The Sikh faith, founded in the Punjab region of India in the late 15th century, does not support blind rituals or superstitions. The holy Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, narrates these human customs clearly and unambiguously. Sikhs believe in acknowledging one creator and focusing their lives around their relationship with God and community.
The Sikh Rahit Marayada, the manual that specifies the duties of Sikhs, names four rituals that qualify as rites of passage. The first is a birth and naming ceremony. Sikhs wear the Five Ks (kes or kesh), which are long and uncut hair and a turban. Empty religious rituals and superstitions have no value in Sikhism.
Sikhs practice various rituals, including baptism (Amrit), marriage (Anand Karaj), and naming of children. Worship consists largely of singing hymns from the sacred scripture. Many rites in Sikhism involve prayer (ardas) or reciting scripture (paath). Some Sikh rites are meant to be practiced in a Gurdwara congregation, while others meditate on the Name of God by reciting His Name (the Magnificent Lord, Waheguru) even while working.
Sikhs do not believe in heaven or hell as an interim or final destination for the soul. Cremation is the preferred method for the body, and ashes can be used for burial. Disciplined life includes early morning bathing and cleansing, meditation on God, and engaging in disciplined practices.
In Sikhism, there are four cardinal sins (Kurahts): cutting hair, adultery, tobacco use, and eating ritually slaughtered food. Sikhs must adhere to these practices to maintain their spirituality and avoid the practices of idol worship and superstitions.
📹 What is Sikhism?
Other photographs are used with permission from the Sikh Coalition. Special thanks to Dr. Jenn Lindsay for video footage from …
What are birth rituals in Sikhism?
Sikhism does not have specific rituals for childbirth, but all family members are encouraged to meditate and pray for the newborn and the mother. The mother may also try meditation during labor and recall verses from the Guru Granth Sahib. This practice is supported by studies from the University of Birmingham, University of Birmingham, and the University of Edinburgh. The mother’s own meditation and recalling of Guru Granth Sahib verses are also encouraged.
Can a Sikh girl cut her hair?
A Sikh is forbidden from trimming their hair, even for occupational purposes, as it is regarded as a symbol of their dedication to their spiritual leader, the Guru.
What to say when a Sikh dies?
In Punjabi, Sikhs express grief through the words Waheguru di marzi (God’s will) and Waheguru ji da bhana mannana (accept God’s will). They also offer prayers for the departed soul, saying Waheguru ji kirpa karaan (May God have mercy). To express condolences, Punjabi phrases include “I am very sorry”, “I am with you in your grief”, and “May God give you strength to bear this loss”. These phrases help convey the deepest condolences and respect for the deceased’s life.
Can a Sikh marry a non Sikh?
Sikhs are permitted to marry individuals who are not Sikhs, provided that they undergo the requisite conversion to Sikhism prior to the marriage ceremony. This stipulation applies to both men and women, as documented in the Sikh Reht Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions).
Do Sikhs bury or burn?
Sikhs believe that the physical body serves no purpose but to house the soul, so cremation is preferred, although burying is also accepted. Headstones and monuments are not allowed, as the soul has already passed into another body through reincarnation. Instead, ashes are scattered over water or a place of significance to commemorate the deceased. Sikh funerals typically begin immediately after death, ideally within three days. Before the service, the body is washed and dressed, and if baptized, the deceased is dressed in their karkars, the five articles of Sikh faith.
Is kissing allowed in Sikhism?
Sikh culture is characterized by a strict adherence to religious and spiritual practices, with males and females generally speaking minimally in public. The norm is to shake hands with the same gender, and the elders are introduced first. In traditional homes, female spouses may not sit down with guests, especially when they are not close relatives or family friends. This behavior is strongly associated with the family’s educational and religious background.
Sikhs are strictly lacto-vegetarians, consuming milk, milk products, vegetables, beans, wheat, and rice. They wash their hands before and after meals, and use spices like red and green chilies, garlic, and turmeric for frying and cooking. Many Sikhs avoid beef due to Hindu influence. Non-initiated Sikhs consume alcoholic drinks, such as butter milk, milky tea with sugar, coffee, and other cold drinks.
