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* [http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/sikhism-faqs/sikhism-faqs-index.html Introduction to Sikhism by Late S. Gobind Singh Mansukhani]
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Revision as of 12:43, 12 July 2009

If you have any question about Sikhi, click on the discussion tab and put it there. We will try and answer all questions that are put to us as per the guidance provided by Guru Granth Sahib. Thank you - SikhiWiki team

Frequently Asked Questions about Sikhism

Q. Can Sikhs have tattoos?

A. I don't believe there is anything directly written against or in favour of tattoos in the Sikh scriptures. Tattoos can be grouped with "extreme make-up" which the Guru calls "decorations" and I ask you to read the article Guru Granth Sahib on adornment.

The Guru tells us that "without the remembrance of the Lord, the 'sheegar' (decorations) will bring no happiness or comfort". On the other hand, the Guru says that if one remembers the Lord all the time (ie: "within whose home the Husband Lord abides"), then he or she will be "totally adorned and decorated" by the Lord. So if you live according to the Waheguru's hukam, then you may decorate yourself as you like.

As a summary, the Guru says, "Even though I totally decorated myself, still, my mind was not satisfied. I applied various scented oils to my body, and yet, I did not obtain even a tiny bit of pleasure from this. Within my mind, I hold such a desire, that I may live only to behold my Beloved, O my mother.(1)"

You need to think deeply about why you want a tattoo. Sikhi is more about the mind than just about the body. If you want the tattoo to enhance your ego then you are feeding the five evils within and you should reconsider.

The motivation behind tattoos needs to be considered carefully. There is "no blanket ban" on tattoo as such in Sikhi but one must not do it as it can be perceived as a sign to increase ones ego, which is a negative trait. On the other hand if you already remember God and you want to praise Him by decorating yourself with his reminders, then do it by all means.


Q. Why do Sikhs criticize practices in other religions?

Q. If Sikhism says that there are different paths to God, and everyone has the right to practice their own religion, why do Sikhs criticize practices that may be done in other religions?

A: Sikhi does accept that:

1. Holy books not false: Gurbani tells us: : "Do not say that the Vedas, the Bible and the Koran are false. Those who do not contemplate them are false." (SGGS p1350) It is accepted that the various religious Holy books are not false but that does not mean that the adherents are following the Holy text faithfully. It is clear that in most religions, most devotees are not keeping to their faiths properly.

2. Different paths: The Guru also tells us: "Where have the Hindus and Muslims come from? Who put them on their different paths? Think of this, and contemplate it within your mind....(1)" (SGGS p477)

So it is accepted that God intended for there to be different paths for human salvation, HOWEVER, the Guru has also criticised some of the practises followed by the devotees such as:

3. Fasting & other rituals: : "Fasting, daily rituals, and austere self-discipline - those who keep the practice of these, are rewarded with less than a shell." (SGGS p216)

4. Ceremonial Marks: : "Around your neck is a rosary, and on your forehead is a sacred mark; upon your head is a turban, and you wear two loin cloths. If you knew the nature of God, you would know that all of these beliefs and rituals are in vain." (SGGS p470)

It is clear that the Gurus do not accept that rituals like fasting, circumcision, shaving the head, ceremonial marks, etc will please God even a little bit and so these rituals have always been criticised. The discrimination against women; against lower castes, etc have always been objected to by the Gurus. So when the Sikhs criticise these practises, it because they are unfair EVEN in the original religion but the followers are ignoring the truth of their own religion.

So called Muslims blowing up innocent children; Jews killing masses indiscriminately - Is this preached by their faith leaders - Surely not. So the Sikhs will speak against them. The same applies to Sikhs who do honour killing, bomb air-planes for the creation of Khalistan; etc - The indiscriminate killing of innocent people and the suppression of their right to life and peaceful existence are evils and they that have to be strongly discouraged and stopped wherever possible.

No God-loving person should stand for such stupidity and evil deeds - The Sikh Gurus spoke loudly against these evils and their words are preserved for all to read. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for some of the other religions - their holy text is old and sometimes not well preserved in its entirety.

I hope this gives you some idea why although Sikhism accepts and respects other religions, it does not always accept the practises of the devotees especially ones which have no spiritual or other merit in life.

