Family in Sikhism

Family is the basic structure and unit in Sikhism. It is a strong and noble Sikh institution. Family was the most important for all the Sikh Gurus who preached life of a house holder rather than a life of reunciation. The Gurus believed that the family must procreate and continue the existence of the society. The family has economic and educational functions to perform so that family life becomes smooth and happy.

Sikhism recommends an active life in which family has a great role to play. Life of a houseolder is the best instituion to fulfill the Sikh ideal of contributing to the devolopment of human society.

The fmily in Sikhism is a training school for social, cultural, political and spritual makeup. It is a training school for Seva and charity. From the family of birth, the religious and ethinic ideas are implanted in the child. It is worth it to mention here that Bhai Mani Singh ji took his traits from his forefathers. Guru Arjun Dev ji implanted the spirit of sacrifice in the wider family by offering his life to uphold righteousness.

Sikhs belive in monogamy. Marriages are normally arranged by the parents with consent of the children. Pre marital sexual relationships are not condoned in Sikhi and sex with anyone other than ones marriage partner is forbidden as well.

Marriage is considered to be a sacrament. According to the concept of Lavan (Marriage Hymns in Sikhism) , divorce is not encouraged in Sikhism. It is expected of the couple to help and support each other in the family to attain the almighty Waheguru through their union and mutual support.

Sikhs believe in Naam Simran while living a family life which has all the elements of love, laughter, optimism, pride, pity, joy, gratitude, respect, purity, service and sacrifice. The Sikh family preserves human values, cultural identity and historical continuity.

According to Sikhism, the concept of family values is the only way to attain prosperity and world peace. Family values in the broadened sense are needed to save a suffering world which is living under pain and frustration.