Village settlements in Punjab have Sikh Gurdwaras, which are places of worship with a tall flagpole and saffron triangular flag with a Sikh symbol. These Gurdwaras have a community kitchen attached to them, and no meats, fish, or eggs are cooked in them. The main place of worship is where the holy Guru Granth Sahib is placed, ceremonially opened every morning and finished up and discontinued every evening.
There are over 200 historic Sikh Gurdwaras, and the Sikhs have five seats of power: Akal Takhat (Amritsar), Harimandir Sahib (Patna), Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur), Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabon), and Hazoor Sahib (Nanded).
Can Sikhs drink alcohol?
Sikhs are prohibited from consuming foods that are Kosher, Halaal, alcoholic, or otherwise intoxicating, as they are a religious community that adheres to specific rituals and processes for their food and meat.
What are the last rituals of the Sikhs?
The Sikh funeral process involves a series of ceremonies, including the cremation, which includes Shabads, final speeches, Kirtan Sohila, and Ardas. The eldest son or close relative usually initiates the cremation, which usually lasts 30-60 minutes. The ashes are collected and immersed in water, and Sikhs do not erect monuments over the deceased’s remains.
After the cremation, the family may undertake a non-continuous reading of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sahaj Paath), usually taking place on the day of the cremation. This reading, known as the Bhog Ceremony, marks the end of the mourning period and is usually conducted at home or in the Gurdwara. This process is part of the Sikh faith’s commitment to the community and their spiritual beliefs.
What are the main Sikh practices?
The Gurdwara, a significant Sikh place of worship, is open to all, regardless of faith. Sikh practices include prayer, meditation, ceremonies, festivals, and pilgrimage. The Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, is respected and honored. Sikhs believe in dedicating their lives to and following the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. Worship takes various forms, including listening to the Sahib, meditating on God’s name, serving, singing, reciting the Sahib, teaching the Punjabi language, listening to musicians, and learning about the religion.
What are Sikhism rituals?
A Sikh may engage in worship at any time, but prayer times are typically observed before sunrise and sunset, as well as before bedtime. Meditation on the Name of God, reciting the Name Waheguru, is a common practice among Sikhs, even while engaged in work activities.
What is the marriage ritual in Sikhism?
The Sikh marriage ceremony is a distinctive and vibrant ritual where two individuals are joined in a partnership of equals, typically in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, with guests gathered around the couple, comprising both men and women.
📹 Sikhism: History, Traditions and Culture
Story based on the NYPD Sikhism Officers Association and the history, traditions and culture of Sikhism.
As a U.S. citizen, I can say I am fully ashamed of those who’ve attacked the sihk community out of lack of knowledge. I’ve been doing my own research into sihkism for a few weeks before this (out of scholarly curiousity) and this article definitely helps give others a good starting point into the religion 🙂
In an underground Berlin-party in some old abandoned train shed, I had a 4 am discussion (while a touch under the weather) with a Sikh. I am an agnostic computer scientist so I could never understand the bound believer have to their faith, but this guy was so into his religion that it opened my curiosity towards the history and science of religion. Still agnostic but thanks to this guy I grew more open-minded.
All the Sikhs I’ve knowingly met in Britain have been good people. I’m a Neo-Norse pagan, I wouldn’t receive the vocally charged rhetoric I’d get from Christians and Muslims from Sikhs, so I enjoyed socialising with them. They were always very friendly, inclusive and tolerant towards me, exactly my kind of people. As a community of people they can be very pro-active and generous, too. During the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic I know that various Sikh communities were cooking food and going to the hospitals to feed the overwhelmed staff there. I feel much friendship and respect towards them.
Sadly, the Oak Creek tragedy was a dark and frightening experience in my home town. The Sikh members of our community have shown their resilience by maintaining their doors open to all who are willing to enter and learn about their diversity. They are a very generous people who treat all with respect.
