Caste

Caste or Caste systems are hereditary systems of social class in many parts of the world. This classification is based on social occupation, endogamy, social class, and social group.

Sikhism teaches one not to discriminate on basis of caste, sect, tribal background or Jaat. No importance is to be given to the person's tribal group or ancestry; all must be accepted as the same. The Guru says, Recognize the Lord's Light in all, don't ask their caste or race; there are no class or caste in the world hereafter. (1)(Pause). When the Panj Pyare were baptised in 1699, each of the five was from a different sect or caste. The Sikh Gurus did not allow any discrimination based on caste or sect or cults; everyone was treated the same irrespective of their jaat or caste.

Sikhism teaches the importance of having respect for yours and others personal & family ancestral histories; this includes tribal, social and national heritages. However, it is with the condition it should not be based negative prejudices against others. Provided you show respect for your own personal & ancestral family history as well as other peoples, this is seen as spiritually positive in Sikhism. Many Sikhs of many backgrounds hold this religious interpretation and value their tribal, national & ancestral family histories. For many Sikhs respecting everyones national & ancestral family histories is viewed as a very positive form of Multiculturalism [1][2].