Discussion/Questions on Sikhism

Re: Questions for Sikhs

traveler said:
i have couple of questions.....

erm about the 5 k's, wot are they? and do they signify? how does it reflect your living?

do you believe in the day of judgment?

heaven or hell?

why do you wear the turban, wot does it represent?

and finally are women allowed to wear the turban? i have personally a girl wearing it in uni, is that appropriate in ur religion?

do you have any special holy books?

sorry......if am asking to many questions...am just really interested, getting carried away.....

do have more....will ask later inshAllah(God willing)
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1 - Day of Judgement 'Quyamat' No. We don't

2 - Heaven and Hell

The idea of hell and heaven is a mere hypothesis. The picture of hell as a place of varied and terrible tortures is symbolic:

"There is a stream of fire from which comes poisnous flames.
There is none else there except the self.
The waves of the ocean of fire are aflame.
And the sinners are burning in them." (A.G. p 1026)

It may be added that the result of a sinful life is its adverse effect on character from which ultimately comes suffering and torment. In short, to be in hell is to be out of the presence of God.

Similarly there is no actual place called heaven. Sikhism does not regard the winning of a place in heaven as a worthy object. The old concept of heaven is of a beautiful place providing all sorts of comforts and luxuries. The devotee is neither afraid of hell nor anxious to go to heaven. In a way, hell and heaven are conditions of mind. The virtuous man is happy and contented, as if he is living in heaven.

The concept of hell and heaven is just a rough illustration for clarifying the doctrine of Karma. Hell and heaven refer to evil or good stages of life repectively and they can be lived here and now in our earthly existence. According to Guru Arjan, "Whereever the praises of God are sung, there verily is heaven." Likewise, the society of the wicked is a hell. The condition of an average man is described thus: "Like birds that flock in the evening on a tree, flutter with pleasure and pain, scan the skies morning and evening, wandering everywhere, driven by hunger. So the soul of man wanders and suffers on earth." The worldly man eats, enjoys and sleeps, unmindful of the higher things of life. He is free, and perhaps, may choose wrongly.
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

Answering traveler in regard to our holy book yes we do.


It is called the ''The Guru Granth Sahib''

The Guru Granth Sahib is truely unique among the world's great scriptures. It is considered the Supreme Spiritual Authority and Head of the Sikh religion, rather than any living person. It is also the only scripture of it's kind which not only contains the works of it's own religious prophets but also writings of prophets from other faiths.

The Guru Granth Sahib is held in great reverence by Sikhs and treated with the utmost respect. Sikhism rejects idol worship, so the Guru Granth Sahib is not worshipped as an idol, but rather emphasis is placed on respect of the book for the writings which appear within. Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of devotional hymns and poetry which proclaims God, lays stress on meditation on the True God, and lays down moral and ethical rules for development of the soul, spiritual salvation and unity with God.

A picture http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/sharemed/targets/images/pho/t309/T309744A.jpg

http://www.mrsikhnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/IMG_8054.JPG

It contains 1430 pages so obviously can't be carried around like you would do a Bible or Quran.
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

I had heard that sikhs were not supposed to show their hair in public. But then a while back, on a hot day I was working alongside a sikh doing a physically demanding task. when the task was complete, he was hot and sweaty. He removed his turban to wash the sweat from his hair (I was amazed at the length of his hair!), then replaced his turban. I should have asked him, I guess.
Is what I was told untrue? Or was he not supposed to remove his turban in front of me?
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

SilentObserver said:
I had heard that sikhs were not supposed to show their hair in public. But then a while back, on a hot day I was working alongside a sikh doing a physically demanding task. when the task was complete, he was hot and sweaty. He removed his turban to wash the sweat from his hair (I was amazed at the length of his hair!), then replaced his turban. I should have asked him, I guess.
Is what I was told untrue? Or was he not supposed to remove his turban in front of me?
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Well if he's not allowed to show his hair, where does he hide his beard! :D

It's untrue. Sikhs should cover their heads always. Just like a muslim would wear a topi and a jew a yalmulka.