My favourite thing about Sikhs that I’ve met (admittedly only a few) and Sikhi in my general perception, is probably the complete lack of “conversion drive” and the general acceptance that we’re all on our own path, and that we can fully embrace the other in their uniqueness. There is very little drive to tell the other: “you’re wrong, and this is why…”. All in all, in today’s modern society, that is probably their greatest credit towards the multicultural society that the world is becoming. It’s perhaps even exemplary.
Wow. Great article. Sadly I learned a lot from it. I say sadly, because despite having grown up with many friends who are Sihk in British Columbia, Canada and now as a college instructor who has had Sihk students I realized – sadly – that I was not better informed about their beliefs, and it’s simple ignorance like that can allow misinformation, intolerance, and even hatred to exist. I guess some of us believe we are being polite by not asking questions like “why do you wear that?” Thank you both for this article.
I am a sikh,.. Hi everyone but to be honest, there are a lot of sikhs who have portrayed the community in a wrong way. I got to know about sikhs who have made a bad image of us.. But with simcere heart, i wanna say that we love ❤ all of you.. We want you to be happy and prosper.. Infact every morning while praying we say.. Sarbatt da bhla.. Let all be happy and prosperous.. Thanks for your time and reading this voew of mine
Well done! Very good intro! More, please! I got intrigued by Sikhi two years ago, and have fallen in love with the philosophy, practice, and people. It is not so much about “converting” as it is about committing to a set of values and attitudes. Because Sikhi involves the worship of truth, there can never be a conflict with science. Basics of Sikhi website is a great place to start!
Great breakdown of Sikhism! I heard in a different article that Sikhs recognized or accepted that the one God was being worshipped in other religions. if true, I think that is a pretty interesting concept. It’s also heartwarming how they opened up their temple after the massacre, showing love for others despite the hate shown to them.
I grew up bi-racial. My father from Punjab / My mother from North Carolina. She taught me to be Christian and my father taught me to be Sikh. I’ve read both the Bible and the Eternal Guru. What stands out to me the most is the “leap” over particulars that (should be) given immense thought over. And it’s this: Each original iconic prophet are either “born from a virgin” or “risen from a body of water vs being dead” and (suddenly) filled with this message vs having to study like all the rest of humanity would have to do following said message. This stands as extremely interesting to me. It’d be wise for any of us to instead study deeper these glossed over incarnations vs the long messages that follow. Given however one became… so to shall the other. And since none of us are from a virgin birth nor rising from a lake after three days… something is missing. It’s this missing detail that I feel is the (real) journey to enlightenment. If only said beings actual stories of transformation were told in detail via the person in question vs “blink of an eye” moments. Like a hidden diary where even their faults were laid bare to be witnessed and how they overcame even the worst of their lives. I feel only then will any teachings truly lead to enlightenment. A third person telling will never account for the actual journey. Though even as I type this it occurs to me this wouldn’t truly be of use either. Given each path per our unique lives will each have a unique key to ones mind and allow growth given pain tends to be align to it’s beholder.
As a kid growing up in Spain i had this muddy understanding, were Sikhs were the muslim looking guys with the turban that werent actually muslim and for some reason were always super nice and chill, i didnt even know about Sikhism as a religion lol i assumed it must be some cultural thing from some country people immigrated from. I would be very proud if i came from a group of people that are universally seen as pretty much all positive atributes.
As an American who grew up in a city with a sizeable Sikh population it truly baffles me how someone can hate them enough to discriminate or persecute them. The Sikhs I grew up with were some of the nicest and most understanding people I knew, and I would even stop by the Gurdwara they had built in town when worship services were being held. I’ve always thought that many religious traditions could stand to learn a thing or two from Sikh religious teachings, especially the notion that there is no single viewpoint of the truth or of existence. I’ve always tried to internalize that belief into my own life and religious practice, and I have also always tried to abide by the teaching of standing up against the persecution of others for similar reasons.
Out of all the teachings about God, creation, life, etc. Shiki makes the most sense to me. It aligns with so many of my personal views and the idea that we are all one is beautiful. Im very interested in learning more. The only issue is that equality within diversity is very important to me, I feel that we as people should all be able to express our unique styles. So the 5 Ks are a little bit off-putting for me personally, altough I understand the meaning behind them. I know they’re not mandatory, but I worry that I wouldn’t be viewed as being as dedicated if I didn’t keep the 5 Ks.
