? There are several different reasons. First, Sikhism, compared to other world traditions, is relatively young. The faith first emerged in 1469. Second, since many people are not aware that Sikhism is the fifth largest world religion, it is not referenced when discussing the other world religions. For example, many school textbooks have incorrect or no information on the faith. IS THERE AN OFFICIAL SIKH GREETING? The tenth Sikh Guru instructed Sikhs to greet each other with “Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh” (“The Khalsa belongs to Waheguru (the Divine) and victory belongs to Waheguru”). Another common Sikh greeting is “Sat Sri Akal” (“Truth reigns eternal”). IS THERE A SIKH EMBLEM OR SYMBOL? WHAT IS THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KHANDA? ‍The Ik Onkar and the Khanda are some of the symbols of the Sikhs. According to the Sikh scholar Kapur Singh, the Khanda first appeared around the eighteenth century.

“The Khanda is the symbol of the Sikhs, as the Cross is to Christians or the Star of David is to Jews. It reflects some of the fundamental concepts of Sikhism. The symbol derives its name from the double-edged sword (also called a Khanda) which appears at the center of the logo. This double-edged sword is a metaphor of divine knowledge, its sharp edges cleaving truth from falsehood. The circle around the Khanda is the chakar. The chakar being a circle without a beginning or end symbolizes the perfection of God who is eternal. The chakar is surrounded by two curved swords called kirpans. These two swords symbolize the twin concepts of meeri and peeri – temporal and spiritual authority introduced by Guru Hargobind. They emphasize the equal emphasis that a Sikh must place on spiritual aspirations as well as obligations to society.” This information was obtained from . IS THERE A PARTICULAR ‘SIKH COLOR’? SAFFRON? No, there is no particular color for Sikhs or Sikhism. The Sikh flag, which is seen at almost every Gurdwara, is a bright orange/saffron color or dark blue. These represent traditional colors for Sikhs.

WHY DO SO MANY SIKHS HAVE A COMMON NAME, SINGH OR KAUR? The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, created the unique identity of the Sikhs and also gave all Sikh men one last name—Singh and all Sikh women another—Kaur. The reason for doing so is strongly rooted in the culture of South Asia. In that time period’s caste-ridden society and even today, someone’s last/family name signifies their social status and caste. Guru Gobind Singh wanted to remove these barriers between people, and create an egalitarian society. The word Singh means Lion and the word Kaur denotes Princess. DO SOME SIKHS KEEP THEIR LAST (CASTE) NAME? WHY? Many Sikh families have kept their family name, but have maintained Singh and Kaur as middle names. DO SIKHS HAVE ANY DIETARY RESTRICTIONS? CAN SIKHS EAT MEAT? Sikh Gurus strongly forbade all rituals and superstitions. Sikhs are thus not allowed to eat any food prepared through a ritualistic process (e.g., Sikhs are not meant to eat Kosher or Halal). There is no mandate allowing or disallowing Sikhs to eat meat.

Sikhs are also not supposed to drink alcohol or consume any other intoxicants. IS THERE A SIKH CEREMONY OF INITIATION? Yes. Initiated Sikhs are said to have joined the “Khalsa.” Joining the Khalsa is an important step in one’s life. You are pledging your commitment to this faith and agreeing to live your life as a Sikh. This means that you must wear the five articles of faith, and carry Singh or Kaur as your last name. HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO BE INITIATED? There is no prescribed age at which a Sikh should be initiated and can choose to do so whenever he or she is ready. According to the Rehat Maryada, only those who understand the significance of the ceremony and carry its discipline with sincerity should be initiated. It is important that once you are initiated you are committed to that lifestyle. WHY DON’T SIKHS CUT OR SHAVE THEIR HAIR? The founders of the Sikh faith started the practice of keeping hair unshorn. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, gave the Sikhs 5 articles of faith (including unshorn hair), which as a whole comprise the daily uniform of a Sikh.

