Frequently Asked Questions

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Who or what is “God” in Sikhi?

God, commonly referred to as “Akal Purakh” in Sikhi, is the Supreme Being who has created all of creation.

According to Gurbani, Akal Purakh has neither ever been born, nor can He die. He manifests himself in a universal energy called “Naam” but also exists beyond it as well. Therefore, “God” in Sikhi cannot simply be referred to as “Universe” or “Love” as these are limiting qualities, whereas Akal Purakh exists beyond these qualities.

Akal Purakh has both a formless, infinite form that is beyond creation, as well as a form that manifests itself within the creation. Akal Purakh is referred to by many qualitative names in Gurbani, but also only has one “True Name” (SatNaam) which is the only name that is also Akal Purakh’s true and complete manifestation, accessed via the “Gurmantar”.

What is the role of the Sikh Gurus?

The Sikh Gurus are all manifestations of the One same light, called the Satguru (True Guru). SatGuru, in turn, is the manifestation of Parmeshar (God).

Therefore, all Gurus are full manifestations of the One God, and not merely prophets. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the present living embodiment of the Satguru-Joti (light).

The purpose of the True Guru is to act as a medium to connect the devotee to God, as per the concept of โ€œGur-Prasadโ€ (meaning, God is realized through Guruโ€™s Grace).

Does the caste system exist in Sikhi?

Sikhi does not support the caste system. This system existed in India long before Sikhi, but Guru Sahib rejected it completely. They taught that no one is high or low based on birth and spoke against dividing people by caste.

Gurbani clearly opposes pride in caste or social status:
เจซเจ•เฉœ เจœเจพเจคเฉ€ เจซเจ•เฉœเฉ เจจเจพเจ‰ เฅฅ เจธเจญเจจเจพ เจœเฉ€เจ† เจ‡เจ•เจพ เจ›เจพเจ‰ เฅฅ
“Having egotistical pride in caste and egotistical pride in personal glory is useless. In reality, the One Lord has created all the same.” (SGGS โ€“ Ang 83)

Guru Sahib teaches us to look beyond these temporary, man-made labels and recognize that all souls are equal. Gurbani reminds us that a person is not considered high or low because of their birth, but rather by their actions:
เจœเจพเจคเฉ€ เจฆเฉˆ เจ•เจฟเจ† เจนเจฅเจฟ เจธเจšเฉ เจชเจฐเจ–เฉ€เจ เฅฅ
“There is nothing in social class and status, for the Lord will judge you for your truthfulness within.” (SGGS โ€“ Ang 142)

Sikhi emphasizes equality and rejects all forms of discrimination based on birth or social status.

Do other names Waheguru have significance?

Gurbani uses many names to describe Waheguru. These are powerful because they encompass particular qualities of Waheguru, and are classified as โ€œKirtam Naamsโ€.

In Gurbani, a distinction is made between Kirtam Naams and SatNaam. SatNaam (meaning the True Name) is distinctly the sum of all Waheguru’s qualities and is in fact Waheguru’s own manifestation in the universe, as per Gurbani:

Har Naam Hamara Prabh Abigat Agochar Abinaashi Purakh Bidhaata (โ€œThe Lordโ€™s Name is my Lord immortal, unfathomable, and imperishable; it is He the Supreme Being, the architect of destinyโ€).

The miracle of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is that He made accessible, for the first time, a Name that was not simply for the praise of Waheguru, but one that would allow us to experience Waheguru Himself.

Why is the consumption of alcohol considered impure in Sikhi?

Gurbani strictly prohibits the consumption of alcohol under any circumstances. Gurbani explains that alcohol causes madness, clouds judgment, and disconnects individuals from Akaal Purakh. It harms the mind, body, and soul, leading to spiritual downfall and punishment.

Were all Bhagats Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

Yes, all Bhagats whose Bani is included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji became Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. They received Naam and followed Gurmat principles, which is why their Bani was accepted.

Did Bhagat Kabir Ji and Bhagat Namdev Ji reject Hindu and Muslim identities?

