Religion
Sikhism
The Guru Granth Sahib teaches devotion to one God, equality, honest work, sharing, and service. (Guru Granth Sahib, Mool Mantar; p. 1)
01
Identity Card
- Name and etymology
- "Sikh" — Punjabi for "disciple" or "learner."
- Type
- Monotheistic Dharmic religion.
- Founder or origin
- Guru Nanak (1469–1539), followed by nine successor Gurus.
- Date and place
- 15th century CE, Punjab region (modern India/Pakistan).
- Adherents
- ~30 million; majority in Indian Punjab and diaspora.
02
Source of Authority
- Primary scripture
- Guru Granth Sahib — eternal living Guru since 1708.
- Source of truth
- Divine word (Shabad) revealed through the Gurus.
- Authority structure
- Granthis read scripture; community decisions via Sangat; no clergy.
03
Core Beliefs
- Core idea
- The Sikh scripture opens with Ik Onkar: there is one God. It also emphasizes truthful living and remembrance of God. (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1; p. 62)
- View of God or ultimate reality
- The Guru Granth Sahib describes God as one, formless, timeless, and present everywhere. (Guru Granth Sahib, Mool Mantar; p. 1)
- View of humanity
- Sikh scripture teaches the same divine light is in all people, supporting human equality. (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1349)
- View of the world
- Real but transient; arena for spiritual growth.
04
Practical Implications
- Purpose of life
- Sikh teaching calls people to remember God, live truthfully, and serve others. (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1; p. 26)
- Ethics
- Sikh ethics emphasize remembrance of God, honest work, sharing with others, humility, and service. (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1245)
- Afterlife
- Sikh scripture speaks of liberation from ego and rebirth through union with God. (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 2; p. 78)
- Key practices
- Daily prayer, langar (community meal), Five Ks (articles of faith).
05
Comparative Lenses
- Main branches
- Khalsa (initiated); various sects (Nirankari, Namdhari).
- Relationship to others
- Recognizes one universal God across traditions.
- Common critiques
- Identity politics, debates within diaspora communities.
- Modern adaptations
- Strong diaspora institutions; humanitarian work globally.
Simple educational summaries. For religions, claims are attributed to scripture or major source texts where possible; where no scripture exists, wording describes what followers/supporters generally hold. References are starting points, not exhaustive academic citations.