Sikhism
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak around 500 years ago in a place called the Punjab. This is an area which spans part of India and Pakistan in South Asia today.
There are over 520,000 people in the UK who identify as a Sikh.
What do Sikhs believe?
Sikhs believe in one God who guides and protects them. They believe everyone is equal before God. Sikhs believe that your actions are important and you should lead a good life. They believe the way to do this is:
- Keep God in your heart and mind at all times
- Live honestly and work hard
- Treat everyone equally
- Be generous to those less fortunate than you
- Serve others
Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism. Guru means ‘Teacher’.
Sikhism is still based on his teachings and those of the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him.
The Five Ks
The Sikh community of men and women is known as the Khalsa which means the 'Community of the Pure'.
In order to become a Sikh and join the Khalsa, people need to follow the Five Ks.
- Kesh: Uncut hair as a mark of holiness and submission to God's will
- Kirpan: A steel sword, for protection.
- Kara: A steel bracelet as a reminder that they are connected to God.
- Kanga: A small wooden comb in the hair as a sign of cleanliness.
- Kachera: Short cotton underwear, more practical for daily life than the traditional dhoti worn in India.
What is the Sikh holy book?
The Sikh holy book is called the Guru Granth Sahib. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, said that after him there would be no other living gurus. Instead, Sikhs could look at their holy book for guidance. This is why Sikhs call their holy book a Guru.
The Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of lessons from the ten gurus as well as Sikh, Hindu and Muslim saints. It is written in Punjabi and is greatly respected by all Sikhs as the living word of God. It is kept on a raised platform under a canopy in the Sikh place of worship. All Sikhs take off their shoes when they are near it.
Where do Sikhs worship?
The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara which means 'Gateway to the Guru'. A Gurdwara is any building where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept.
In the UK, Sikhs usually go to the Gurdwara on Sundays. During the services they listen to teachings based on the Guru Granth Sahib. They also chant and say prayers from the gurus. These are called Keertan.
The local place of worship for Sikhs is the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sikh Centre in Hull, which is aproximately 12 miles away. There are also plans to build a new larger Gurdwara in Hull.
A place of worship for Sikhs is a Gurdwara.
Outside the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sikh Centre in Hull.
Inside the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sikh Centre in Hull.
The Langar
The service ends in a langar (a shared meal). Everyone is welcome to share the meal.
Below is a picture the Langar being served in Hull.
Find out more
To find out more about Sikhism please use the links below: