Sikhism

Sikhism emerged in the Punjab region of South Asia in the late 15th century. Its founder, Guru Nanak (1469–1539), taught a path of devotion to one God and gathered a community of disciples. The tradition took shape amid Punjab’s religiously diverse society, and developed its own succession of Gurus, scripture and institutions.

According to Sikh tradition, ten human Gurus guided the community, beginning with Nanak and ending with Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708). Their teachings and compositions, together with the work of their followers, shaped Sikh religious life. Accounts of the early Gurus include devotional traditions as well as historical material; details in later life stories are not all independently verifiable.

Sikh teachings affirm one supreme divine reality and place importance on remembering God while carrying out responsibilities in everyday life. The concepts of simaran (remembrance of God) and seva (service to others) express this connection between spiritual practice and action. Sikh sources and educational accounts also emphasize equality, truthful conduct, generosity and honest work.

These principles are expressed through both personal practice and community life. Sikh communities are diverse, and individuals’ observance varies; a brief list of teachings should not be taken to mean that all Sikhs follow every practice in the same way.

The Guru Granth Sahib is Sikhism’s central scripture and is revered as the community’s living Guru. It contains compositions by Sikh Gurus and other devotional poets. The fifth Guru, Arjan, compiled an early collection of the scripture, the Adi Granth, which was installed at Harmandir Sahib in 1604. Near the end of his life, Guru Gobind Singh directed Sikhs to regard the Granth as the Guru; since 1708 there has been no successor in the line of human Gurus.

A gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship and gathering. Services commonly include the recitation or singing of hymns from the scripture. Gurdwaras often provide langar, a community meal in which visitors can eat together. The meal is open to people regardless of background and expresses ideals of fellowship and equality.

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa, a community of Sikhs initiated through a ceremony of commitment. Sikh historical accounts describe the initiation of the Panj Piare, or Five Beloved Ones, at its founding. The Khalsa has a distinct code of discipline; its initiated members observe the Five Ks, five articles of faith. These practices apply to initiated Sikhs and should not be assumed of every Sikh.

The Khalsa is important to Sikh history and identity, but Sikh communities include people with different levels and forms of observance. The terms Sikh and Khalsa are related, not interchangeable descriptions of every member of the broader Sikh community.

The Punjab remains central to Sikh history and religious life, while Sikh communities also live across the world. The gurdwara serves not only as a place for worship but also as a setting for gathering, learning and service. Shared meals, hymn-singing and voluntary service help sustain community ties.

Sikh history has unfolded through changing political and social circumstances, and Sikh communities are not uniform. The faith’s teachings, institutions and forms of practice have developed over centuries and continue to be interpreted within varied local settings.