Sikhs are adherents of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of South Asia in the late 15th century. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who is considered the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. The word "Sikh" means "disciple" or "learner" in Punjabi, reflecting the emphasis on lifelong learning and spiritual growth within the faith.
Central to Sikhism is the belief in one God, known as Waheguru, who is formless, timeless, and omnipresent. Sikhs believe in the concept of Ik Onkar, meaning "One Creator," which signifies the unity of God and the interconnectedness of all creation.
Sikhism rejects the caste system and emphasizes the equality of all human beings regardless of gender, race, or social status. This principle is symbolized by the institution of the langar, a community kitchen where free meals are served to all, irrespective of background, as a demonstration of equality and compassion.
The Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, is considered the eternal Guru and serves as the spiritual guide for Sikhs. It contains the writings of the Sikh Gurus, as well as compositions by Hindu and Muslim saints whose teachings align with Sikh philosophy.
Sikhs are identifiable by their distinct appearance, which often includes uncut hair covered by a turban (dastar), a symbol of respect and spirituality; a wooden comb (kanga) to maintain the hair; a steel bracelet (kara) representing the eternal nature of God; cotton undergarments (kachera) symbolizing modesty and purity; and a ceremonial sword (kirpan) symbolizing the Sikh commitment to justice and defense of the oppressed.
Key principles of Sikhism include Naam Simran (meditation on the divine name), Seva (selfless service), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). Sikhs strive to live a life of honesty, humility, and compassion while actively engaging in community service and social justice initiatives.
Sikhism teaches the importance of living a disciplined and righteous life while remaining detached from materialism and ego. Sikhs aim to cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony while actively contributing to the welfare of society.
Today, Sikhs can be found in many parts of the world, with significant populations in India, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. They continue to uphold the teachings of their Gurus, striving to live meaningful lives guided by the principles of Sikhism.