Yes, both Bhagat Kabir Ji and Bhagat Namdev Ji rejected Hindu and Muslim identities. Their writings explicitly disown these labels and align with Gurmat principles, focusing on the worship of the One True Akal Purakh.

How does Gurbani affirm the supremacy of Gurmat and Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

Gurbani emphasizes that no one can be liberated without Satguru. Guru Nanak Dev Ji is identified as Satguru, and all Bhagats whose Bani is in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji acknowledged Guru Nanak Dev Jiโ€™s supremacy and received Naam from him.

Why is there no Bani of non-Sikhs in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji?

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji only contains the Bani of Guru Sahibs and Gursikhs, as Gurmat and Gurbani are the sole path to true liberation. Non-Sikh views or writings cannot align with this truth.

What role did Naam play in the lives of the Bhagats?

Naam, given by Satguru Nanak Dev Ji, was central to the spiritual journey of the Bhagats. Through Naam, they achieved liberation and became free of sins, as emphasized in verses like “เจ•เจฒเจœเฉเจ—เจฟ เจจเจพเจฎเฉ เจชเฉเจฐเจงเจพเจจเฉ เจชเจฆเจพเจฐเจฅเฉ เจญเจ—เจค เจœเจจเจพ เจ‰เจงเจฐเฉ‡

What does the word ‘Ram’ signify in Gurbani?

In Gurbani, ‘Ram’ is a Kirtam Naam (descriptive name) of Waheguru, symbolizing the omnipresent and all-pervading Lord. While occasionally it may refer to Ram Chandar, the king of Ayodhya, its primary usage in Gurbani is to denote Waheguru.

What does Guru Granth Sahib Ji say about idol worship?

Guru Granth Sahib Ji criticizes idol worship by highlighting the futility of worshipping lifeless objects like stones. Guru Nanak Dev Ji clearly distinguishes between the worship of stones and the devotion to the true Lord. He states that worshipping stones is meaningless because these objects are lifeless and cannot offer salvation. True worship, according to Guru Nanak, is devotion to Waheguru, the formless and omnipresent Creator.

Can Sikhs eat meat according to Gurbani?

No, Gurbani emphasizes kindness towards all living beings and forbids cruelty. It encourages compassion and prohibits unnecessary killing of animals, as it goes against the teachings of being kind to all creatures. Eating meat is considered a negative act that leads to karmic consequences. Gurbani warns that consuming meat and indulging in similar acts may lead to the destruction of good deeds and result in a personโ€™s downfall.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji teaches that all beings carry the divine light of Waheguru and that causing harm to any sentient being, such as killing animals for food, is wrong

What is Naam?

Naam is Waheguru’s name and also His manifestation of His formless Self.

เจตเจพเจนเฉ เจตเจพเจนเฉ เจฌเจพเจฃเฉ€ เจจเจฟเจฐเฉฐเจ•เจพเจฐ เจนเฉˆ เจคเจฟเจธเฉ เจœเฉ‡เจตเจกเฉ เจ…เจตเจฐเฉ เจจ เจ•เฉ‹เจ‡ เฅฅ
The sacred Word, Vaahu Vaahu, is the Formless Lord. There is no other as great.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji came as a True Saviour and opened up the gateways to Sach Khand by making this one True Name (SatNaam) accessible via the “Guru’s Mantar” (Gurmantar).

This Gurmantar is the key of access by which the True Naam can be meditated, and can only be received from the True Guru.

Naam is the product of Waheguruโ€™s infinite mind, and contains within it all possibilities and profound hope for peace, fulfillment, and salvation. This is why the most essential mission of a Sikh is to beg for and recieve Naam from SatGuru Ji.

How is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji different from other religious scriptures?

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is unique in that it was compiled directly by the Sikh Gurus during their lifetimes. In contrast, other religious texts like the Quran and the New Testament were compiled after their prophets’ deaths, with the revelations conveyed by followers.

What is Larivaar and why is it significant in Sikhism?

Larivaar is a style of writing Gurbani without spaces between the words, derived from the Punjabi words โ€œlariโ€ (continuous) and โ€œvaarโ€ (line). It holds historical significance, especially as it was the form in which Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with revered Gursikhs like Bhai Gurdaas Ji and Bhai Mani Singh Ji, wrote Gurbani.