Prayers are NEVER said with the head uncovered.
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

DaNgErOuS MiNdS said:
What does the word 'JAT' mean? I know it is a caste but what doe sit represent? is is it a part of sikhism?
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Siksh do not believe in caste. Sadly because a majority live in india amongst the hindus. caste has not been eradicated.

A jatt is a farmer and is seen as the hightest of castes. It's not true of course.

The reason why Sikhs have the name 'Singh' is because this would show all men belong to one brotherhood. no surname to be associated with caste. 'Kaur' for women for the exact reason.

Singh = Lion
Kaur = Princess
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

AvarAllahNoor said:
Well if he's not allowed to show his hair, where does he hide his beard! :D

It's untrue. Sikhs should cover their heads always. Just like a muslim would wear a topi and a jew a yalmulka.

Prayers are NEVER said with the head uncovered.
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So he should always keep his head covered, but he was permitted to wash his hair while I was there. Correct?
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

AmarFaisal said:
HI,
I have 2 questions

1. What are the miracles performed by Sikh Gurus?
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These are just a few of the miracles performed.

Guru Nanak in Mecca

There is a remarkable incident in connection with Nanak’s visit to Mecca. At Mecca, Nanak was found sleeping with his feet towards the Kaaba, before which the Mohammedans prostrated themselves when performing their prayer. Kazi Rukan-ud-din, who observed this, angrily remarked: "Infidel! How dare you dishonour God’s place by turning your feet towards Him?" He also kicked Nanak. Nanak silently replied, "I am tired. Turn my feet in any direction where the place of God is not". Kazi Rukan-ud-din took hold of Nanak’s feet angrily and moved them towards the opposite direction. The Kaaba also began to move. The Kazi was struck with wonder. He then recognised the glory of Guru Nanak and apologised and reakised he was a prophet of Allah, a true believer!

Guru Nanak and the Rock

Guru Nanak visited Hassan Abdal in the Attock district in the North Western Frontier in 1520 A.D. He sat under a Peepul tree at the foot of a hillock. On top of the hill, there lived a Mohammedan saint named Vali Quandhari. There was then a spring of water on top of the hill. Mardana used to get water from the spring. Guru Nanak became very popular in a short time. The Mohammedan saint became jealous. He forbade Mardana from taking water out of the spring. Mardana informed Guru Nanak of the conduct of the Mohammedan saint. Guru Nanak said to Mardana, "O Mardana! Do not be afraid. God will send water down to us soon".

The spring that was on the top of the hill dried up immediately. There arose a spring at the foot of the hill where Guru Nanak halted. The saint was very much enraged. He hurled a big rock from the top of the hill down to the spot where Nanak was sitting. Guru Nanak stopped the rock by his open hand. The impression of his hand on the rock exists even now. Then the saint came to the Guru, prostrated at his feet and asked for pardon. Guru Nanak smiled and pardoned the arrogant saint. There now stands a beautiful shrine by the side of the spring which is called: "Punja Sahib".

Guru Nanak Grazing Buffaloes

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s father once sent Guru Nanak Dev Ji to graze buffaloes in the pastures. While grazing the buffaloes, Guru Nanak Dev ji sat under a tree and started meditating on God. Meanwhile, the herd of buffaloes went into the neighboring farmer’s field destroying his crop. The farmer saw his crops getting damaged. He became furious and lodged a complaint with Rai Bular, the officer-in-charge of that area. Rai Bular came to inspect the fields, and to his astonishment, he found no damage was done to the crops; rather, the crops were blossoming. The place, at which this miracle took place, is known as Kiara Sahib.

Guru Nanak aand the Snake

On another occasion, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was sent to graze the buffaloes in the pastures and he fell asleep under the shade of a tree. As the sun rose higher, the shadow moved away. The rays of the hot summer sun began to fall on his face. A big cobra came at that place and provided shadow with its hood over the face of the Divine Master. Rai Bular happened to be passing by that side with his attendants. When he saw this strange scene, he was convinced that Guru Nanak Dev Ji is not an ordinary man. God had sent him to this world. Rai Bular then touched the Guru's feet in great reverence and thus became his disciple.
 
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Re: Questions for Sikhs

glo said:
Are gurus viewed as God's prophets then?

Muhammed was a prophet of God ... just not the last, as Islam claims?