Q. Why don't Sikhs cut their hair?

A: Sikhs believe that hair or kesh as they call their long hair is an integral part of the human body and hence should not be cut; people are created with long hair for a reason. If one believes in God, then one must accept the "Will of God" or Hukam and the persistent growth of hair on the heads of all humans (except people who go bald!) surely is due to God's Hukam. Long hair or Kesh causes no harm to the person and so the Sikhs see no reason in regularly cutting away hair that is continuously growing. They accept hair as a beautiful part of their bodies. Cutting it is a sign of resistance to God's Hukam. However, Sikhs do not mind if others cut their hair. Many Sikhs called Sehajdhari (slow-adopters) Sikhs do not keep their hair uncut.

Q: Can someone who is not born a Sikh become a Sikh?

A: Yes, Of Course. Anyone who wants, can become a Sikh. It is a religion open to all. The choice has to be made voluntarily and no one is forced or can be forced to become a Sikh. Once a Sikh, one is free to leave Sikhism. There is no automatic curse on someone who leaves Sikhi nor is there any automatic heavenly reward for becoming a Sikh. It is only ones actions, deeds, contributions and thoughts that can determine any outcome in the hereafter!

Q. How do you become a Sikh?

A. Simply by following the path laid down by the Sikh Gurus; by following Gurbani - the words of the Gurus as written in the Sikh holy Granth called the Guru Granth Sahib. You can find the original text and translations in most popular languages on the web. See the article Gurbani online for links to websites.

Before wearing the Guru's bana or uniform and representing the Guru, you will need to understand the Guru's rules. You can only do this if you learn the Guru's basic rules:

Rule 1: Simran and Sewa: Simran is the reciting of Lord's name; read the Mool mantar; learn it; practise it in your life. Remember God; see Him/Her in everyone and everywhere. Study the Japji sahib step by step; learn one pauri or step each week; take your time learn the words; understand the words; understand the meaning; contemplate the words. Do sewa - volunteer free service in the community or for friends or relations; feel good about doing Simran and Sewa; accept it as part of God's way. Find holy Sikh sangat - Other wise Sikh people who follow the path of the Guru. Share Simran and Sewa with them and attend activities together as much as you can. Only keep their company if they take you towards the Guru - If they don't change the sangat until you find the right company.

Rule 2: Three pillars - Guru Nanak formalised three basic guidelines for Sikhs: Naam Japna (focus of God), Kirat Karni (honest living) and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). Read about these and follow them. Naam Japna and Simran are very similar; Listen to Kirtan; understand the words; do kirtan if you can; join in; say the words; understand the meaning; think about what the Guru is saying. See Kirtan websites to download kirtan or go to article - Listen to kirtan to listen, read and sing the Guru's words. Read about history of the Gurus to understand their ways and how their sacrifices are remembered even today.

Rule 3: Make life changes - Start subduing the five evils within. We all have these and we need to restrain them - kam (Lust); krodh (Rage or uncontrolled anger); lobh (Greed); moh (Attachment or emotional attachment) and ahankar (ego). Don't left them control you - You should control them. Also, embrace the Five virtues as ordained by the Gurus - Sat (Truth), Santokh (Contentment), Daya (Compassion), Nimrata (Humility) and Pyare (Love). Make concrete changes in your life and in your attitudes taking these guidelines into account.

Rule 4: Prepare to take Amrit: Start wearing some of the 5Ks, wear Bana, and start looking like a Sikh of the Guru. Only do this if you have the thought of the Guru in your heart. Otherwise the physical gear is just a waste.

Rule 5: Become a Khalsa - Contact a local Gurdwara or another Sikh and arrange to take Khanda-ke-pahul - Guru Gobind Singh's baptism vows.

Q. What are the origins of Sikhism?

A. Sikhism began with the birth of their founder Guru, Guru Nanak in 1469. However, it is generally accepts that Guru Nanak began his formal mission around 1499 A.D, in the northern part of ancient India in the place now called Panjab, which is now divided between Pakistan and India. It originated with the teachings of Guru Nanak who rejected the philosophies pursued by both the indigenous Hindus and Muslims.

Q. Why do Sikhs wear turbans?

A. Sikhs are required to have their hair uncut as ordained by their tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 as part of the Amrit Sanchar ceremony and the Creation of the Khalsa. It is for this reason, in order to keep the hair tidy and manageable, that the Sikh wear the Turban. Also, it is a tradition of Sikhs and others from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan to cover their head as a matter of respect for elders and spiritual elevated people. It would be a sign of disrespect if one was to enter a Gurdwara's Darbar Sahib with the head uncovered.

