- He possessed and wore a shawl/ chola with Quranic verses

Some fanatic Muslims are enforcing this false statement on young innocent youths to misguide them. To clear their doubt, Guru Nanak Dev was neither a Hindu nor a Muslim. He was a messenger of God and his spiritual mission was based on the equality of mankind. After disappearing for three day he emerged back and proclaimed that there was no Hindu, no Muslamaan. He explained to the religious leaders that both were the children of God; they were brothers and sisters. The Guru recited:

The entire humanity has originated from the same divine light, so how can there be divisions of good and bad, higher or lower amongst his creatures. (GGS, p1349)

For his godly qualities Guru Nanak Dev is highly respected by both Hindu and Muslims. He is held in high esteem, today he is remembered world-wide by millions. He is called ‘Satguru’ by the Hindu devotees and ‘Hazrat Nanak Shah’ by the Muslim devotees. It is popularly said about Guru Nanak Dev:

The above examples clarify that Guru Nanak Dev was not a Muslim.

- He carried a copy of the Quran

Guru Nanak Dev was a messenger of God and was commissioned to preach the divine verses to save humanity at large. During his missionary tours, he had revelation of the divine verses. For this reason, he carried a notebook under his arm to record his message so no one could distort it later. He not only recorded his message but he collected the writings of some Hindu and Muslim Saints too. The note book was passed down to the succeeding Gurus ensuring that authentic message was preserved. With due respect, Guru Nanak Dev kept it covered with clean clothes which, by Muslims, was assumed a copy of Quran. The book was later called guru har Sahai Pothi. Bhai Gurdas, a great scholar and the scribe of the Adi Granth affirms Guru Nanak Dev carrying the book:

Guru Nanak Dev visited Mecca; he carried a book under his arm, a water pot and a prayer carpet for the call of prayer. (Bhai Gurdas, Varaan, Var 1, Pauri 32)

- He wore clothes like a Muslim

It was at Mecca that Guru Nanak Dev had to wear Muslim clothes to disguise himself as a Muslim priest. Mecca is the Muslim pilgrimage which is open to Muslims only. In order to gain entry at Kaaba, Mecca, to preach the divine doctrines Guru Nanak Dev had to dress up like a Muslim priest.

- He went to Mecca on Pilgrimage

Guru Nanak Dev visited many places outside India during his missionary tours (Udaasi) to preach the divine doctrines and Mecca is one of them. The objective of his visit has been manipulated by Muslims who connect his visit to Mecca with Hajj (the Muslim pilgrimage). Sikhs totally disagree with the Muslim views as the philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev rejects the ritualistic practices. The Guru recited:

I do not make pilgrimages to Mecca, nor do I worship at Hindu sacred shrines.I serve the One Lord, and not any other. ||2||I do not perform Hindu worship services, nor do I offer the Muslim prayers.I have taken the One Formless Lord into my heart; I humbly worship Him there. (GGS, p1136)

Guru Nanak Dev was against futile rituals of visiting the pilgrimages. It is evident from the verses of Guru Nanak Dev that he did not make it mandatory to make a pilgrim to Mecca for any of the subsequent Gurus. If Guru Nanak Dev favoured Islam as his religion then surely he would have insisted and encouraged others to visit the same pilgrimage.

The Sikh Gurus declared that it is futile to visit the pilgrimages when God can be realised in your home-heart. Guru Nanak Dev was against futile rituals of visiting the pilgrimages instead he declared that Naam is higher than visiting 68 pilgrimages. Some evidences are given from Guru Granth Sahib for clarification:

Bathe at the sacred shrine of Truth, and sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord.Reflect upon the essence of reality, and lovingly focus your consciousness on the Lord.(GGS, p1030)

The Lord's Name is the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage, and the Eradicator of sins.(GGS, p1009)

Bathing at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, filth is not washed off.Religious rituals are all just egotistical displays. (GGS, p890)

This proves that Guru Nanak Dev did not visit Mecca to pay homage instead his objective was to enlighten people and show them the right path. As visitors, Guru Nanak Dev and Mardana stayed in the city, Mecca where there is no restriction on non-Muslim to stay. The restriction only applies to visit the Kaaba. Mullahs were of the view that God resides in the West towards Kaaba and loves only Muslims. To disprove the fact, at night, he lay down to sleep with his feet facing towards Kaaba. One of the Mullahs (priests) called him a Kafir (non-believer) and asked him, “Why are you sleeping with your feet facing towards Kaaba, the House of Allah?” Guru Nanak Dev politely said, “Turn my feet in the direction in which Allah does not exist”. The Mullah angrily dragged his feet in the opposite direction, and saw the Kaaba moving along with his feet, so that the Guru’s feet were still facing towards it.

