Sikhism

Tracing its origins to about 500 years back considered to be of one of the youngest religions of the world, Sikhism preaches the message of the unity of mankind, the one that views every religion, every faith in equal light as the mool mantra “Ek Onkar” goes – literally meaning “we are all one, created by the One Creator of all Creation”, thus upholding the ideals of brotherhood, equality, honest & simple living & service to mankind, among others…

It is one faith that follows monotheistic beliefs, having denounced superstition & unreasonable rituals & encouraged the values of oneness & love at a time when the land was being torn apart by sectarianism, religious factions, and fanaticism of the sorts, encouraging a life of spirituality & service challenging the existing systems of social inequalities.

Sikhism moralizes the teachings of the 10 Gurus that led denote the line of authority that came to lead the Sikh community – known as “Gurmat” or the Sikh Dharma, the founder being Guru Nanak Dev Ji & the last of the Gurus, Guru Gobind Singh Ji having passed on the leadership to the authority of the Guru Granth Sahib – the religious scripture or rather the scriptural canon enshrining the teachings of the 10 Gurus & the Guru Khalsa Panth - the community of the initiated Sikhs as revered by the people to lead the community throughout.

The markers of Sikhism include

• The founder, as aforementioned, being Guru Nanak Dev Ji who can be considered the prophet along with the other 9 gurus
• The principal scripture being the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs & their living Guru, primarily comprised of the writings composed by the Gurus.
• The discipline & religious ceremonies known as “Rahit”
• Their religious & community centres being the Gurudwaras

With over 27 million followers throughout the world to this day, Sikhism has come to form the fifth largest organised religion across the globe.