Q. Do Sikhs believe in Prayer?

Yes. Prayer is central to Sikhi. The ideals of the Sikh faith advise the devotee to rise early in the morning and meditate on God. Meditation is usually done while sitting comfortably, cross-legged, on the floor. Nitnem is a set of morning, evening, and bedtime prayers which are read or recited daily, while sitting or standing.

Sikhs normally do not say prayers while kneeling as Christians or Catholics do. A formal prayer of supplication, called ardas is very important to Sikhs and is usually offered while standing. Prayer and meditation focuses on praising God, and may take the form of singing, called Kirtan. Sikhs believe Ardas, prayer, kirtan and meditation to be essential in attaining desirable qualities and overcoming ego. Sikh scripture counsels that each breath is an opportunity for prayer.

Guru Arjan wrote: "Twenty-four hours a day, O Nanak, meditate on the Guru, the path to enlightenment." (SGGS p387)

Q. Who is the present religious leader of the Sikhs?

A. During the time of the ten human Gurus, the respective Gurus were the leaders of the Sikhs. Guru Nanak's (1469 - 1539) was followed by nine successors Angad, Amardas, Ramdas, Arjan, Hargobind, Harrai, Harkrishan, Tegh Bahadar and Gobind Singh (1539-1708) who developed and applied the teaching of the founder Guru to the concrete socio-political situations that existed during their time. From 1708 onwards the leader of the Sikhs is their perpetual Guru, Guru Granth Sahib. All guidance and instructions (Hukam) have to be received from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Q.In the Sikh religion what are the 5 ks?

The 5Ks or Kakkars are the 5 articles of faith that are worn by all practising Sikhs. These are:

Q. What is Langar?

Langar or Guru ka Langar is a word that stands for the practise of serving free food to the community. Guru Ka Langar when translated means, a community kitchen run in the name of the Guru by the Sangat. In Sikhism, the institution of langar started with the founder, Guru Nanak himself. Community kitchens came into existence with the sangats (holy congregations) of disciples which sprang up at many places in his time to gather and sing God's praise - kirtan. At these gatherings, it became common to serve food and many travelled from distant places.

Q. What is the significance of Guru ka Langar?

Guru ka Langar signifies the equality of all human beings. Anyone partaking Langar will sit in a pangat or "row" without any distinction of caste or status to eat a common meal prepared in the community kitchen.

Langar is entirely a community effort right from the beginning. The food stuff required is contributed by the Sangat or members of the congregation and the food is prepared and served by Sewadarss - who are volunteers and members of the congregation as well. During the period of the ten Gurus, the Gurus themselves contributed to and participated in this effort.

Guru Amar Das, the third Nanak, firmly established his open free kitchen concept as we see it today and regularly served food to visitors round the clock. The Guru made it obligatory for every visitor to have food in this langar before coming to his presence. The Emperor and the prince, the rich and the poor, the high caste and the low caste, all complied with this requirement. All the Gurus propagated this institution.

Considering that caste discrimination was wide spread in India during those times, in the hands of the Gurus, langar became a powerful means of social reform; one that gave practical expression to the notion of equality.

Q. What do Sikhs believe about God?

A. Some religions, like Christianity, believe in a trinity. Others, such as Hinduism, believe in a multitude of demi-gods. Buddhism teaches the belief in God is unimportant. Sikhism teaches the existence of one God. Guru Nanak taught that the creator and creation are inseparable in the way that an ocean is made up of its individual drops.

The fundamental belief of Sikhism is that God exists, not merely as an idea or concept, but as a Real Entity, indescribable yet knowable and perceivable to anyone who is prepare to dedicate the time and energy to become perceptive to His persona. The Gurus never spoke about proofs of the existence of God: For them He is too real and obvious to need any logical proof.

Guru Arjan, Nanak V, says, "God is beyond colour and form, yet His presence is clearly visible" (SGGS 74), and again, "Nanak's Lord transcends the world as well as the scriptures of the east and the west, and yet he is clearly manifest" (SGGS 397).

In any case, knowledge of the ultimate Reality is not a matter for reason; it comes by revelation of Himself through "nadir" or grace and by "anubhava" or mystical experience. Says Guru Nanak, "budhi pathi na paiai bahu chaturaiai bhai milai mani bhane" which translates to "He is not accessible through intellect, or through mere scholarship or cleverness at argument; He is met, when He pleases, through devotion" (SGGS 436).

Q. What do Sikhs believe about Creation?

Christianity teaches that God created Earth in seven days about 6,000 year ago. Guru Nanak wrote that God’s creation consisted of a multitude of universes, and that no one knew for certain how, or when, creation took place.

