Sipahi

Sapahi is used to refer to a "soldier" or "warrior". This word is commonly used in the term "Sant Sapahi which has the simple translation of "Saint-Soldier". This is the second word in the phrase "Sant Sapahi".

The first duty of the Sikh is to be a "Sant" or to be a wise and knowledgeable person. The second word is "Sapahi" - So this Sikh "Sant" should also be a soldier able to fight and engage in warfare. A Sikh who cannot fight cannot be a "Sant-Sapahi" and would be lacking in the required qualities. So the second duty of a Sikh is to be able and ready to fight for a worthy cause and for the protection of righteousness and the weak. So the idea for being a warrior is to protect and defend the weak and oneself from any tyrants and bullies. Sikhs were taught to be kind as well as fearless. However, the Khalsa is forbidden to never engage in a first attack on any person for whatever reason. Only when all means have been exhausted and negotiations have failed can the sword be yielded in defence of a legitimate and worthy cause.