The Qazis and the Mullas crowded round the Guru and asked whether he was a Muslim or a Hindu? The Guru replied that he was neither of the two. Then they asked,” Who is the superior of the two, the Hindu or the Muslim?" The Guru replied,” Without good deeds, both will repent. The superiority lies in deeds and not in mere creeds." The chief priest was a seeker of the Truth and the incident opened his spiritual eyes as he could see God in every direction. He asked for Guru's blessings. The Guru preached him the doctrine of Naam. He then gave him instructions to the priest in the art of true living, to practice to live in His presence day and night and to glorify the Lord and thereby to rub out the dirt of sins from the tablet of the mind. The Mullah requested Guru Nanak Dev to leave something of his and the Guru left his slippers behind. The priest kept his slippers inside Mecca until he was retired. He took them with him back to his village where they still are preserved with his descendants.

- When his grave was opened they found a copy of the Quran

Who were they who found the copy of a Quran ? Who opened the grave? It is a rumour created by some fanatic Muslims. Firstly, Sikhism is against making graves and tombs of the dead ones. As final rites, the dead bodies are usually cremated or if this cannot be arranged for some reason, then the body may be immersed in the floating water but it never be buried in a grave.

Guru Nanak Dev left for Sachkhand (the House of God) on 27 September 1539 at the age of 70 at Kartarpur. Knowing that his end was drawing near, he called his followers and asked them to recite the Path of Kirtan Sohila. A quarrel arose between the Hindus and Muslims over his last rites as he was equally loved by both. The former desired to cremate his body and the latter wished to bury it. The Guru told them to place flowers on each side, Hindu on the right and Muslims on the left. It was decided that whoever’s flowers remained fresh would have their way. The Guru then covered himself with a white sheet and went to sleep. The next morning when the sheet was removed nothing was found except flowers. To satisfy both his followers, Hindu and Muslims, as to the funeral rites, he did not leave his body behind and therefore prevented any further quarrelling with regard to the funeral rites. The Hindus and the Muslims, however, divided the sheet and the flowers into half. The former cremated their share and the latter buried theirs. Gurdwara Darbar Sahib now stands at this site. At the entrance of the Gurdwara stands a Kabar (grave) built by Muslims; on the left there is a room where the Hindus built a Samadhi (tomb) of Guru Nanak Dev; and on the first floor is installed the Bir of the holy Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh visitors don’t pay their homage at the tomb or the grave.

Now the question is why would someone open his grave? And if someone did open it and found a copy of a Quran, it is assumed that it must have been placed by the Muslims. It is just a made up story by some mischievous Muslims.

- Guru Nanak Dev was most probably a Muslim when he died; the evidence favours that conclusion. Anyway he did not try to replace Islam with a new religion; on the other hand, his utterances point to the fact that he certainly believed Islam to be the True Religion of God

This question can be answered in three different parts as it contains three different sections. Firstly, Guru Nanak Dev was neither a Hindu nor a Muslim. He proclaimed:

I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim.My body and breath of life belong to Allah - to Raam - the God of both. (GGS, p1136)

He was a prophet of whole mankind. Due to his godly qualities he was loved and respected by everyone and left his followers everywhere he went. In his native village he was known as ‘Satguru Nanak Dev’, whereas in Baghdad his name is inscribed ‘Hazrat Rab-i-Majid, Baba Nanak Shah Fakir’. When he died he did not leave his body behind to prevent quarrel between his followers. It is upon the followers what they do with the sheet and the flowers; whether they buried it or cremate it. How can there be evidence at his death to prove him a Muslim?