What does the word เจ•เฉเจ เจพ (Kutha) mean in the context of Gurbani?

The word เจ•เฉเจ เจพ (Kutha) means “to kill, destroy, or butcher” and can also refer to meat, the product of killing. It does not specifically denote meat prepared through Islamic ritualistic methods (Halal). The term conveys the act of killing or butchering in general without a direct connection to any particular religious practice.

Why is Kutha Maas considered a Bajjar Kurehit in Sikhi?

Kutha Maas is forbidden because it involves the intentional, merciless killing of living beings, which goes against the compassionate and ethical principles of Sikhi. Committing a Bajjar Kurehit, like consuming Kutha Maas, requires one to retake Amrit and seek religious atonement from the Panj Piaare.

Do Sikhs worship Hindu gods?

No, Sikhs do not worship Hindu gods. Sikhi is a distinct religion centered on the worship of one formless and timeless God, Waheguru. Gurbani emphasizes that Sikhs should not engage in the veneration of other deities and instead focus on devotion to the One Creator.

How does Guru Granth Sahib Ji view the Vedas?

Guru Granth Sahib Ji mentions that Gurmukh saints have distanced themselves from the Vedas, as they do not provide the ultimate spiritual truth. Instead, they are seen as filled with falsehood and lacking the essence of Naam.

Do Sikhs believe in heaven and hell?

Sikhs believe in the existence of heaven and hell but do not consider them eternal. Based on oneโ€™s karma, a person may temporarily go to heaven or hell. However, after spending some time there, they must be reborn. Depending on their karma, they may pass through various life forms before attaining a human birth again. Only through the human form can one achieve the highest salvation, i.e., reach Sachkhand(the realm of truth) and break free from the cycle of reincarnation. To attain this, one must engage in the bhagti of Gurmat Naam.

Gurbani says:
เจญเจˆ เจชเจฐเจพเจชเจคเจฟ เจฎเจพเจจเฉเจ– เจฆเฉ‡เจนเฉเจฐเฉ€เจ† เฅฅ เจ—เฉ‹เจฌเจฟเฉฐเจฆ เจฎเจฟเจฒเจฃ เจ•เฉ€ เจ‡เจน เจคเฉ‡เจฐเฉ€ เจฌเจฐเฉ€เจ† เฅฅ
โ€œThis human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.โ€ย (Ang 12)

If one misses this opportunity, they may have to wait a long time to receive it again. A person continues to go through the cycle of birth and death until they unite with Waheguru.

Thus, Sikhs believe that heaven and hell exist. Those who commit crimes face punishment in hell, while those who perform good deeds are rewarded in heaven. However, both heaven and hell are temporary, and ultimate liberation lies beyond them.

What is Amrit?

Amrit can be roughly translated to “Immortal Nectar”. It is received from the True Guru (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) during the official initiation ceremony to become a Sikh.

Being baptized by Amrit is a rebirth of the individual. Consumption of the holy Amrit cleanses the soul of all past sins and prepares the disciple to receive Naam GurMantar from Satguru Ji. It can be thought to irrigate the field (the mind and body) before the planting of the seed (the “Beej/Seed Mantar”, i.e. Gurmantar).

Why are Hindu gods mentioned in Gurbani if Sikhs do not worship them?

The names of Hindu gods are mentioned in Gurbani to highlight the supremacy of Waheguru and the futility of worshipping multiple deities. These references emphasize the oneness of God and encourage the rejection of idol worship and polytheism.

What is Rehit?

Rehits are the disciplinary lifestyle conducts that one is required to agree to adopt in order to be accepted for the Amrit baptism.

They are mandatory commands of the Guru.

What is the role of Dharam Rai in Sikhi?

Dharam Rai in Sikhi is the divine judge appointed by Waheguru to oversee the consequences of a person’s actions after death. He evaluates each soul based on their karma and determines whether they will be sent to heaven, hell, or reborn into another life.