In other words, keeping your hair (kesh) and wearing a turban form an external identity for a Sikh. HOW ABOUT PEOPLE WITH CUT HAIR WHO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS SIKH? All Sikhs are supposed to have uncut/untrimmed hair. But like in every religion, there are people who closely follow the religion and others who may not. Some people may cut their hair, but that does not exclude them from the Sikh community. DO WOMEN SHAVE? Sikhs are not supposed to cut hair from any part of their body. All Sikhs are thus supposed to have unshorn hair, and Sikh women are to maintain a separate identity and not shave. CAN I TOUCH SOMEONE’S TURBAN OR HAIR? Do not touch someone’s turban or hair without asking, as it may make him/her uncomfortable. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR TURBAN? Hair. Sikhs keep their hair unshorn and tie it in a bun or top knot on top of his/her head. WHAT DOES THE COLOR OF THE TURBAN MEAN? DO ALL SIKHS WEAR THE SAME COLOR? WHY OR WHY NOT?

Sikhs can wear any color or style of turban, and there are no significant colors. Some Sikhs wear very few colors and others have a broad color palette. HOW CAN I TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIKH TURBANS AND OTHER TURBANS? Ever Sikh ties his or her turban slightly differently. Remember that in America, 99% of the people you see wearing a turban will be Sikh. If you see someone wearing a turban and you are not sure if they are Sikh or not, ask them! The Sikh turban is thus an article of faith. People of many other cultures and religions wear turbans, but none are required to do so by their religion. Sikhs tie their turbans anew each day. Sikh turbans become a part of a Sikh’s body and are usually removed only in the privacy of the house. DO WOMEN WEAR TURBANS? Just like Sikh men, Sikh women are not supposed to cut their hair. In the Rehat Maryada, it is explicitly written that Sikh men wear a turban. There is nothing explicitly written about women, except that the turban is optional.

Traditionally, women have always covered their head, but we’ve seen in the last 50 years, that women have deviated from this. There are many reasons for this change: globalization, cultural trends, and a lack of clarity in the Rehat Maryada. For Sikh women who tie a turban, the turban is just as much a part of their body and identity as it is for Sikh men! WHY DO SIKHS WEAR A KIRPAN? WHAT SIZE KIRPAN DOES A SIKH CARRY? A kirpan does not have a prescribed length. In most cases it is about 3-9 inches long. The kirpan serves as a reminder to fight against injustice and oppression. A Sikh understands that carrying a kirpan is a great responsibility. It is only intended to protect themselves or others. DO KIDS IN SCHOOL CARRY A KIRPAN? Some Sikhs that are younger have made the choice to become initiated, and as such, do wear a kirpan. Oftentimes, school personnel are aware that the Sikh student wears a kirpan, and both parties have come to an understanding as to how the student may wear his/her kirpan.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SIKH GOES ON AN AIRPLANE? DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE KIRPAN OFF? At the present time, Sikhs put their kirpans into check-in luggage and do not carry it with them on an airplane. CAN I VISIT A GURDWARA? Everyone is welcome at a Gurdwara regardless of their race, religion, color or class. If you are interested in visiting a Gurdwara, feel free to reach out to Sikhs you know or contact community@sikhcoalition.org for additional suggestions and ideas. DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SIKH TO READ THE GURU GRANTH SAHIB? Anyone who wishes to can read the Guru Granth Sahib. DO SIKHS HAVE A CLERGY? WHAT ABOUT GRANTHIS/GIANIS? No. Sikh gurus were very clear about each Sikh making her or his own journey and not depending on a clergy to show them the way. Sikhs do have Granthis/Gianis. These are people who have studied the Sikh scriptures extensively, and are available in the Gurdwaras as teachers.

