The Basics Of Sikhism
By Sukhmandir Khalsa, About.com Guide
This section introduces the basic concepts of Sikhism. What is Sikhism? Who is a Sikh? What Do Sikhs Believe? Learn about the lives of the 10 gurus of Sikh history. Get acquainted with the scriptures and text of Guru Granth Sahib.
- Shaheed Sikh Martrys
- Scriptures, Texts and Hymns
- Gurmukhi Script and Gurbani
- Top Sikhism Reference Books & Gurbani Resources
- Picture Dictionary Of Sikh Words and Meanings
Important Beliefs
Are you a newcomer to Sikhism? Find answers to your questions here, and become familiar with the basic fundamentals and principles of Sikhism. Compare the beliefs of Sikhism to those of other major religions.
- What is Sikhism?
- What Are the Origins of Sikhism?
- What Do Sikhs Believe?
- What Do Sikhs Believe About God and Creation?
- What Do Sikhs Believe About the Afterlife?
- Do Sikhs Believe in Saints and Prophets?
- Do Sikhs Believe in a Bible?
- Do Sikhs Pay Tithe?
- How Are Sikhs Baptised?
- What Are the Three Principles of Sikhism?
- What are the Five Evils?
- Eight Guidelines For Langar
- Top Ten Sikh Beliefs
- Top Ten Reasons Not to Cut Your Hair
- Top Ten Tips for Establishing Early Morning Meditation
- Eleven Sikhism Dos and Don'ts
- Eleven Sikhism Matrimonial Do and Don'ts
- Dietary Law: What does Gurbani Say About Eating Meat?
Code of Conduct FAQ
The Sikhism code of conduct is outlined in a document known as Sikh Rehit Maryada (SRM). Find answers here to questions about every day life regarding the code of conduct.
- What is the Rahit Marayda Code of Conduct?
- What is the Sikh Way of Life according to the Gurus' Teachings?
- What Are the Four Cardinal Commandments of Sikhism?
- What Are the Five Defining Essentials of Sikhism?
- What Are the Five Required Articles?
- What Are the Five Required Prayers?
- Are Sikhs Allowed to Pluck Their Eyebrows?
- Do Sikhs Believe in Child Marriage?
- Are Widows Allowed to Remarry in Sikhism?
The Gurus
Founders of the Sikh religion, the 10 gurus were each instrumental in introducing various concepts important to Sikhism. Here you can find important dates and events in the lives of the gurus.
- Do Sikhs Believe in Saints and Prophets?
- The Ten Gurus of Sikh History
- Guru Nanak Dev (1469 - 1539)
- Free Guru Nanak Coloring Pictures
- The Life of Guru Nanak
- Guru Angad Dev (1504 - 1552)
- Guru Amar Das (1479 - 1574)
- Guru Raam Das (1534 - 1581)
- Guru Arjan Dev (1563 - 1606)
- Guru Har Govind (1595 - 1644)
- Guru Har Rai (1630 - 1661)
- Guru Har Rai and the Rosebush
- Guru Har Krishan (1656 - 1664)
- Guru Teg Bahadar (1621 - 1675)
- Guru Teg Bahadar and 22 Impostors
- Guru Gobind Singh (1666 - 1708)
- The Story of Guru Gobind Singh's Birth
- The Guru Granth, Sikhism’s Holy Scripture
- Sikhism Gurus and Historical Figures
Women in Sikh History
Women played a vital part in the course of Sikh history. Many Sikh women including the mothers, daughters, and sisters, of the Sikh gurus, were instrumental in bringing about time honored traditions and shaping important events. Learn about important women in Sikh history here.
Sikh Men in History
Heroic Sikh men played a vital part in the course of history serving beside the ten gurus. Many Sikh men including the fathers, sons, and brothers, of the Sikh gurus, were instrumental in bringing about time honored traditions and shaping important events. Learn about important male figures in Sikh history here.
