Sikhism | |
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ਸਿੱਖੀ | |
![]() The Gurudwara Janan Asthan is the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the holiest site in Sikhism. | |
Type | Universal religion, Ethnic religion |
Classification | Dharmic |
Scripture | Guru Granth Sahib Dasam Granth Sarbloh Granth |
Theology | Monotheism, Pantheism, Panentheism |
Region | Panjab region (20%) : (Predominant religion in Punjab, India (97%) and widespread worldwide as minorities.) |
Language | Panjabi[1] Khalsa bole[2] |
Headquarters | Akal Takht , Amritsar , Panjab |
Founder | Guru Nanak |
Origin | 15th century Gurdwara Janam Asthan , Punjab (Pakistan) |
Number of followers | 15 - 25 million (referred to as "Sikhs") |
Sikhism is a religion and philosophy that started in the Punjab region of South Asia (modern-day Pakistan) around the beginning the of 15th century. It's one of the newest major religions, ranking as the fifth-largest worldwide, with about 25–30 million followers known as Sikhs.[3][4] The teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and the nine gurus who followed him formed the foundation of Sikhism. The tenth guru, Gobind Singh, declared the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal guide for Sikhs, concluding the line of human gurus. Guru Nanak emphasized living a practical life with values like truthfulness, fidelity, self-control, and purity, prioritizing these over abstract truths. Guru Hargobind, the sixth guru, introduced the idea of balancing the worldly and spiritual aspects of life.[5]
The Sikh scripture begins with the Mul Mantar, a fundamental prayer about Ik Onkar ('One God'). Sikhism's key beliefs, found in the Guru Granth Sahib, include faith and meditation in the name of the one creator, recognizing the unity and equality of all humans, selfless service, seeking justice for everyone's well-being, and maintaining honesty while leading a family life.[6] Sikhism rejects the idea that any specific religion holds a monopoly on absolute truth. It encourages practices like meditation (simran) and remembering the teachings through music (kirtan) or internal reflection (naam japna) to feel God's presence. Sikhs are taught to overcome the "Five Thieves" – lust, rage, greed, attachment, and ego.[7]
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