Secondly, Guru Nanak Dev replaced Islam with a new religion as his philosophy differs with Islam in many ways, some of which are given hereunder:

Thirdly, his utterances do not point the fact that Islam is the True Religion. If it was true Guru Nanak Dev would not have encouraged Muslims to implant five virtues instead of reading five Namaaz. The Guru said that it was hypocrisy to read five Namaaz, thus replace them with the five following virtues(GGS, p140-141):

Guru Nanak Dev condemned the philosophy of Islam. Explaining the qualities of a true Muslim he said that a true Muslim is he (GGS, 141):

These quotes are enough to prove that Guru Nanak Dev never accepted any practices of Islam and he never approved the teachings of Islam. According to his teachings, uttering the divine Naam and performing noble deeds is the ‘True Religion of God’.

- Sikhism is a sect of Islam

If someone says that Sikhism is a sect of Islam, he is an ignorant who has no knowledge of either of the religions.

If Sikhism was a sect of Islam:

2. Guru Nanak Dev was a bad husband as he wandered the world and left his wife at home

Guru Nanak Dev was not a worldly man but a spiritual authority who took birth at the commandment of God. He came to redeem the humanity from the darkness of ignorance. Bhai Gurdas writes in his poetry:

As Guru Nanak Dev made his appearance in the world; there was light everywhere, Guru Nanak Dev brought to this world the divine knowledge, which is the tool to dispel the Dhund (fog) of ignorance that mankind was engrossed with. (Vaaran, Bhai Gurdas, Var 1 Pauri 27)

Guru Nanak Dev emerged to revive justice and righteousness and protect the society from suffering. He was definitely not a bad husband but a spiritual leader who cared for the whole world like his own family.

At the age of 38 he had a call from God and was assigned with a mission to spread the divine doctrines to humanity in all directions. For 14 years the Guru took four extensive tours in and outside India. At the end of his missionary tours, the Guru settled with his family at Kartarpur. Guru Nanak Dev was a holy man. He did not practice polygamy as prophet Mohamed did who had seven wives:

What kind of religion is this in compared to Sikhism? And what kind of prophet was Mohammed in comparison to Guru Nanak Dev?

Conversion and missionary tours are two different things. Conversion means embracing another religion Missionary tours are aimed to enlighten people making them believe in their own faith. Guru Nanak Dev never encouraged people to give up their religion and follow his teachings. He rather said that if you a Muslim, be a good Muslim and if you are a Hindu, be a good Hindu.

During his missionary tours, Guru Nanak Dev attacked the morality that had spread in the society rather than the doctrines of Hindu and Muslim religions. His objective was to revive justice and righteousness that had dispelled due to aggressive and orthodox rulers; to make people aware of caste-based oppression, hatred, divisions of religious sects, to denounce ritual and superstitious practices, and to fight against corruption and exploitation.

Guru Nanak Dev was a religious reformer at best; he was not the founder of any religion.

The Sikh religion has been a historical process evolving through the ten Sikh Gurus from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh. The Sikh Gurus had different physical bodies but they all contained one Jot (spirit). The spirit of Guru Nanak Dev was transmitted to the succeeding Gurus in turn. Guru Nanak Dev laid the foundation of the Sikh religion and the succeeding Gurus contributed in propagating it.

The mission of Guru Nanak Dev was carried on by his successors. It was until his fifth form, the status of the Sikhs was of a sect and Guru Arjan Dev changed it to a religion. In medieval times, a religion had been defined to incorporate three elementary variables in its body:

The region was there, as was the language, but spiritual literature needed compiling. Keeping the afore-mentioned aspects in mind, Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Nanak, cultivated, created and conclusively edited the Adi Granth, the first Holy Scripture of the Sikhs. Thus, it can not be challenged that Guru Nanak Dev was not the founder of the Sikh religion.

5. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not the Word of God

Thus, ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib’ means the ‘The Great Scripture containing the Divine Word’.

