SIKHISM

ORIGINSO16th century

IndiaORejected many

teachings of Islam & Hinduism

IMPORTANT PEOPLEOBased on teachings of

Guru Nanak & 10 gurus who followed him

O10th guru, Govind Singh, organized Sikhs into strong fighting force to defend themselves from Mughals

CORE BELIEFSO Only one GodO Holy book: Guru Granth

Sahib (contains teachings of 10 gurus)

O Reincarnated until union with God achieved by resisting evil

O Don’t believe in the caste system; believe everyone is equal in eyes of God.

THE FOUR COMMANDMENTS

1. No removal or alteration of the hair

2. Do not eat flesh3. Do not commit adultery4. Do not use tobacco or other

intoxicants

THE FIVE Ks1. Kesh (uncut hair): a gift from

God 2. Kangha (comb): cleanliness3. Kara (steel bracelet):

morality & unity4. Kirpan (dagger): respect,

justice, duty to defend others5. Kaccha (undergarment):

modesty

TURBANS & CHUNNISO Men typically wear a turban.

O Women wear either a turban, chunni (headscarf) or a combination of both.

WORSHIPO Worship in a gurdwara.O Upon entry, Sikhs remove

shoes, cover heads, bow to Guru and leave offering

O Communal meal after serviceO No designated holy day

IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS

OFestivals, called gurpurabs, celebrate lives of gurus and martyrs

OVaisakhi: Sikh New Year & birth of Sikhism

OParkash Divas: celebrates when Guru Granth Sahib became eternal guru

IMPORTANT LIFE EVENTSO Naming Ceremony: Guru

Granth Sahib opened at random & 1st letter of 1st word becomes 1st letter of child’s name

O Amrit: Baptised & become Sikh

O Marriage O Death Ceremony:

cremation & ceremony known as the Bhog where special prayer is read