- Famous Men in the History of Sikhism
- Mardana (1459 - 1534)
- Bhai Bidhi Chand Chhina
- Makhan Shah the Sea Merchant
- Bhai Kanhaiya (1648 - 1718)
- Bhai Joga Singh of Peshawar
- Panj Pyare the Five Beloved of Sikh History
- All About the Role of the Five Beloved Panj Pyare
- Sikh Martyr Shaheed Baba Deep Singh (1682 - 1757)
- Shaheed Singh Martyrs of Sikh History
Shaheed Sikh Martrys
Sikhism has a long history of martyrdom beginning with fifth Guru Arjun Dev. Sikh gurus their families and followers became martyrs suffering relentless torture to keep their faith rather than succumb to tyrannical forced conversion to Islam. Modern day martyrs have been victims of ignorance and mistrust. Find out who the famed shaheed Sikh martyrs are here.
- Shaheed Singh Martyrs of Sikh History
- Sikh Warrior and Martyr Banda Singh Bahadar (1670- 1716)
- Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh (Martyred 1737)
- Sikh Martyr Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh (1720 - 1745)
- Sikh Martyr Shaheed Baba Deep Singh (1682 - 1757)
- Sikh Martyr Shaheed Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh (1688 - 1764)
Scriptures, Texts and Hymns
Sikhs consider their scripture to be their guru and the guide to enlightenment. If you are new to Sikhism start here to find out the proper care for the scripture of Guru Granth, and the method for reading the texts.
- Everything You Need to Know About Sikhism Prayers
- The Guru Granth, Sikhism’s Holy Scripture
- Who are the Authors of The Guru Granth Sahib?
- What is the Significance of Raag in Gurbani?
- Hukam, the Divine Command
- What You Need To Know Before You Read a Hukam
- Hymns, Prayers and Verses for All Occasions
- Why Read Gurbani If You Don’t Understand the Words?
- Read Entire Guru Granth Akhand Paath Sadharan Paath or Sehaj Paath
- How To Read Akhand Paath Ceremonial Protocol Illustrated
- Read Guru Granth in Under a Year 10 Free Schedules
- 2 Free Akhand Paath Schedules
- Share a Gurbani Tuk, Treasure of Guru Granth Sahib
- Gurbani Cross Stitch Gallery
Gurmukhi Script and Gurbani
Every Sikh regardless of origin is required to learn Gurmukhi script in order to be able to read scriptures and daily prayers. Each character of the Gurmukhi script has unique phonetic sound. Find an illustrated introduction to Gurmukhi consonants, vowels, numerals, auxiliary symbols and a pictured dictionary of Gurmukhi words here with pronunciation guides and tips for learning to read.
- Illustrated Introduction to the Gurmukhi Script
- Pronounciation and Significance of Gurmukhi Consonants in Scripture Illustrated
- Pronounciation and Placement of Gurmukhi Vowels Illustrated
- Numeric Significance of Gurmukhi Script in Sikh Scripture Illustrated
- Complete Guide To Gurmukhi Auxiliary Symbols Illustrated
- Gurmukhi Picture Dictionary of Word Spellings
- Learn to Read Gurmukhi and Sikh Scriptures
- Top Books for Learning Gurmukhi With English
Top Sikhism Reference Books & Gurbani Resources
Whether you are new and just learning the basics, or a serious scholar of Sikhism, these are top reference books and resources that you won't want to be without.
- "Bani Pro" Nitnem CD by Rajnarind Kaur: Review
- Gurbani Kirtan CD's Bhajans, Shabads and Hymns by Gurmat Gian Group: Review
- Top 3 Sikhism Reference Books
- Top Books for Learning Gurmukhi With English
- Top Sikhism Prayer Books in Gurmukhi and English
- Sacred Nitnem Prayerbook in Gurmukhi and English
- Sacred Sukhmani CD and Prayerbook in Gurmukhi and English
- Learn Gurbani Kirtan Book DVD CD by Bhai ManMohan Singh: Review
Picture Dictionary Of Sikh Words and Meanings
Many words commonly used in Sikhism are of Indian origin. Learn the meanings of terms and concepts which are essential to a basic understanding of Sikhism.