Wonderful article. Thank you. Right from the beginning of my life when during Confirmation, our Minister took us to different churches so we could see that there were many different ways to pray to Creator, I have been interested in all the myriad ways that people pray. I don’t know much about Sikhi but I have always had respect for the people I have seen and met who follow this tradition. to a person they have always been kind and respectful. In Seattle many Sikhi drive cabs in the area and I always feel safe when riding with a Sikh driver and we often have some wonderful conversations. It is always good to find out more about people’s beliefs so we can see the love and humanity within and know we are all people and we all pray our own way to the same God.
As a Christian, I’ve had great conversations and times with Sikhis. The world needs to get it together and let us serve the same God and live in peace and harmony…. And if you understand musical terms, harmony is different notes ringing together that form something beautiful. My Lord Jesus didn’t come to bring a new religion but a reformation…to show us we are all children of God and there’s a lot we can learn from one another. God bless you all!
Ι find Sikhism a very interesting philosophy and spiritual belief. I am a Christian my self. So the way I can view it, is indeed one god exists and the manifestation of these realizations exist in many other dogmas. Christianity is as I understand today centered around the passage of the Messiah in life to death and life again. Christians live life preparing themselves for the global realization of the second coming. This does not strictly speak welcomes detours to other religions from the principle, but it’s also still open for dialogue. Additionally, churches should (theoretically speaking) welcome any man or woman with no critique. Sikhism recognize that the one god has talked in different areas and religions. Why though is narrowing to their own dogma only as well? I have the impression that a Sikh is at the beginning of unraveling the signs of one god. My personal point is why everyone is holding their own umbrella calling it as it is the best or the right one. Either we believe there is overlap since there is one god or we don’t. Then there is our personal god and not a universal one. I believe the overlap of all people could be a way to come closer to one true god. As a spiritual and philosophical way… anyway, just a clumsy thought.
The north west of England has always been fairly diverse, in terms of ethnicity and religion. For example, the part of Salford I grew up in is home to the largest population of orthodox Jews in the UK (if not Europe). So growing up, we had several Sikhs in our class. It wasn’t until later that I discovered Sikhism was actually fairly niche, as far as the major religions go, and that growing up with Sikhs is the exception rather than the norm. A shame, as they’re a great bunch. Good values.
Thank you! It’s easy enough to find information about the history and official tenets of a religion, and that’s what most articles about religions present. But what I’m really interested in is knowing how ordinary people interpret their faith, and about the diversity of beliefs in each religion. That’s not the sort of thing you can just look up in Wikipedia, but your article gave me a “taste” of exactly the kinds of things I’m eager to learn.
Thanks very much for this great article. I live in British Columbia, Canada, and we have a very large Sikh community here. I’m interested in having a more academic understanding of the religion. I’ve been to a gurdwara a few times, including my closest friend’s wedding. He is Hindu, and his wife is Sikh. As a side note, I wanted to thank you for your work on the Nag Hammadi, which is my particular interest, and its relationship to a non-dualistic practice called A Course In Miracles.
I’ve only met a few Sikhis over the years, one being a friend at school, all very nice. And just at a surface level, I really like the style and the core beliefs are pretty good. Also, my favorite Indian restaurant is owned by a Sikh couple and is really good. Part of it is because it’s the only Indian restaurant around that has beef dishes.
I am an Indian and even I didn’t know that Sikhism is different religion from Hinduism for larger part of my life…….Actually lot of Hindus have converted to sikhism in 18th century and therefore their practices and theologies are very similar to Hinduism and many of them visit Hindu temples as part of religion.
