Sikh beliefs and teachings

Sikhism is the world's youngest of the major religions, founded in the late 15th century in the Punjab region by Guru Nanak (1469–1539). About 30 million Sikhs live globally, with the largest populations in India and the diaspora (UK, Canada, USA).

The nature of God

Sikhs are strictly monotheistic and reject idols. Their understanding of God is summarised in the Mool Mantar (the opening of the Guru Granth Sahib), composed by Guru Nanak:

"Ik Onkar — there is one God; Sat Naam — Truth is His Name; Karta Purakh — He is the Creator; Nirbhau — without fear; Nirvair — without enmity; Akal Murat — beyond time; Ajooni — beyond birth and death; Saibhang — self-existent; Gur Prasad — known by the Guru's grace."

Key attributes: God is One, formless, eternal, the Creator, beyond gender, present in all things and beings.

The Ten Gurus

Sikhism traces its development through ten human Gurus:

1. Guru Nanak (1469–1539) — founder; preached one God, equality, and the rejection of caste.
2. Guru Angad (1539–1552) — codified Gurmukhi script.
3. Guru Amar Das (1552–1574) — established the langar (free communal meal).
4. Guru Ram Das (1574–1581) — founded Amritsar.
5. Guru Arjan (1581–1606) — compiled the Adi Granth (forerunner of the Guru Granth Sahib); built the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple); first Sikh martyr.
6. Guru Hargobind (1606–1644) — wore two swords (miri-piri) — temporal and spiritual authority.
7. Guru Har Rai (1644–1661); 8. Guru Har Krishan (1661–1664).
8. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1664–1675) — martyred defending the right of Hindus to practise their religion.
9. Guru Gobind Singh (1675–1708) — founded the Khalsa (the community of initiated Sikhs) in 1699; named the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru after him.

The Guru Granth Sahib

After Guru Gobind Singh, no human Guru: the Guru Granth Sahib — the Sikh scripture — is the eternal Guru. It contains hymns by the Sikh Gurus and other saints (Hindu and Muslim). It is treated with utmost reverence — placed on a manji sahib (raised platform), covered in fine cloth, and at night put to rest.

Equality

A central Sikh teaching. Guru Nanak rejected caste, gender hierarchy and religious superiority. Famously: "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim — only one humanity."

• All people are welcome in the gurdwara, regardless of caste, religion, gender, race.
• The langar (free communal meal) is open to all and seats people without rank.
• Women may lead worship and read the Guru Granth Sahib.

Reincarnation and mukti

Sikhs believe in reincarnation — the soul passes through many lives until it achieves union with God. The state of liberation is called mukti (similar to moksha). Achieved by:

• Devotion to one God (naam japo — meditating on God's name).
• Honest livelihood (kirat karo).
• Sharing with others (vand chakko).

These three principles are core Sikh teaching.

The Khalsa

In 1699 at Vaisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa — the community of initiated Sikhs committed to upholding Sikh values and defending justice. The Five Ks (worn at all times) mark Khalsa Sikhs:

1. Kesh — uncut hair, covered by a turban.
2. Kara — steel bracelet (unity of God).
3. Kanga — wooden comb (cleanliness, discipline).
4. Kachera — modest cotton undergarments (self-control).
5. Kirpan — ceremonial sword (defence of the weak; never used in aggression).

Khalsa Sikhs take the names Singh ("lion") for men and Kaur ("princess") for women, abolishing caste-based surnames.

Examiner tips

• Always cite the Mool Mantar as a key source on God.
• Mention both Guru Nanak (founder) and Guru Gobind Singh (founder of Khalsa).
• For 12-mark questions on equality, contrast Sikhism with caste-based Hindu society.