However, Gurmukhs who remain absorbed in Waheguruโ€™s Naam are beyond Dharam Raiโ€™s jurisdiction and are not subject to his judgment. Instead, they attain Waheguruโ€™s grace and reach Sachkhand, where they remain in eternal bliss, free from the cycle of birth and death.

Why are transliterations of Gurbani not ideal for learning?

Transliterations often fail to accurately represent Gurmukhi sounds due to differences in phonetics. Letters like เจ, เจ›, and เจง have no exact Roman alphabet equivalent, leading to imprecise pronunciations. Learning Gurbani directly in Gurmukhi ensures authenticity and respect for its original form.

How does Gurmat view other faiths and their practices?

Gurmat emphasizes the worship of the One Formless Waheguru and rejects practices from other faiths, such as idol worship, fasting, and recitations from scriptures like the Vedas. These practices are seen as distractions that lead to confusion and spiritual stagnation. Only the Gurmat Naam provides true liberation.

How does one escape the cycle of birth and death in Sikhi?

According to Sikhi, only human birth provides the opportunity to attain liberation. This is achieved by meditating on Naam and living according to Gurmat. Those who do not follow this path continue the cycle of reincarnation.

If God makes everything happen, then why do we have to be held accountable for our Karma?

Karma is not just based on actions but also on the intentions behind them. For example, if someone touches or looks at a woman with lust, it leads to sin. However, if it happens unintentionally and without lustful intent, there is no sin. This shows that sinful actions are judged by intention, not just the act itself.

A person caught in ego believes they create their own Karma and must account for their actions. On the other hand, one who lovingly recites God’s Name attains a high spiritual stage and removes ego is no longer the creator of Karma. Instead, they see God as โ€˜Kartaa Purakhโ€™ (Creator), and their Karma is not held to account. Gurbani says:
เจœเจฌ เจ‡เจน เจœเจพเจจเฉˆ เจฎเฉˆ เจ•เจฟเจ›เฉ เจ•เจฐเจคเจพ เฅฅ เจคเจฌ เจฒเจ—เฉ เจ—เจฐเจญ เจœเฉ‹เจจเจฟ เจฎเจนเจฟ เจซเจฟเจฐเจคเจพ เฅฅ
“As long as one believes they are the doer, they remain stuck in the cycle of reincarnation due to their ego-based identity.” (SGGS โ€“ Ang 278)

This can be understood with an analogy: A soldier named Manjinder Singh fights in battle and kills enemies, yet he faces no legal consequences because he acts as a soldier, not as an individual. However, if he kills someone during personal time, he is held accountable. Similarly, if the soul accepts God as the Creator and sees itself as a spectator, its Karma is not judged. But if one acts out of ego, they must account for their deeds.

Overcoming ego and developing this mindset is not easy. It requires sincere devotion, spiritual discipline, and a deep connection with Waheguru through Naam Simran, and righteous living as guided by Guru Sahib.

How do we get salvation?

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to save the world with SatNaam – the One True Name. The path he started was a rejection of everything that had come before, a revolutionary moment in human history. While religion had become a tool of oppression, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji came as a True Saviour and opened up the gateways to Sach Khand.

How?

With a Mantar. Not an ordinary Mantar. This GurMantar was a manifestation of The Formless Lord within one Word:

เจตเจพเจนเฉ เจตเจพเจนเฉ เจฌเจพเจฃเฉ€ เจจเจฟเจฐเฉฐเจ•เจพเจฐ เจนเฉˆ เจคเจฟเจธเฉ เจœเฉ‡เจตเจกเฉ เจ…เจตเจฐเฉ เจจ เจ•เฉ‹เจ‡ เฅฅ
The sacred Word, Vaahu Vaahu, is the Formless Lord. There is no other as great.

This one True Name, the SatNaam, was the product of Waheguruโ€™s infinite mind, and contained within it all possibilities and profound hope for peace, fulfillment, and salvation.

Why is human life considered special in Sikhi?

