Research Paper On Sikhism

According to the World Database Religion, there is an estimated total of 25 million Sikhs worldwide. Thereby, Sikh constitutes the fifth largest world religion. Sikhism also counts as one of the youngest world religions with its emergence in 1469. Sikhism can be considered a regional religion since most of its followers reside in a state northwest of India called, Punjab. However, with the migration of members, the religion was allowed to flourish and can now been in United States, Canada, and even England according to Pew Research on religion and public life.

The founder of Sikhism was Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is believed Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s early religious ideas steamed from Islamic and Hindu beliefs. Though little information is given on

Sikhs refer to Guru Nanak’s experiences as ‘janam sakhis.’ This directly translates into, ‘life stories.’ In one of Guru Nanak’s janam sakhi, a clear example of Nanak’s rebellion can be seen. At the mere age of eleven, as part of an ancient Hindu tradition, Guru Nanak along with other young boys were asked to fashion a sacred thread. The sacred thread would allow others to see them as distinguished Hindus. At an early age, Guru Nanak raised a voice against the tradition. He expressed that a thread should not allow the young boys to stand out. Rather, the content of their character, and the qualities each individualize should be the true judge. Guru Nanak Dev Ji also voiced even more concern that only boys were allowed to participate in this tradition. He began to question why girls and their qualities were not being included in the tradition. (

These five articles of faith are not limited just to men, but welcome to all those that wish to be part of the Sikh religion. In addition, to the five articles of faith, Guru Gobind Singh Ji wanted to further Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of equality and demolish the caste system. Caste was determined by ones birth, and further recognized by others through surnames. Guru Gobind Singh Ji decided that Sikh would all share a common surname to limit recognition of caste divisions and discriminations. Henceforth, it was set that all males in the Sikh religion would carry the last name Singh, which translates into lion in the English language. Sikh women would carry the last name Kaur, which translates into meaning princess in