9:37 I always find it strange whenever percentages are used, especially when it’s 200% or above. When the number of incidents are in the single digits, even a minor amount of increased cases could easily get you above 200% increase. To get 243% increase, you take 7 incidents and go up to 24 incidents (which should actually be 186% because 2017 had 20 incidents, not 24). If you look at the same years, Jews had a 37% increase, but that’s an increase of 254 incidents more than the previous year.
yeah zero mention of this religion, or cultural history in my 12 years of public school in America. (Even in a diverse school in a liberal coastal state.) I think educators are too nervous about awkward topics like religious diversity to address religion in social studies or history curriculums. pretty absurd since religious ideologies are STILL one of the most pervasive, influential elements that shape societies, and continue to guide and divide the majority of people on the planet. But the only one I was taught anything about for my first 20 years was my own, on Sundays. (and now I’ve learned enough to renounce that one.)
Kudos and thanks to correct that it is “Sikhi” not “Sikhism”. It is good to see have a faith follower/member as Co-author or it will be so biased and misplaced. Why westerners add “ism” after Indian faiths like Hindu, Sikh, Jain. Buddh… Why no one says “Islamism” or “Christianism” ??? Their understanding and grasp of Indian faiths/beliefs is through the prism of Abrahamic religions and hence, totally misplaced at times. Keep up the good work. Loved it.
I’m surprised the Singh got quite a lot wrong. The Kirpan IS a weapon designed for purpose, not just a reminder. Being armed is an extremely important duty for an Amritdhari Sikh to protect themselves and others. Sikhs also generally do woshrip Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This is because the Guru’s words (Gurbani) literally IS the Guru, and the Guru is one with and a part of God Himself. Any Gurbani in any form is deeply revered and all Gurbani together, as collected within Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is worshopped. Sikhs aren’t worshipping the book, the paper. But the actual words of God. Gurbani literally says Gurbani IS the Guru and the Guru is God. I mean no attack or disrespect on any of the members in this article, and will happily answer any questions in the replies to this comment, to the best of my capability, or I will point you to a more reputable source. Please forgive me for any mistakes. Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh.
“Chardi Kala” is a bit more than eternal optimism. It translates to “soaring spirit” meaning to rise above every circumstance and be eternally thankful for the good and bad as all God’s blessings to shape us as humans touched by the Divine. That’s why Sikhs have been called the happiest people on Earth, because they are trained to be unflappable and give thanks.
Guru Nanak was not found for 3 days when he went to a morning bath in Veyi river, it does not mean he was there inside for 3 days. Sikhs is anti-ritualistic and the Amrit ritual is not a ritual, its correct name is “Pahul sandbar” or “Khande di Pahul”. It is more like a ceremony and the 5 kakkar are a uniform of the the khalsa Army, with kirpan being an ‘Insignia’. Though, the commitment part is correct and amrit in sikhi is actually the “Gurbani”. That is the writings of the guru in Guru Granth sahib.
Sikhism has a high profile in Canada. Despite composing only 1.4% of the country’s population, Sikhs are prominent in politics, fielding numerous members of Parliament, and several cabinet ministers, including the Minister of Defence. They have served with notable distinction in the Armed Forces and the RCMP. Sikhs first arrived on the country’s west coast in 1897, and in the Vancouver area they sort of have the same cultural/historical cachet that the Irish have in Boston. They are certainly not “obscure” in this country, and few people would confuse them with Hindus or Muslims.
Sikhism is a good example of the Founded Religions’ paradox. Asserting or claiming universal truth and values in the foreground, the concrete result in the deeper background is the formation of an ethnically hard-identity group which survives in competition with other groups through a myriad of practices that are highly particular, in the Sikh case, Punjabis.
I haven’t had many interactions with the Sikh, but all those I have met seemed to be upstanding people. I even stumbled across a Sergeant Major in the army who was one. It was a bit odd seeing him wearing a turban in the old class a “pickle suit” dress uniform, but it was certainly more stylish than the garrison cap I was wearing. Lol.
i forgot about these guys, i heard about them years ago and heard nothing but good thing. Things like they were extremely selfless people annd would give you the shirt off their own back. Years went on and i kind of forgot about them and put them under the same umbrella as muslims or even “terrorists” (not calling muslims terrorists) anyway ive re awoken and realized they are good blokes. Im gonna start smiling instead of snarling. Not that i really snarled but you know what i mean.. random comment just thought id leave it here lol…. one love
Incidentally, the Sikhs here in the land of Nnaalubaale (Uganda), have told us that one of their original Prophets came from here, and they wanted to build a Temple at one of our sacred hills in His honor. The Kingdom of Buganda declined, but allowed Sikhs to do pilgrimages to the site whenever they want.