The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the only holy scripture which was written by the founders of the religion during their lifetime. The original copy of the scripture, called Adi Granth, compiled and authenticated by Guru Arjan Dev exists today and is kept at Kartarpur

Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the most authentic Scripture of the world. Every word contained in the holy Granth is the utterances of God as revealed to the Sikh Gurus and the holy Saints. The composers of Guru Granth Sahib are many but the author is God Himself. God speaks Himself directly in the verses of Guru Granth Sahib:

Its revelation began with Guru Nanak Dev and lasted over the period of 239 years. Guru Nanak Dev sensed the imminence of an inspired utterance, he would ask Mardana, “Rabab waja, Bani aaei hai”, meaning “be ready to play the Rabab, the holy Word is descending”.

The authenticity of the holy Granth is proclaimed in the hymns of Guru Amardas:

God speaks through the prophets and the holy Saints. In Sikhism, there is no difference between Guru and Saint (Bhagat). This can be explained by using an analogy of a mother and a child. The Sikh Gurus were like a child who is born with divine qualities (Brahm Gian) whereas the Bhagats attain the Brahm-Gian during their life time through meditation. They attained the highest spiritual level where they became One with God. Once they reach the stage of unity, Waheguru reveals the divine truth to them. Thus, there is no difference between the hymns of Gurus and the Saints, both are the revelation of God.

Guru Granth Sahib is a universal Granth because it contains the hymns of both Hindu and Muslim Saints. Guru Nanak Dev, during his missionary tours, collected and preserved the writings of his contemporary Saints, such as Bhagat Kabir and Sheikh Farid, which were later incorporated in the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan Dev.

Some sacred verses of the past Saints were inherited by Guru Arjan Dev through their followers. It is said that four Saint-poets of Lahore named Kahna, Chhajju, Peelu and Shah Hussain came to Guru Arjan Dev and requested that he include their verses in the Holy Granth. But the Guru rejected their compositions as he did not find them genuine.

Even Bhai Gurdas, the chief editor and the scribe of Guru Granth Sahib had a clear vision of Gurbani. It is said that once Guru Arjan Dev asked him that how he could differentiate between Kacchi Bani and Sacchi Bani. Bhai Gurdas replied:

“As a married woman can recognise her husband’s voice while her husband is sitting next door talking to other men, similar ly, it is easy for a Gurmukh to distinguish the Word of God from worldly verses”.

More evidence is drawn from Guru Granth Sahib to affirm the authenticity of the holy Granth. Some of which are:

The above given evidences are adequate to prove the authenticity of Guru Granth Sahib. Those, who still challenge the authenticity of the holy Guru Granth Sahib, they are either incompetent scholars or fanatic people. Don’t listen to them!

The word ‘scientific’ means a systematic study and knowledge of natural or physical phenomenon. The text of Guru Granth Sahib explores the scientific formulation on religious beliefs and religious truth. The teachings of Guru Granth Sahib humanise the scientist and make him realise his social and moral responsibilities. A study of Guru Granth Sahib makes life meaningful and satisfies man’s longing for peace and salvation. The teachings of Guru Granth Sahib are not confined to spirituality only but they deal with all aspects of life, as modern society is concerned to deal with the problems in this world rather than reserving a seat in an imaginary heaven.

Gurbani is the direct revelation of God which imparts knowledge to mortals on various aspects of life for what mortal wants to learn. Each word of Guru Granth Sahib is spoken by God Himself. This is evident in the verses of Gurbani:

Guru Granth Sahib preaches the perfection of science and solar system. Guru Nanak Dev, over 500 years ago declared the existence of countless suns, moons, earths, galaxies etc. in the universe which scientists have discovered recently after years of research. Guru Nanak Dev described the vastness of solar system in Japji Sahib:

Guru Granth Sahib is a rational, flawless study of nature, the meaning of existence, reality, His functioning, His manifestation, means of unity etc. Gurbani covers social, political and economical areas. Guru Granth Sahib is the world’s most authentic Scripture, for it was written by prophets during their lifetimes. No other world Scripture was written and compiled by prophets during their lifetimes; the holy Quran was compiled eighty years after the death of prophet Mohammad; Tripitaka was written four hundred years after the death of Buddha; the holy Bible was written in 100 A.D.; and the Vedas were written in 1200 B.C. by Rishis.

Guru Granth Sahib has a compilation date and installation date. The original copy of Guru Granth Sahib, signed and sealed by its compiler, Guru Arjan Dev, is still preserved for viewing. The above are a few pieces of evidence, amongst many others, of Guru Granth Sahib’s scientific existence.