They often lead a congregation, but any members from the congregations—both men and women—can also perform the same ceremonies. CAN WOMEN EXECUTE DUTIES IN A GURDWARA OR CONGREGATION? Yes. Sikhism does not delineate/define certain tasks to only men or only women. A woman can lead or take part in any service or ceremony just as a man would. WHY ARE MEN AND WOMEN DIVIDED INTO SEPARATE SECTIONS WHILE SITTING IN THE GURDWARA? Sikh Gurus always taught equality between men and women. For instance, the Gurus decried the cultural climate that denied women access to religion and gave women equal rights as men in all spheres. In Sikh congregations, men and women are asked to sit side by side—women on one side of the Guru Granth Sahib, and men on the other. There are both practical and cultural reasons for this practice. Since everyone sits on the floor, often unintentionally touching the person next to them when there is a large congregation, having such interaction with the member of the opposite gender is frequently inappropriate in the cultural context in which Sikhism arose.

However, in some smaller Gurdwaras, men and women may be seen sitting mixed in the congregation. WHAT IS LANGAR? The Sikh Gurus instituted the unique practice of Langar. Langar is food that is cooked by the members of the community and served by members of the community, to all people at the Gurdwara. All Gurdwaras have a common kitchen, where Langar is cooked by volunteers and open to all. Langar is communal cooking, eating and sharing. Langar is eaten while sitting on the ground. The idea is to demonstrate equality of all people, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, race or sex. When Sikhism was sprouting in the South Asian subcontinent, the caste system stratified society. Higher castes would sit on stools and chairs and eat, while the lowest caste were not allowed to eat even in the same room, and usually on the floor, away from sight. The Gurus wanted Sikhs to always practice egalitarianism and communal responsibility. Langar represents one of the institutions the Gurus founded to break down caste barriers. WHAT IS THE SIKH WEDDING CEREMONY? The Sikh marriage ceremony is called Anand Karaj.

It is performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture. In a Sikh wedding, scripture is read from the Guru Granth Sahib, and after each section the couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib, showing their commitment to the teachings being read. This is done four times. Following this, a communal prayer is said for the couple and religious hymns are sung. The ceremony may be performed by any initiated member of the Sikh faith. The prayers being read indicate that the couple pledge allegiance to each other as well as the Sikh way of life and make a commitment to working together to help each other realize the Divine Presence. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AN AFTERLIFE? DO YOU BELIEVE IN HEAVEN/HELL, SALVATION? Sikh focus is on this lifetime. The Sikh Scripture ask Sikhs to make the best of their time on this earth, for this is one’s opportunity to accomplish her or his best and to make a connection with Waheguru—the One, Omnipotent Power. Sikhs are asked not to partake in rituals and superstitions and not to concentrate on what occurred before birth or after death.

Sikh scripture repudiates a belief in a physical place called Heaven or Hell. Similarly, Sikhism rejects the notion of a Judgment Day. Sikhs believe in the doctrine of karma, which is a cosmic law that takes into account a person’s good and bad actions during his or her lifetime. The person then is rewarded or must endure suffering based on his deeds. The Sikh scripture supports the idea of reincarnation. FUNERALS — WHERE, WHAT, HOW? According to the Sikh Rehat, Sikhs may dispose the body of the dead in any way they like. Sikhs generally cremate their dead because it is clean, simple and environmentally friendly. The body is bathed and clothed in fresh clothes by family members, and community members say collective prayers. The ashes are usually gathered afterwards, and put afloat in a flowing body of water—returning the person’s last physical remains to nature. WHAT DOES SIKHISM TEACH ABOUT OTHER RELIGIONS? The Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, is the only major religious text which contains writings by teachers of other faiths. This is because Sikh gurus taught that there are many different ways of achieving a connection with the God.

The Sikh way is one of these ways. If you are following the Sikh way, you must follow it to the best of your abilities, and with absolute devotion. DOES SIKHISM TRY TO CONVERT OTHERS? No. Sikhism forbids proselytization or forced conversions. Sikhism believes that there are many paths to achieving attunement with the Divine. However, Sikhism welcomes those interested in learning about the religion. Thus, people might learn about Sikh faith and then even be initiated as Sikhs. There are Chinese Sikhs, African Sikhs etc. However, once someone is initiated as a Sikh, she or he must follow the Sikh path to the best of her or his ability.

Question: Waheguru is the common term for God in which Indian religion?
Answer: Sikhism