Gurbani says:
เจฒเจ– เจšเจ‰เจฐเจพเจธเฉ€เจน เจœเฉ‹เจจเจฟ เจธเจฌเจพเจˆ เฅฅ
เจฎเจพเจฃเจธ เจ•เจ‰ เจชเฉเจฐเจญเจฟ เจฆเฉ€เจˆ เจตเจกเจฟเจ†เจˆ เฅฅ
เจ‡เจธเฉ เจชเจ‰เฉœเฉ€ เจคเฉ‡ เจœเฉ‹ เจจเจฐเฉ เจšเฉ‚เจ•เฉˆ เจธเฉ‹ เจ†เจ‡ เจœเจพเจ‡ เจฆเฉเจ–เฉ เจชเจพเจ‡เจฆเจพ เฅฅเฉจเฅฅ
โ€œOut of all the 8.4 million species of beings created, God blessed humans with glory (because as a human, you can connect and meet with God). That human who misses this valuable chance will end up coming and going in reincarnation in regret. (2)”
(SGGS โ€“ Ang 1075)

How to be successful in this world and the next world?

เจฐเจฃเจฟ เจฆเจฐเจ—เจนเจฟ เจคเจ‰ เจธเฉ€เจเจนเจฟ เจญเจพเจˆเฅฅ
เจœเจ‰ เจ—เฉเจฐเจฎเฉเจ–เจฟ เจฐเจพเจฎเจจเจพเจฎ เจฒเจฟเจต เจฒเจพเจˆเฅฅ

O Brother, only then you my be successful in this battlefield (world) and in Dargah (next world), if you japp and get absorbed in Gurmukh-Naam i.e. the true Naam of Gurughar.

Is the consumption of bhang (cannabis) allowed in Sikhi?

No, Sikhi does not permit the consumption of bhang or any other intoxicant. Gurbani clearly condemns the use of intoxicants, including marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco, as they hinder spiritual growth and clarity.

Did Guru Nanak Dev Ji ever accept or approve the use of bhang?

No, Guru Nanak Dev Ji rejected bhang when it was offered to Him. Instead, He emphasized that true intoxication for a Sikh comes from devotion to Waheguru, as mentioned in His Shabad: “เจญเจ‰ เจคเฉ‡เจฐเจพ เจญเจพเจ‚เจ—…” (Ang 721, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji).

Why donโ€™t Sikhs cut their hair?

The main reason Sikhs do not cut their hair is that God has instructed us to keep it unshorn. That alone is a good enough reason for a Sikh to not cut their hair. Godโ€™s instruction to keep hair uncut is written in Gurbani:
เจจเจพเจชเจพเจ• เจชเจพเจ•เฉ เจ•เจฐเจฟ เจนเจฆเฉ‚เจฐเจฟ เจนเจฆเฉ€เจธเจพ เจธเจพเจฌเจค เจธเฉ‚เจฐเจคเจฟ เจฆเจธเจคเจพเจฐ เจธเจฟเจฐเจพ เฅฅเฉงเฉจเฅฅ
Purifying your unclean mind and living in the presence of God is the (true) religious teaching. Keep your bodily appearance complete with unshorn hair and wear a turban on your head. (12)
(SGGS โ€“ Ang 1084)

A follower of Guru Nanak accepts and lives to the standards of God, rather than worldly standards based on fashion and what individual humans think is good and bad. As not cutting our hair is a commandment from God, our uncut hair represents a Sikhโ€™s commitment and submission to God. Therefore, the hair is considered sacred and treated as an extension of our soul and a part of our being.

Why canโ€™t we choose whichever Name of Waheguru we want to meditate on?

The True Naam holds divine power and spiritual authenticity, which only the True Guru is empowered to give: โ€œWithout the True Guru, no one finds the Name. Such is the making which God has made.โ€ (Ang 1045)

Guru Nanak Sahib introduced the Gurmantar form of Naam, which was given by all proceeding Gurus to initiated devotees.

The term “Gurmantar” combines Gur (Guru) and Mantar (sacred word). It is a sacred utterance given directly by the Guru as an access key to the formless Naam.

After the formation of the Khalsa in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji entrusted the responsibility of administering Gurmantar Naam to the Punj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), ensuring that no single individual could claim this authority. This practice is enshrined in Sikh tradition and recognized in the Sikh Rehat Maryada.