The Big Bang Theory was advanced by Garis lambatre and Garag gamov. Current scientific evidence supports the Big Bang model of cosmology. Evidence collected by astromoners during the last 50 years confirms the hypothesis of an expanding universe, which is the basis of Big Bang cosmology. Modern scientists like Gold, Bondi and Hoyle have advanced the latest theory, 'Continuous Creation Hypothesis' which agrees with the truth propounded by the Sikh Gurus 500 years ago. There view is that 'the universe has no beginning and no end.'

Scientists now believe that there are billions of earths like our own. The extent of His creation is incomprehensible. Modern science, five centuries after Guru Nanak, confirms what man knows of the universe is only its fringe. The more we discover of the universe, the more still lies ahead to discover. What the modern scientists have discovered after years of research and spending billions of dollars on research was explicitly stated by the Gurus more than 500 years ago. Cosmological ideas as enunciated in Guru Granth Sahib have been found to be, not only compatible with modern cosmological theories, but far ahead of scientific discoveries.

In the future scientist will discover that the Sikh Religion was correct when Guru Nanak stated there are Universes upon Universes, then much further in the future scientist will discover trillions of these Universes form a sphere.

'There are worlds upon worlds, solar systems upon solar systems, galaxies upon galaxies, universes upon universes, spheres upon spheres, they function according to the Command of God.'

It would take scientists perhaps another century to find out the basic facts of nature that the Gurus have already stated in the Guru Granth Sahib. Who provides food for it's growth until the chick develops into millions of complex living cells ? What mechanics provide oxygen to the chick in the egg ? and disposes of exhaled carbon dioxide ? Who provides sustenance and protection in the womb ? Some scientists have now come to the conclusion that there is some 'directive principle' at work. But they don't know the answer. But the Sikh Guru's have already given the answer:

'The Lord provides protection to you in the womb and looks after you.' (GGS p488)

The philosophy, on which Sikhism is based, is scientific, logical, in accordance with the laws of nature and has universal acceptability. It is found true in the light of modern science proving the Guru Granth sahib as the word of God.

All world Scriptures were written by human beings.We know the teachings of Socrates only through the writings of Plato. Budha has left no written memorials of his teachings. Kung-Fu zu, known in the West as Confucius left no document in which he detailed the principles of his moral and social system. The founder of christianity did not reduce his doctrines to writing and for them we are obliged to trust the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Prophet Mohammed himself was illiterate. The Quran was written by his adherents and followers many years after his death.

'But the compositions of the Sikh Gurus are preserved, and we know at first hand what they taught. They employed the vehicle of verse, which is generally unalterable by copyists. As we shall see in the hereafter, it would be difficult to point to a religion of greater originality or to a more comprehensive ethical system.' (M.A. Macauliffe)

Guru Granth Sahib is the only authentic Scripture that was written by the Sikh Gurus to whom it was actually revealed. The term ‘Guru’, in Sikhism refers to the enlighten soul that gives spiritual guidance to people.

In adherence to Gurbani, a spiritual Guru possesses all the divine qualities of God. There is no difference between him and God. He is the manifestation of God, who resides in every mortal. Gurbani says:

In the light of above, there remains no denying the fact that Guru Granth Sahib was written by God in the physical form of the Sikh Gurus.

The Sikh religion believes in the equality of Brotherhood. It discards the barriers of the caste system as they are only man-made. Guru Nanak Dev condemned the caste system in India. He said that a person is considered higher or lower only on the grounds of his deeds. He introduced two institutions, Sangat and Pangat, to maintain equality in humankind. Sangat is the holy congregation where everyone sits together to listen to the divine word. Pangat refers to the devotees who sit together regardless of caste, religion, rich and poor to have Langar (community meal).

