What is Sikhism?

Answer

Sikhism emerged as an effort to reconcile Islam and Hinduism. However, considering Sikhism as a fusion of the two faiths fails to capture the distinct theological and cultural aspects of Sikhism. Describing Sikhism as a compromise between Islam and Hinduism would be offensive, similar to labeling a Christian as a heretical Jew. Sikhism is not a sect or a blend but a unique religious movement.

The acknowledged founder of Sikhism, Nanak (1469–1538), was born to Hindu parents in India. Nanak reportedly received a direct divine call that established him as a guru. He quickly gained recognition in the Punjab region of Northeast India for his devotion, piety, and his bold proclamation, “There is no Muslim, and there is no Hindu.” He attracted a significant following of disciples (sikhs). He preached the belief in one God, referring to God as the Sat Nam (“true name”) or Ekankar, which combines the syllables ek (“one”), aum (a mystical sound representing God), and kar (“Lord”). This monotheistic belief does not attribute a personality to God and should not be confused with any form of Eastern pantheism (where God is seen as all). However, Nanak upheld the concepts of reincarnation and karma, which are key principles in Eastern religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. Nanak taught that liberation from the cycle of reincarnation (samsara) is achievable only through a mystical union with God through devotion and chanting. Following Nanak, a continuous line of nine appointed gurus maintained leadership until the 18th century (1708).

Initially, Sikhism was pacifist, but this stance did not last. Its rejection of the supremacy of the Prophet Muhammad was viewed as blasphemy and led to significant opposition from the historically militant Islamic faith. By the time of the tenth guru, Gobind Rai, also known as Gobind Singh (“lion”), the Khalsa, a globally recognized class of Sikh warriors, had been established. The Khalsa were distinguished by their “five K’s”: k

Esh (long hair), kangha (a steel comb in the hair), kach (short pants), kara (a steel bracelet), and kirpan (a sword or dagger worn at the side). The British, who had a colonizing presence in India at that time, utilized the Khalsa as warriors and bodyguards. Gobind Singh was ultimately assassinated by Muslims. He was the final human guru. Who succeeded him? The Sikh holy scripture, the Adi Granth, assumed his position as denoted by its alternative name, Guru Granth. The Adi Granth, though not worshipped, is attributed divine status.

Despite its origins in pacifism, Sikhism has acquired a reputation for militancy, which is regrettable as this militancy largely arises from geographical factors beyond Sikh influence. The heavily disputed border between India and Pakistan, partitioned in 1947, divides the Punjab region where Sikhs previously enjoyed significant autonomy. Attempts to preserve their political and social identity have frequently been unsuccessful. Extremists have resorted to drastic measures to establish a Sikh state, Khalistan, yet the majority of Sikhs are peace-loving individuals.

Christians and Sikhs can empathize with each other to the extent that both religious faiths have endured considerable persecution and both worship a singular God. Christians and Sikhs, as individuals, can coexist peacefully with mutual respect. However, Sikhism and Christianity cannot be amalgamated. While their belief systems share some common ground, they fundamentally differ in their perceptions of God, Jesus, Scripture, and salvation.

Initially, Sikhism’s portrayal of God as abstract and impersonal starkly contrasts with the compassionate, paternal “Abba, Father” God revealed in the Bible (Romans 8:15;Galatians 4:6). Our God is intimately engaged with His children, aware of our every action and thought «Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. », (Psalm 139:2). He loves us with an eternal love and leads us to Himself with patience and faithfulness «The LORD appeared to me in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”», (Jeremiah 31:3). He also emphasizes that He cannot be equated with any supposed deity of another faith: “Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me” «You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.», (Isaiah 43:10) and “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no god” «I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me.», (Isaiah 45:5).

Secondly, Sikhism rejects the unique role of Jesus Christ. Christian Scriptures affirm that salvation is only possible through Him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” «Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.», (John 14:6). “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” «Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.», (Acts 4:12). Whatever recognition Sikhs may give to Christ, it does not align with the unique status that the Bible assigns to Him.

First, the Christian view of Jesus is not the same as the Sikh view. Christians believe that Jesus is more than a prophet or a good man. He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Second, Sikhs and Christians both claim that their Scriptures are uniquely inspired. However, the source books for Christianity and Sikhism cannot both be considered “the only word of God.” Specifically, Christians believe that the Bible is the very Word of God. It is God-breathed, written for all who seek to know and understand, “and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible is given by our Heavenly Father so that we might know and love Him, that we might “come to the knowledge of the truth” “who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”, (1 Timothy 2:4), and that we might come to Him for eternal life.

Third, the Sikh perspective on salvation differs from the Christian belief in the sacrificial atonement of Christ. Sikhism teaches the doctrine of karma along with devotion to God. Karma is an insufficient explanation of sin, and no amount of good works can make up for even one sin against an infinitely holy God. Perfect holiness cannot tolerate anything less than abhorring evil. Because He is just, God cannot simply pardon sin without the repayment of the debt that sin has accrued. Because He is good, God cannot allow sinful individuals into the joy of heaven without transformation. However, in Christ, the God-man, we have a sacrifice of immeasurable worth to settle our debt. Our forgiveness was exceedingly costly, so costly that we humans cannot afford it. Nevertheless, we can accept it as a gift. This is what the Bible refers to as “grace.” Christ paid the debt that we could not pay. He gave His life in our place so that we could live with Him. We only need to place our faith in Him. In contrast, Sikhism…

On the other hand, it fails to address the infinite consequences of sin, the roles of God’s goodness and justice, and man’s total depravity.

In conclusion, it can be said that Sikhism exhibits historical and theological influences from both Hinduism and Islam, but it should not be viewed simply as a blend of the two. Sikhism has developed into a unique religious system. While a Christian may find areas of agreement with a Sikh, Christianity and Sikhism are fundamentally irreconcilable.