Guru Granth Sahib states that, “There are planets, solar systems and galaxies. If one speaks of them, there is no limit, no end. There are worlds upon worlds of His Creation. As He commands, so they exist. He watches over all, and contemplating the creation, He rejoices. Nanak says, to describe this is as hard as steel!” (SGGS p8)

The scriptures say that the universe consists of many different bodies including planets, solar systems galaxies, stars, suns, skies, etc and that the scale and extent of these bodies is unknown and that there is no end to their number. It is clear from this that probable size of the universe is beyond an exact evaluation or calculation by the human mind.

The holy text continues to state: "The limits of the created universe cannot be perceived. Its limits here and beyond cannot be perceived. Many struggle to know His limits, but His limits cannot be found. No one can know these limits. The more you say about them, the more there still remains to be said." (SGGS p5).

Q. Why do women sit separately?

In a Gurdwara, why do women sit on one side and men on the other? Isn't this discrimination? or at least segregation?

Sikhism is not a sexist religion nor does it discriminate against women. This is a matter of personal choice. It is just that when in a place of worship in a community environment, people prefer to sit with members of their own gender. It is not wrong for men to sit with the women in the Gurdwara, or vice versa - it is just uncommon in western nations, although in India in some places, there is no custom of sitting separately especially in villages, etc. When families visit Gurdwaras, they do generally sit together.

Q. Are women allowed to be 'priests'

In most religions, women are not allowed to be 'priests'; What is the position in Sikhism?

Sikhism sees both men and women as equals, so there is no restriction for women; women can perform all the duties that a man can, as far as religious responsibilities are concerned.

Q. Is the use of alcohol permitted in Sikhism?

No. Sikhism does not allow the use of alcohol or any other intoxicants for leisure use. "Those who are deluded by sensual pleasures, are tempted by sexual delights and enjoy wine are corrupt." (SGGS p335) and also, "Drinking wine, his intelligence departs, and madness enters his mind; he cannot distinguish between his own and others, and he is struck down by his Lord and Master." (SGGS p)

Q. What's in a Sikh name?

Every Sikh child is given a name after birth in a ceremony called Naam karan. Normally, the names are picked up in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The sacred scripture is opened at random and a name is picked starting with the first letter of the first word from the top left or the first letter of the Hukamnama. Sikh males bear the appellation of 'Singh' and females 'Kaur', after their first names. The word 'Singh' means lion, and 'Kaur' means princess/lioness.

All the Singhs and Kaurs may not in fact be Sikhs. The Rajputs and Gurkhas also use these names. This appellation helped the Sikhs to become a caste-less fraternity. It infused a martial spirit in the community.

In some parts of the world, Sikh males are called 'Sardar Ji' (Chief) and females are called 'Sardarni Ji'. This designation is attached to the front of the name. Some Sikhs may also put the village name from whence they came as a suffix.

Youngsters do not call parents or persons older than themselves by first name.

Q. Do Sikhs believe in fasting?

Fasts are not given any importance in Sikhism. Compulsory fasts for religious reasons or on certain days do not carry any weight with Sikhism. Fasts for the purpose of maintaining good health (dieting, etc.) can be observed. "I do not keep fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadaan. I serve only the One, who will protect me in the end. (1)" Guru Arjan Dev (SGGS p)

1. Is Guru Nanak a False Prophet?

Guru Nanak Dev was born in Punjab, India, on 20 October 1469, to a Hindu family. By the time of his death on 22 September 1539, according to Sikh Scriptures ( more of which later ) , he had “millions” of followers.

Now, Guru Nanak never claimed to be a prophet in his lifetime. However, if the scriptures of the Sikh religion are to be believed, he believed himself to be inspired from God, and to bring teachings of God. For example :-

“There is no Muslim, there is no Hindu”

"One who recognizes the One Lord among all beings does not talk of ego.”

These are clear atonements, meant to inspire and motivate Sikhs and non-Sikhs to alter their lives and live according to Sikhism. Sikhs often claim that the Guru’s were merely teachers, or guides, and were not Prophets.

However, if we consult the linguistic definition of Prophet, we discover the following meanings of the term :-

“A person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed.”

“someone who speaks by divine inspiration; someone who is an interpreter of the will of God”

“a person regarded as, or claiming to be, an inspired teacher or leader”

Therefore, whenever anyone claims to speak on behalf of God, rationally and linguistically that person is considered to be claiming Prophethood.