Thanks
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Nanak Dev Ji received revelations directly from God because he was a prophet. Satguru (True Guru) Nanak Sahib Ji was called to God’s court and ordered to reveal the divine Naam to the world. It is written clearly in Sri Guru Granth Sahib:


“Waheguru gave me His Hukam (Order) to sing His Praises day and night. Waheguru , my Lord and Master summoned me, His minstrel, to the True Mansion of His Presence. (Waheguru ,) the Image of True Praise and Glory, gave me the Siropaao, robe of honour. The spiritual-life giving Name, Amrit Naam, the True Name, which gives eternal spiritual life, has become my food [sustenance].”
(Ang 150)


As Satguru, Guru Nanak spoke DIRECT revelations from God and did not use any middle-party. Guru Nanak makes this clear when he says:

"O Lalo! As the Lord’s word comes to me so I deliver it."
(Ang 722)


"I myself know not what to say; all I speak is what the Lord commands."
(Ang 763)
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

Is it true halal meat is forbidden for you, and if it is, then why?
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

Do you believe God will send more prophets?
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

If you dont believe in heaven/hell, what do you think is the purpose of life?
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

Hi

I am actually going to be brave and say that meat IS NOT forbidden in Sikhism. The Sikh Rehat Maryada states that halal meat should not be consumed as it is prepared in the muslim ritualistic way.

"None of the grain of corn is without life. In the first place, there is life in water, by which all are made green" (Var Asa M.1, p. 472).

Many Sikhs are divided about eating meat, but the truth is that you can either eat meat or not eat meat, the choice is yours, so long as it is not halal. (I am vegetarian but that is completely by choice)
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

TABS19 said:
Hi

I am actually going to be brave and say that meat IS NOT forbidden in Sikhism. The Sikh Rehat Maryada states that halal meat should not be consumed as it is prepared in the muslim ritualistic way.

"None of the grain of corn is without life. In the first place, there is life in water, by which all are made green" (Var Asa M.1, p. 472).

Many Sikhs are divided about eating meat, but the truth is that you can either eat meat or not eat meat, the choice is yours, so long as it is not halal. (I am vegetarian but that is completely by choice)
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Sat Shri Akal (God Is Truth)

As i stated when i posted. Some say it can be consumed but a majority of Amritdhari Sikhs do NOT consume it.

The Tuk ''Maas Maas Kar Murakh Chagare'' springs to mind. So let us not debate.
 
Re: Questions for Sikhs

Mohsin said:
If you dont believe in heaven/hell, what do you think is the purpose of life?
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The whole point is to merge with God. From whom we are seperated from. How can this be acheived? by worshipping him. and then when one has died, he/she shall return to him and this will be classed as heaven. Hell is seen as remaining in the circle of life and death and not merging with God!
 
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beginners guide to sikhism?

Assalaamu alaykum,

does anyone know of a good beginners guide to sikhism?

i am moving to leicester soon so feel i should learn about their beliefs if i am going to attempt to invite some of them to islam and i dont know of any dawah books aimed at them or discussing their beliefs.

Assalaamu alaykum,
Abu Abdullah
 
Re: beginners guide to sikhism?

Dawud_uk said:
lol you forget i am a fanatic...

if they kill me for talking to them about islam they only do me a favour by sending me straight to jannat to await judgement day knowing Allah is pleased with me for being martyred in his cause!

what i am thinking of is like 'the complete idiots guide to islam' by yahya emerick, something written by a sikh but in a way to try to help non sikhs understand their faith so i can use it as a starting point.

Abu Abdullah
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Come to the Gudwara and Sikhs will be happy to show/teach you all you need to know brother!
 
Re: beginners guide to sikhism?

AvarAllahNoor said:

Come to the Gudwara and Sikhs will be happy to show/teach you all you need to know brother!
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we dont try to convert, only pass on the message, answer questions that come about and then it is between Allah and the individual.

there is none of this 'believe, believe, BELIEVE!' business you get from the christian missionaries.

more an attempt to discuss in a rational manner but how can i have such a discussion with any potential future sikh work colleagues if i only know the very basics of their faith?

Abu Abdullah
 

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