1. Sikhism emerged at the turn of the 16th century AD in Punjab, a region now split between India and Pakistan. Today it is the fifth largest religion in the world.
  2. Guru Nanak (1469-1539 AD), the founder of Sikhism, was born in a Hindu family. His idea of God was deeply influenced by the theology of his Muslim tutor.
  3. Nanak received a revelation from God that said, “There is neither Hindu, nor Muslim.” Those who followed his teachings came to be known as sikhs (learners/disciples).
  4. After Guru Nanak, the Sikhs had nine more Gurus. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, appointed the Sikh Scripture Adi Granth as the final and the eternal Guru. It is now known as Guru Granth Sahib.
  5. An 'initiated' Sikh male wears a designated attire, which can be best described as half-Muslim (i.e. the turban on his head) and half-Hindu (i.e. the tunic of a sadhu). It is identified by the 5 Ks:
    • Kesh or hair: The hair and the beard are uncut and are tucked inside the Turban.
    • Kansha or comb: To groom the hair and the beard.
    • Kirpan or sword: A small dagger used for self-defense.
    • Karha or bracelet: Worn on the right hand like a military dog tag.
    • Kacha or long shorts: The undergarment used by soldiers.
  6. The theology of Sikhism is shaped by the strict monotheistic doctrine of Islam while its cosmology is grounded on the Hindu belief in reincarnation.
  7. The God of Sikhism has no name: He is addressed as Sat nam or True Name, and is also described as Sat Guru (True Guru), Wah Guru (Wonderful Guru), Ek Omkar (One Om) and so on.
  8. The Sat Guru is the divine being who created the world. He is also the giver of peace and the hope of purification from all our sins. In Christianity, Jesus is the creator of the world sent by God to reveal His true nature to humanity. He brings peace and reconciliation between God and humans by redeeming the world from its sinful nature.
  9. A Sikh temple is called Gurdwara (House of the Guru). The Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab, India) is the religious center of Sikhism.
  10. Sikhs do not have official clergy. Both men and women have equal rights to perform all aspects of the religious service.
  11. An important part of the service is langar—a community kitchen that serves meals for everyone.
  12. The Sikh Scripture 'Guru Granth Sahib' is literally the current Guru of Sikhism. It is a compilation of devotional hymns written by many authors including some non-Sikhs.
  13. The Sikhs treat their scripture as a living person and use a personal title (sahib) to address it.
  14. The Guru Granth Sahib is usually carried on devotee’s head, and rested under a canopy. When it is being read, a chauri (whisk) is waved over it like a fan. It can be consulted only during the day. By the end of the day, it is put to rest in a special bedroom, like any other member of the family.
  15. Most Sikhs would consider Jesus a sant (saint) — a human who achieved enlightenment through intense devotion to God. A few may regard him as a Guru on par with the ten Gurus of Sikhism.
  16. Sikhs' understanding of their Scripture is analogous to the Christian belief of the Word (logos) becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
  17. In Sikhism, God (Ek Omkar) makes Himself known through His shabad (Word). The Word is revered as the last and the final Guru, treated as a living person, and addressed as sahib (the Lord). In Christianity, God reveals Himself through the Word, which became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, and now lives among us as the Lord.

  1. Why are the Sikhs wrongly associated with Islamic terrorism?
  2. What is the name of God in Sikhism? How is it different from that of other religions?
  3. Why do the Sikhs treat their sacred scripture as a living entity?
  4. Why is Sikhism considered as a "hybrid" religion?
  5. How is the doctrine of reincarnation in Sikhism different from that of the same in Hinduism and Buddhism?

  1. Browse through a Sikh hymnal and mark the lyrics that describe s love and grace. How are these verses similar to / different from that of Christian hymns?
  2. Visit a Gurdwara and observe the worship service. How is this experience different from visiting a church, a temple or a mosque? What is the focal point of the service? Why?

  1. Browse through a Sikh hymnal and mark the lyrics that describe s love and grace. How are these verses similar to / different from that of Christian hymns?
  2. Visit a Gurdwara and observe the worship service. How is this experience different from visiting a church, a temple or a mosque? What is the focal point of the service? Why?

  1. The Word Becomes the Lord
    Chapter 4, The Unknown God