When a person claims Prophethood, this claim must then be verified. Prophets throughout history have brought miracles to demonstrate to their people ( Moses, Abraham, David, and Others, may peace be upon them all ) . For example Moses spilt the Red Sea, David was able to melt metal in his hands, and Abraham was able to withstand fire. These miracles have been verified both through scriptures and through science.

There are also many false Prophets. These have included David Icke , Mirza Ghulam Ahmad , and many others.

By Sikhs refusing to acknowledge that Guru Nanak was claiming to be a Prophet, they sidestep this issue. This is in order to avoid any means of principles of falsification, in order to confirm or disprove the Guru’s “Prophethood”.




2. Are the Sikh Scriptures authentic?

In order for anyone to follow Gods teachings, one must be sure, with absolute certainty and without doubt, that the teachings they are following are authentic. Sikhism has a number of scriptures which they claim are written by Gurus ( and therefore divinely inspired ). However, these scriptures can be proven to have no historical or authentic basis.

A. the Janamsakhi

Sikhs claim that the Bhai Bala Janamsakhi was written by Bala Sandhu, a disciple of Guru Nanak. However, Guru Angad, the next Guru in succession, had never heard of Bala Sandhu. In addition to this, Bala Sandhu is not mentioned by Bhai Gurdas. How can Guru Nanaks closest confidants and disciples not know Bala Sandhu?

There are a number of other errors. For example, the rhythmic prose used in the verse was written by the third and fifth Guru’s, so how can this be present chronologically earlier? Also, the language used was not even present in society for over 100 years after the death of Guru Nanak.

How can it be that a divinely inspired work, detailing the life of the Guru, can be so inaccurate?

B.The Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Sikhs claim that this book is the “Eleventh” and final Guru, and should be regarded and revered as a Guru. There is even a tale of this book, upon compilation, to be given its own bed whilst a Guru, Guru Arjan slept on the floor!

For this book to be the 11th Guru, the final way to God and scripture in its own right, surely it would have to be a perfect book, free from errors and contradictions? However, we find that this is not the case. Some errors include :-

   * Teaching God to be “Sargun” (Possessing Attributes) and “Nargun” ( Possessing no Attributes).
   * Claims there is only one way to God, then says many ways
   * Reincarnation is taught in one section, yet is rejected elsewhere

How can it be that a Divinely inspired book, a Guru, a way to God, be so full of contradictions? In addition to this, the Book provides no details of the origins of the Earth or of Man, and provides no answers to “where did we come from” as a result. Surely any divinely inspired text would present Gods answer to these questions?



3. How can Re-Incarnation be Accurate?

In Sikhism, it is the belief that through righteous deeds one achieves salvation, and a “oneness” with God. The main method of this is through “karma”, or the reward of your efforts in this life being rewarded in the next, and so on and so on until spiritual union with God is achieved.

Though this sounds like a nirvana of sorts, it is completely non-sensical. Reincarnation cannot possibly be true as :-

  1. How can the world be in decline, when spiritual karma is meant to increase and improve the world? What is the source for evil originally? Who was the original evildoer according to Sikhism, and which sent a perpetual evil through the earth, increasing its trials?
  2. There is no justice in re-incarnation, as you become a new entity, with no recollection of a past life. Therefore, it is the entity that is being unfairly punished, and not you.
  3. Why are there more bodies on earth now, than there was before? Where do these new Souls emerge from?


Re-incarnation is therefore absurd, and cannot be correct because it does not agree with rationality.



4. How can God be Omnipotent and within Evil?

For Sikhs to state that God is “all pervading and is in all directions. God is omniscient, omnipotent and loves all”, what does that mean?

Firstly how can God be in everything? Would God be in Impure things such as Excreta?

Secondly, how can God be within everyone? What is the point, according to Sikhism, of trying to attain Union with God, when God is already within us according to their scriptures? How can God be within people and objects which are intrinsically evil?



5. How can Sikhs claim to have a complete way of Life?

Sikhism is claimed to be a complete way of life, but Sikhism does not have the answers from their scriptures for the following questions :-

  1. How much tax should I pay in a Sikh State, as a Non-Sikh?
  2. What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding testimony in a court?
  3. What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding the sentence for stealing?
  4. What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding the age of maturity?
  5. What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding my relations with my neighbour?
  6. What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding how I should treat an animal?
  7. What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding lawful earnings?
  8. What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding killing a non-Sikh and the punishment for that?
  9. What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding riding a horse?
 10. What is the ruling in Sikhism if I use a nuclear weapon?

