What is Sikhism?
Sikhism, is a modern nectar of various philosophies' thru the ages and a unique way of life that was founded over 500 years ago. Presently there are over 27 million Sikhism disciples globally. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that preaches the message of adherence and reminds us to commemorate God at all times, to live truthfully, fruitfully, treat everyone equally, to become an exemplar of justice and to denounce superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all religions as their 10 Gurus have taught to respect and fight for the freedom to worship. The teachings of Sikhism are also available for everyone and is enshrined in Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, the 'Sri Guru Granth Sahib'. The Supreme court of India has ruled that the Sikh Holy book 'Sri Guru Granth Sahib' ji as a living Guru for the Sikhs.
Who are the Sikhs?
In Punjabi language, (a language used in the Northern Punjab state of India) the word ‘Sikh’ means disciple or student. Sikhs are the disciples of God and follows the writings and teachings left to them by the Ten Sikh Gurus. These tenets inscribed in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib are applicable even in the modern society of mankind. Male Sikhs are identifiable by the turban they wear on their heads and their uncut hair.
The main mission for a Sikh is to develop a love relationship with the Almighty Lord. The reason Sikhs don't cut their hair is they believe, when you love someone you do not do anything against their wishes. The Almighty Lord has made our bodies and placed the hair in certain places and they are on different places between men and women. So, when we cut our hair, Lord grows them back - for a Sikh that means Almighty Lord is saying DON'T Disrespect me, leave the hair alone. So, to respect Lord's wishes Sikhs don't cut their hair.
99% of Turban wearing people you can see globally are Sikhs. Sikhs wears turbans to take care of their hair, promote equality and preserve the Sikh identity. It was official policy made by the Last Living Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Sikhs are also naturally adventurist, industrious and enterprising. They also view everyone as equal and do not discriminate against any race or religion.
5 Core Tenets of Sikhism
1. There is only One God. He is the same God praised by all the people of all religions.
2. Our soul goes through many cycles of births and deaths before it can reach it’s human form. One should live an exemplary life to be able to merge with God. A Sikh must always remember God at all time and must always practice to live a honest and noble life while maintaining the balance between their spiritual and temporal obligations.
3. Renunciation to the world isn’t required to achieve salvation and become one with God. Practicing even as a householder, earning through honest living and avoiding worldly temptations such as adultery and other sins is the true path to salvation.
4. Sikhism does not undertake and condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimages believing in superstitions, worship of the dead and idols.
5. Sikhism exhorts that all the people of the world, no matter what the race, religion, sex are all equal in the eyes of God. Sikhism teaches equality between women and men. In Sikhism, Women can initiate and participate in any religious activity.
Brief History of Sikhism
Sikhism was founded by its first Guru, Guru Nanak, who was born in the village of Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, in the year 1469. During his early years, Guru Nanak rejected the baseless rituals and superstitions prevalent in many religions at the time. He believed that God existed in various forms of life and resided within people, watching over them. He preached a message of love, equality, and understanding to all. Following his death in 1539, nine more Gurus succeeded him, setting exemplary and inspiring examples for Sikhs and shaping the foundations of Sikhism. The last living Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, passed away in 1708. Before his death, he decreed that the Holy Sikh Scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, should become the ultimate spiritual authority and the Eternal Guru. The protection of the Holy Scripture was entrusted to the Khalsa.
Among the world-famous wonders of Sikhism is the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, located in Amritsar Sahib, the heart of Sikhism. It was built during the time of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan. In the 18th century, various conflicts and wars erupted among different empires representing different religions. During this time, Sikhs faced oppression and persecution, being forced to convert to other religions or face execution. To defend their faith, Sikhs had to move from one place to another. In 1801, the Sikh Empire was established under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780 – 1839). The Sikh Empire lasted for half a century before it was annexed by the East India Company in 1849.
Sikhs are renowned for fighting for freedom and equality, not only for themselves but for all people. During the Indian Freedom Movement, many Sikhs were critically injured and faced brutalities while fearlessly fighting for the country's liberation, despite the threats of imprisonment and torture.
Despite constituting only 12% of India's population, Sikhs have made significant contributions to various industries, including the armed forces, agriculture, sports, industry, education, medicine, and engineering. Today, there are approximately one million Sikhs living in North America and around 500,000 Sikhs in the United Kingdom. Through dedication, hard work, and faith in God, Sikhs have achieved success and managed to establish their religion as the fifth largest in the world.
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