Sikhism
Khanda, one of Sikhism's sacred symbols
History
A relative newcomer amongst the mainstream religions, Sikhism was founded 500 years ago by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Guru Nanak), in the Punjab region, part of which is in India, part in Pakistan. Guru Nanak had a vision telling him that devotion to God would lead to enlightenment.
Sikhism grew steadily until the end of the 17th century, when the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb tried to enforce mass conversion to Islam. Gobund Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, militarised the movement to protect Sikh beliefs and assembled the Shri Guru Granth, the most sacred text. Following Singh's death, Sikhs upheld the Granth as its 11th Guru and appointed military leaders to defend their faith.
A Sikh state was established in 1801 in the Punjab, where prosperity reigned until the Sikh Wars against the British from 1845-49. Following defeat, the Sikhs existed in harmony with the British until the massacre at the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the holiest of Sikh places, in 1919. Calls for the reinstatement of Sikh rule resumed but were ignored when India was partitioned in 1947, although Sikhs were given majority rule in one sector of the Punjab in 1966.
There are currently 22.5 million Sikhs in the world, mostly in the Punjab, Britain and North America.
Beliefs
Sikh worship centres round the relationship with God, belief in reincarnation and the importance of the community. Sikhs believe it is possible to break out of the birth/death cycle and achieve unity with God through prayer, benevolence and overcoming the five cardinal sins: Krodh (anger), Kam (lust), Moh (worldly attachment), Ahankar (pride) and Lobh (greed).
Vand ke chhakna (sharing with others) is also an important part of Sikhism. The gurdwaras (temples) are community centres as well as places of worship, which have communal kitchens (langar), offering food to all who need it, including people from other faiths.
There are no official priests in Sikhism and communal prayers in the gurdwara can be led by any member of the congregation. Services are organised by a Granthi, who reads from the Granth. The Jathedar of the Akal Takhat Sahib is the elected figurehead of the worldwide community and has the final authority on matters of faith.