Legend says when guru Nanak died, his devotees were fighting over his remains. Muslim ones said he was Muslim(some still believe he was a Muslim Sufi), so they will bury him. What became Sikhs, said they will cremate him instead. In the midst of the scuffle, someone lifted the sheet from the remains. And everyone saw there were no remains, but just a big pile of roses. Muslims took half and buried them, and who became Sikhs took the other half and cremated them. Kinda cool tale, no? Showcases the kinda world Sikhism took root in.
One of the classic statements you will hear From the Average Indian is that they will say ….. “Guru Nanak was a Hindu “because he was Born into a Hindu family…. So by the same token ….. All Christians are therefore Jews right ?! because ….. 1) Christ was born into a Jewish family 2) He was known as the King of the Jews 3) He was known as the Rabbi who delivered the sermon on the Mount. Makes no logical sense ! That coming from a faith that believes in Karma. A Christian would be extremely offended if they were told they were actually a Jew, likewise a Sikh if told they are Hindu. Additionally my Hindu brothers….. How many Hindus do you know that have been to Mecca ?!?
WaheGuru Jee !! There are many things you all are going to learn when dig more into Sikhism . 4 Yug ( Era) where different Messengers of God Came down to earth . Now, everyone are gonna get surprised that The Gurus of 3 yugs ( Era) bow down towards “”Guru Granth Sahib Jee”” and they have got full beard and moustache . Many things are to be learnt regarding Human beings who got this body by One God . Guru Granth Sahib itself is a reflection of God . The more you read and gain knowledge the more you Are gonna know about “One God ” . Thanks.
Sikhi had an indirect impact on the English-speaking world through the Boy Scout movement. Baden-Powell thought that persecution was character-building, so his boys had to wear distinctive head gear, together with a kerchief, woggle and shorts in an era when boys got into long trousers as soon as they could.
That word again is community. Its good to be a part of a people who believe the same thing, but when it is all about that there are major spiritual problems. The true spiritual relationship with God is consistent belief and engagement with God. This is not just prayer or doing certain things, it is a functioning a s apart of the spiritual world even though we only we the natural world.
It is a shame that a popular misconception of Sikhi was featured and not clarified. The notion that Guru Nank vanished out of thin air for a few days is inconsistent with teachings of Sikhi. Is it possible he “disappeared” for three days? Of course, but he did not just get teleported to somewhere else and that must be clarified. He most likely walked away from the bathing area.
Sikh ek akela aisa religion hai jisme har roz gurudwara me logon ko khana dete hai, which helps most of the poors, and also they believe in Seva, unlike we hindus, jo prasad ka bhi keemat lagata hai and thinks ki pujariyon ko paise dekar hawan karvakar ya ganga me dubki lagakar apna paap dho sakte hai. Mujh jaisi laakhon hindu ladkiyan hindu ladkon ke beech rehna utna safe nahi samajhti jitna hazaaron Sardaaron ke beech safe feel karti hai. South Indian Hindu hoon, par main har Sunday Gurudwara jana pasand karti hoon. Mere ghar me meri family bhi Sikhism ki bahut izzat karte hai. Long live Sikhism. ❤
Sikhism seems to vary similar to Islam. The good parts of Islam anyway, without all the bad crazy stuff Islam teaches. This is something I have struggled with. I could never relate to Christianity at all. Something about it just seems so off about it. I have been to churchs before but could never really ‘connect’ with it. I have been to a Mosque and actually prefered the rituals and the way in which Muslims preyed there over going to church, and the sermans don’t feel overly long like at church either. I prefer the theology of Islam and the way they prey and worship much more than that of Christianity. However, it is also muddled with so many teachings that I really don’t like (to put it politely). I think Islam has a vary sound and consistent theology, but I think its teachings are a bit to ‘totalitarian’ and overwhelming for me. I don’t know of Sikihism is like this, but it seems to have what I like about Islam based on this article anyway.
