Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!

Sikhism101.com is a website dedicated to provide information for Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike giving an introduction to the principles of the Sikh faith. The question & answer section ranges from general questions about the Sikh faith, Sikh history, questions posed by other faiths and modern issues.

The unique feature of this site is its question and answer data base which contains many frequently asked questions on various subjects. We hope to continuously expand the question & answer database with more topics which will help answer the questions seekers have on the Sikh faith and particularly the Sikh youth.

Introduction to Sikhi

Sikhs are a people sharing common religious, social and political institutions. 26 million people worldwide identify or associate themselves with the Sikh faith that is called "Sikhi" (pronounced "Sikhee") and is most commonly known as "Sikhism" by Western academics. Sikhi, the youngest of the world religions, is barely five hundred years old with Sikhs of different cultural backgrounds living across the globe. Sikhi is a monotheistic faith and stresses the equality of all men and women.

The Sikh religion was founded by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji (1469 – 1539), and shaped by his nine successors in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in South Asia. Guru Nanak infused his own Spirit & consciousness into a disciple, who then became Guru, subsequently passing the light on to the next, and so on. The word "Guru" is derived from the root words "Gu", which means darkness or ignorance, and "Ru", which means light or knowledge The Guru is the experience of Truth (God). Guru Nanak spread a simple message of "Ek Oankaar": we are all one, created by the One Creator of all Creation. This was at a time when India was being torn apart by castes, sectarianism, religious factions, and fanaticism. Sikhi is not a sect of Hinduism or Islam, or synthesis of these two faiths. The Gurus opposed superstition, injustice, hypocrisy and inspired seekers by singing divine songs which touched the hearts of the most callous listeners.

The word “Sikh” means learner, seeker or disciple of the True Perfect Guru. A Sikh is a person whose sole faith consists of the belief in One God and who follows the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh's Sacred Scripture revered as the revealed Living Word of God), the present and eternal Guru of Sikhs. To read and explore the treasures contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, please visit www.SriGranth.org.

Three basic principles

(1) Meditating and living in the remembrance of God
(2) Earning a living by honest means
(3) Sharing the fruits of one’s labour with others.

Sikhi rejects caste and class systems and emphasizes service to humanity. The Sikhs link themselves to the Guru, the Divine Enlightener, in whom the Light of God shines fully, visibly and completely. The Guru is in union with Divine and thus, ushers the devotee, the seeker of Truth, into a spiritual birth. Through the True Guru the Glory of God is transmitted to humanity. Through the Sacred Words and living example, the Guru demonstrates to followers how to experience God within themselves and live in harmony with God's Will.

Sikhs wear a turban and keep unshorn hair as a mandatory part of their religion. Although the Sikh Path is the perfect, complete and balanced way of life that leads to experiencing the Divine whilst alive, Sikhi recognizes the universal truths that underlie all human endeavours, religions and belief systems. The universal nature of the Sikh way of life reaches out to people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds, encouraging us to see beyond our differences and to work together for world peace and harmony.

There's never an end to gain knowledge, and new to learn every moment. Check out the frequently asked questions section to tackle with your doubts about Sikhi and it's principles! In any unexpected situation, there's a contact form for you to reach us!

About

Sikhism101 is part of the "Panthic Network", which is purely a group of volunteers of Gurmat-oriented services, organizations and individuals from around the world. The sevadaars of the Panthic Network are committed to following and propagating Pure Gurmat (Tat Gurmat) and the Panthic Sikh Rehit Maryada sanctioned by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. All the services provided by the Network for the worldwide Sangat is free of any costs.

The questions and answers on Sikhism101.com are largely taken from late Bhai Gobind Singh Mansukhani's "Sikh Question & Answers" which has been adapted and expanded on. All answers and information provided is in line with the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, The Sacred Hymns Of The Tenth Guru, Bhai Gurdaas Ji's Vaars and Bhai Nand Lal Singh's writings as in accordance to Guru Maryada.