Sikh

Sikh is a term used to refer to an adherent of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, under the divine teachings of Guru Nanak and ten successive Sikh Gurus (the last one being the sacred text Guru Granth Sahib). It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with approximately 30 million adherents. Sikhism is based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak, the first Guru, and the ten successive Sikh gurus.

History[edit | edit source]

Sikhism was founded in the Punjab region in India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak and is distinct from Islam and Hinduism. Sikhism rejects claims that any particular religious tradition has a monopoly on Absolute Truth.

Beliefs[edit | edit source]

The core beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib, include faith and meditation on the name of the one creator, divine unity and equality of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for the benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder's life.

Practices[edit | edit source]

Sikh practices are simple, precise and practical guidelines laid out by the Gurus for the practice of the "Sikh way of life". The Gurus emphasise that a Sikh should lead a disciplined life engaged in Naam Simran, meditation on God's name, Kirat Karni, living an honest life of a householder, and Wand kay Shako, sharing what one has with the community.

Symbols[edit | edit source]

The most significant symbol in Sikhism is the Khanda, which is a double-edged sword flanked by two daggers (representing worldly and spiritual powers, bound by the oneness of God). The Khanda represents the fundamental tenet of Sikhism – the belief in the oneness of God.

Sikh Diaspora[edit | edit source]

The Sikh diaspora is the dispersion of Sikhs throughout the world. After the Partition of India in 1947, many Sikhs migrated from the Punjab region to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, creating a significant Sikh community in these countries.