3.1.6 Sikhism — Overview

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak (1469–1539) in the Punjab region of what is now Pakistan/India. There are approximately 25–30 million Sikhs worldwide. For AQA GCSE RS, study both Sikh beliefs (3.1.6.B) and practices (3.1.6.P).

Core Sikh beliefs at a glance

• Waheguru (Ik Onkar): one God — the universe begins with the symbol Ik Onkar ("There is only One God"). God is formless (nirguna), beyond human description, but also present in creation (saguna)
• Mool Mantar: the opening lines of the Guru Granth Sahib — a summary of Sikh belief about God's nature (eternal, unborn, self-existent)
• Ten Gurus: ten human Gurus from Guru Nanak (first) to Guru Gobind Singh (tenth, 1666–1708). After the tenth Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib became the eternal living Guru
• Guru Granth Sahib: the holy scripture — treated as a living Guru with great reverence; read in the gurdwara
• Equality: a central Sikh principle — all humans are equal regardless of caste, gender or religion
• Reincarnation (samsara) and mukti: the soul transmigrates through lives; mukti (liberation) is achieved through God's grace and the Guru's guidance
• The Three Duties: Naam Japna (meditating on God's name), Kirat Karni (honest work), Vand Chhakna (sharing with others)

Key Sikh practices at a glance

• Gurdwara: the Sikh temple — meaning "doorway to the Guru"; houses the Guru Granth Sahib; open to all
• Langar: free community kitchen in every gurdwara; serves food to all regardless of background; embodies equality and sewa
• Sewa: selfless service to others — a core Sikh duty
• Five Ks (Panj Kakars): worn by initiated Sikhs (Khalsa): Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (comb), Kachera (shorts), Kirpan (sword)
• Festivals: Vaisakhi (founding of the Khalsa, 1699; harvest festival), Diwali (release of Guru Hargobind from prison)
• Khalsa: the community of initiated Sikhs — founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699; Amrit ceremony (initiation)