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Sikhism, founded in the 15th century in the Indian subcontinent, is a vibrant monotheistic religion that emphasizes devotion to one God, equality among all human beings, and selfless service to others. With over 25 million followers worldwide, Sikhs form a dynamic and diverse community committed to living according to the teachings of their faith.
Historical Background
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, a spiritual teacher born in 1469 in present-day Pakistan. Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasized the importance of devotion to God (Waheguru), social equality, and compassion for all beings. Over the subsequent centuries, nine successive Gurus further developed Sikh doctrine and established the foundations of Sikh community life.
Core Beliefs
At the heart of Sikhism are three fundamental principles: Naam Japna (meditating on the divine name), Kirat Karni (earning an honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). Sikhs believe in the unity of God, rejecting idol worship and emphasizing a direct and personal relationship with the divine. Central to Sikh worship is the recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, which is considered the eternal Guru by Sikhs.
