Sikhism

Sikhism, also known as Sikhi, is an Indian religion and philosophical tradition that emerged in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent during the late fifteenth century CE. It is among the youngest of the major world religions and today commands a global following of approximately twenty-five to thirty million adherents. The faith originated in response to the socio-religious climate of medieval northern India and developed through the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak and his nine successors. With the elevation of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal guru by Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh community came to regard its scripture as the final and living spiritual authority. Sikhism is rooted in principles of monotheism, equality, truthful living, service, and devotion, and rejects the notion that any single tradition possesses a monopoly on spiritual truth.

Historical Origins and Development

The foundations of Sikhism are closely associated with the life and teachings of Guru Nanak (1469–1539). Born during a period marked by social stratification and religious tensions, Guru Nanak advocated a universalistic message emphasising the oneness of God, the equality of all human beings, and the futility of ritualistic practices devoid of moral substance. He travelled extensively across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, engaging in dialogues with people of diverse faiths and backgrounds, thereby shaping a spiritual movement grounded in ethical living and divine remembrance.
After Guru Nanak, leadership of the faith passed through nine successive human gurus. During this period, Sikhism consolidated its religious, linguistic, and institutional foundations. Guru Angad formalised the Gurmukhi script, which later became the principal medium for Sikh scripture. Guru Amar Das and Guru Ram Das expanded the community’s organisational structure, while Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth, the earliest version of the Sikh scripture.
The Sikh community faced sustained persecution during the Mughal era. Guru Arjan was executed in 1606, marking a significant turning point that contributed to the militarisation of the Sikh Panth. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution in 1675, following his resistance to forced conversions, further solidified Sikh commitment to the defence of religious liberty. Under Guru Gobind Singh, the Khalsa was inaugurated in 1699 as a collective order dedicated to both spiritual discipline and the protection of justice. Guru Gobind Singh later appointed the Guru Granth Sahib as his successor, ending the line of human gurus and establishing the scripture as the eternal guide for Sikhs.

Core Beliefs and Doctrinal Foundations

Sikh philosophy is grounded in the belief in a singular, formless, timeless and omnipresent God. This divine reality is captured in the foundational phrase Ik Onkar, signifying the unity of creation and its creator. God is referred to as Waheguru, understood as the supreme, all-pervading spirit. The Sikh conception of God holds both monotheistic and panentheistic dimensions, portraying the divine as simultaneously beyond form yet present within all existence.
Sikh teachings emphasise that spiritual realisation is attainable through meditation on the divine name (Naam Japna), ethical conduct, and the cultivation of humility. The Mul Mantar, the opening verse of the Guru Granth Sahib, encapsulates the essential attributes of the divine and serves as the theological cornerstone of the tradition.
The gurus interpreted the world not as an illusion of existence but as a domain overshadowed by misguided values. The concept of maya refers to the transient nature of worldly attachments, which can hinder spiritual growth when pursued without discernment. Closely related are the “Five Thieves”—kam (lust), krodh (anger), lobh (greed), moh (attachment), and ahankar (ego)—which are believed to obstruct the individual’s capacity to connect with the divine.
Sikhs believe in the principles of karma and reincarnation, shared with other Indian traditions. However, liberation (mukti) is understood not as escape to a distant realm but as a state of union with the divine while still living—jivanmukta. This liberation is achieved through God’s grace, moral living, and continuous remembrance of the divine presence.

Scripture, Language, and Religious Expression

The Guru Granth Sahib is the central scripture of Sikhism and the eternal guru. Composed in a variety of languages and poetic metres, it includes hymns written by the Sikh gurus as well as compositions by saints from diverse traditions. The scripture’s canon was finalised by Guru Gobind Singh. Its lyrical and devotional format lends itself to kirtan, the musical recitation of hymns, which remains a central component of Sikh worship.
Gurmukhi, the script standardised by Guru Angad, became the primary scriptural and liturgical medium of the Sikh tradition. It enabled the consolidation of Sikh identity and facilitated access to scripture for the wider community.
Sikhs emphasise devotional remembrance through simran and communal engagement in sadh sangat, the company of spiritually inclined individuals. Participation in congregational worship, listening to scripture, and engaging in devotional singing are considered essential for spiritual development.

Identity, Symbols, and Community

Sikh identity is shaped by both spiritual principles and outward symbols. Baptised Sikhs, known as Amritdhari, belong to the Khalsa order and are required to maintain the Five Ks:

• Kesh – uncut hair, symbolising acceptance of divine will.
• Kangha – a wooden comb representing cleanliness and order.
• Kara – an iron bracelet indicating restraint and connection to the community.
• Kachera – a specific style of cotton undergarment associated with moral discipline.
• Kirpan – a ceremonial sword symbolising the duty to uphold justice.

Together, these articles represent a commitment to spiritual discipline and moral courage. The dastar (turban), commonly worn by Sikh men and increasingly by Sikh women, serves as a marker of dignity and identity.
Service to humanity (seva) is a central pillar of Sikh practice. This is prominently expressed through langar, the community kitchen established by Guru Nanak and institutionalised by his successors. Langar provides free meals to all individuals irrespective of religion, caste, gender, or social status, embodying Sikh principles of equality and hospitality.

Social Philosophy, Ethics, and Worldview

Sikh teachings advocate a balanced life integrating spiritual awareness with ethical responsibility. Guru Nanak emphasised “truthful living” as superior to the mere recitation of truths. The Sikh worldview rejects asceticism, advocating instead active participation in society through honest labour (kirat karo), sharing resources (vand chakko), and devotion to God.
Sikhism strongly upholds social equality and rejects caste distinctions. Its egalitarian ethos is reflected in community practices such as sitting together in the langar hall and collective participation in worship. The Khalsa’s formation further contributed to a sense of collective identity, moral duty, and commitment to justice.
The Sikh understanding of time situates the world within the age of darkness (Kali Yuga), a period characterised by materialism and moral decline. However, spiritual liberation remains attainable through divine grace and disciplined practice.

Significance and Contemporary Perspectives

Over centuries, Sikhism developed not only as a religious tradition but also as a distinctive cultural and social identity shaped by shared memories of martyrdom, resistance, and community resilience. Its teachings have influenced political, social, and cultural movements within and beyond South Asia. The faith’s emphasis on equality, service, and moral responsibility continues to resonate globally, particularly within diasporic communities.