kesh is not one of the 5 k’s its keski kara kirpan kachera and kanga.. this article just shares the mainstream things known about sikhs… talks nothing about what its actually about.. sikhi is different then all other religions because it promises “heaven/enlightenment/sachkand” while your alive not after death.. while other religions say do this this this and when you die you will go to heaven.. the guru granth sahib ji the 11th guru tells you in the scriptures what to do to become a super human while your alive how to unlock 100% of your brain not after death. khalsa meaning saint soldier.. the guru granth sahib ji molds you into an enlightened spirtual warrior capable of doing the impossible.. how many actually achieve this? even from the 20 million so called “sikhs” a mere less then 1 percent actually follow true sikhi.
I do believe in devine appointments. I believe there is one God. I believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ. I believe that this is God’s plan of salvation since the beginning of time. I was prayed over to be a prayer warrior and healer. I stand in the gap everyday praying for devine appointments for every man, woman and child on this planet. I pray that this prayer will go on after I’m dead and until Jesus returns. I believe all religions that recognize God as their Father and Creator have a chance. I worry about atheists. When they die, and when we all die, we will know the truth. And hopefully all of us will be free. I believe He will travel down every road to reach us. He made us, loves us and wants us with Him for all eternity. He doesn’t want robots but those who will love Him freely and forever.
As a fellow historian, these Indian religions branched off from the oldest religion (Hinduism) are quite interesting tbh. I was shocked and simultaneously happy seeing so many Hindu followers worshipping in the Golden temple when I travelled to India. I always saw them even in Guru dwaras too. I think Sikhism is very close to Hinduism considering Guru Nanak, Guru Angad and Guru Amardass etc belonged to Hindu families. From names like Ram and Krishna in Holy Guru Granth Sahib and various other Granths or be it Mata Chandi engraved on Guru Hargobind’s sword or Hindu-Sikh names, festivals…they are all so intertwined. Many Hindu families in India’s Punjab actually have their older son as Sikh. Whenever I asked about Sikh Gurus to Hindu Pundits or Hindu followers in general, they would always immediately fold their hands and do a Namaskar gesture. From an Abrahamic faith perspective, this was quite interesting. I guess no matter how Britishers or Politicians or my fellow Pakistani Historians here in London try to distort the Hindu-Sikh history but their blood bond is clearly visible and undeniable. Their religions are different but the underlying relation is right there in your face. It was truly a mesmerizing experience learning about Sikhism and Hinduism and their combined struggle against Moghuls. Cheers 🥂
@ReligionForBreakFast Thanks for the article. You are somewhat wrong about “religions being internally diverse”. The Catholic Church has only ONE set of doctrines world-wide for all time. It is not subjective. There is canon-law and an authoritative body to adjudicate it. If you try to teach something contrary to the universal (Catholic) doctrine, you could/should be excommunicated.
I am a Christian. I have a thought. What is the abrahamic god and the Sikhism god. Perhaps they are the same god. The religions are fairly similar. Both believe that the gods are the without beginnings nor end, both have an emphasis on a abstinence, both have a story or emphasis on not cutting their hair, and both are ” generally” monotheistic.
2 Questions only for Sikhi? 1 where was Guru Nanak to save Humanity before 500 years ago and what happened to those who lived and died before him do they go to heaven too even though they weren’t Sikhi? 2 why none of the 10 or 11 gurus weren’t Chinese, European, American, African, other parts of Asia or Russian to Save everyone and all people around the world, Why they were only Punjabis or came from a part of India called Punjab? If these Sikhi are so virtuous and pure then why there are so much corruption and stealing Money and extra or no Brotherhood or sisterhood in Gurudwara ??
I think it’s a mistake to consider this specific form of racism uniquely American. This is after all Britain favourite kind of racism and I’d be rather surprised to hear that French racists have a nuanced understanding of religious and ethnic diversity. The glaring racism of American is well highlighted and often by outsiders who remain oddly quiet about their own country’s ugly history, Canadians for example.