Sikhism only covers prayer and religious obligations. It has no understanding of how to interact with the real world. It has no detailed economic system, social system, or ruling system.



6. What is a Just War in Sikhism?

Sikhism is often presented as a peaceful, non-violent religion. However, it has a concept of Dharam Yudh, which is loosely translated as “Just War”. In this, Sikhs believe that war can be initiated as a last option, and the motivation cannot be revenge.

When we see this in practice however, we can see that very rarely has a Sikh War been any different to any other war fought on behalf of misguided religions : For Land, Nation and Resources.

Examples of this include :-

   * The forceful passing of a resolution to cede Water and Electricity Boards to Punjab Control in the region
   * The murder of Indian Police officers in 1982 – 1983, in revenge
   * Bhindrandales Murder of two nirinkari Gurus in 1981
   * Bombing of Cinemas in Delhi in 2005
   * Bombing of Air India Flight 182

Most people will realise that these examples cited appear far from “Just”. Often, they appear to target civilians. If such action is justified according to these principles, then on what basis?

If the Gurus are false Prophets, the Scriptures inaccurate, and the concepts and precepts erroneous, then how can Sikhism be used to take life unjustly?



7. How can God Create himself?

According to Guru Nanak Dev, he claims that “God himself told me that he is self-created”.

How can God be subject to laws and constraints of his own creation? Concepts such as time, form, shape, etc, are constructs of God. As an unlimited entity, how can God be subject to limited constraints, such as “creating”.

Surely, as God, he is outwith all such concepts. To ask how God is “made” is to misunderstand what God is.



8. Why can Sikh women not Divorce?

Sikhism still does not give the right of divorce to its adherents except in extreme circumstances, and even then since it is not legislated within Sikhism this is decided by Western or Hindu Courts.

This is mentioned in many sources, and some quotes from Sikhs are as follows :-

“In the case of broken marriage, divorce is not possible according to the Sikh religious tradition. The couple can, however, obtain a divorce under the Civil law of the land.”

Of more concern is how Sikhs refuse to even consider divorce, leaving the spouse trapped in a loveless marriage. Take this example from the Sikh Spectrum Magazine :-

When two souls become one, there is no duality between the way a husband and a wife think. Whatever they do, they do it together. A divorce, in such a case, is inconceivable.

It is incredulous that anything calling itself “the modern religion” still does not emancipate women and give them independence.



9. How can Sikhs Claim that there are “many paths to God”, then he Punishes those whom do not adhere to Sikhism ?

It is claimed Sikhism is non-discriminatory, and that everyone should love each other as human beings, with no-one having a variable status, no-one being “high or low”. His statement is as follows :-

“In Sikhism everyone is equal. All people of different colour, religion, caste, creed, race and sex are equal in the eyes of God. No one is high or low. All are children of God created by God and God loves them all.”

However, the Guru’s own teachings portray a different version of events. :-

Favouring of those in Khalsa

Khalsa is the baptizing of Sikhs, who take an Oath to promote and preserve the five Ks of Sikhism. These Sikhs are to be considered to hold a higher status over that of ordinary persons, and thereby this exposes a hierarchical system. Quotations regarding this brotherhood include :-

“he who recognises the One God and no pilgrimages, alms-giving, non-destruction of life, penances, or austerities; and in whose heart the light of the Perfect One shines, - he is to be recognised as a pure member of the Khalsa”

Thereby, if we are to believe this Guru, and by proxy the beliefs of Sikhism itself, then God, through the Gurus, considered those persons inferior whom :-

         * Engage in Pilgrimages
         * Fasts
         * Worships Idols

Are thereby considered inferior in Gods eyes (according to the Gurus).

In addition to this, those who eat meat, those that cut their hair, and many other tenets of Sikh faith that are violated, God will punish them through re-incarnation, even though these people are also following a path (as they perceive it ) to God.

In Sikhs claims that there are “no chosen people”, why must people adhere to Sikhism to be saved? Why must they take the Khalsa ?



10. Why is Sikhism Not Evangelical?

If Sikhism is Gods religion, which is the destiny of all if they are to be saved, and the only way to enlightenment ( as Sikhs perceive it ) is to follow the “Way of the Gurus”, then why do Sikhs not debate and discuss their faith in the World and try to convert others to it?

Is this fair, if it is the truth ( which it is not ), then why do Sikhs not ask others to join it?


Conclusion

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