Gurbani delivers a common message for all humanity and it applies equally to all. Guru Arjan Dev said in Sukhmani Sahib: He gives instruction to people of all castes and social classes. O Nanak, to such a Pandit, I bow in salutation forever. (GGS, p274)

In the court of God man is judged lower or higher according to his deeds. Guru Amardas declares: Social status and beauty will not go with you hereafter. As are the deeds done here, so does one become. (GGS, p363)

Guru Granth Sahib condemns the pride of caste and status. Guru Amardas says: No one should be proud of his social class and status. He alone is a Brahmin, who knows God. ||1|| Do not be proud of your social class and status, you ignorant fool! So much sin and corruption comes from this pride. (GGS, p1127)

For a true Sikh, the recitation of divine Naam is the highest deed. Guru Amardas affirms: The One Name is the social status and honour of the devotees; the Lord Himself adorns them. (GGS, p429)

In Sikh history there are a number of historical Gurdwara built relating to the Sikh Gurus and their families. As well there are community Gurdwara built by Sikhs all over the world. In addition to religious services, the Gurdwaras serve a community centre, a school, a guest house for pilgrims, occasionally a clinic and a base for local charitable activities. The community Gurdwaras are classified mainly for their social needs and requirements and community gatherings. Thus, they split under castes sometimes. However, there is no restriction of entry to anyone at any time. They are open to all religions, castes and sects.

Harimandar Sahib (the Golden Temple), the holiest of the holy shrines of the Sikhs, has four door to signify that people of any caste are welcomed from any direction and they do not have to select their doors and directions for prayers.

In conclusion, inter-caste relationships are not condemned by the religion, but by people who obviously don’t follow their religion properly; it is the ignorance of people.

Sikhism accepts the doctrine of Karma (deeds or actions) as the cause of transmigration of the soul. According to the law of Karma, one reaps what one sows. Every human being has the freedom to desire, think and act for themselves, and every action, good or bad, is sown in the body like a seed. The impact of every action remains in the soul to be carried forward to the next life and forms the nature or the character of a person. The happiness and sorrows of one’s present life are the result of Karmas performed in this life and many previous lives. Every moment of life becomes the past and accumulates Karmas. In terms of Gurbani, one alone is responsible for one’s sufferings. It is futile to blame others for one’s own sufferings. Guru Nanak Dev affirms:

Do not blame anyone else; blame instead your own actions. Whatever I did, for that I have suffered; I do not blame anyone else. (GGS, p433)

The deeds of a person are the cause of reincarnation. Man comes and goes at His Hukam as a result of his own Karmas. Guru Nanak Dev affirms:

Actions repeated, over and over again, are engraved on the soul. You shall harvest what you plant. O Nanak, by the Hukam of God's Command, we come and go in reincarnation. (GGS, p4)

The premature death of a loved one is the fruit of his/her own Karmas. As a matter of fact, our own thoughts and actions are responsible to form our destiny. Guru Arjan Dev says: As you plant, so shall you harvest; your destiny is recorded on your forehead.(GGS, p134)

The life of a human being is a Karam Bhoomi (field of actions) where every action results in a consequence and every consequence causes the soul various births. Thus, the cycle of life and death is the outcome of human desires and transmigration.

As one has planted, so does one harvest; such is the field of karma. (GGS, p134)

Religions are based on firm faith in their prophets and Scriptures. Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture contains the divine revelation of God spoken from the mouth of the Sikh Gurus.

The concept of reincarnation is expounded fully in the verses of Gurbani in accordance to scientific facts. It mentions 8.4 million types of species in the universe and one has to go through endless forms of lives before attaining the human form. Prior to human life, one might have been born as an insect or a bird or vegitation or even an animal. Gurbani affirms:

In terms of Gurbani, human desires and actions determine the type of next life. The law of Karma is based on the premises of cause and effect. Every action good or bad is sown on your soul and carried forward to form your next life. An individual’s destiny is pre-recorded on the bases of your Karmas at the Hukam of God. Gurbani says:

The cycle of reincarnation comes to an end by taking God’s support. Gurbani says:

Nobody actually knows what happens after death. But science, near death experiences and personal accounts have shown that reincarnation is more likely than heaven or hell and resurrection on Judgement Day.

10.Worldly pleasures - Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs and Meat ?

The Sikh faith cannot be judged on the basis of the Punjabi community. There are a lot of "Sikhs" who were born in Sikh families and thus call themselves Sikh. It is evident that one does not become Sikh by birth but has to become one by earning Sikhi. The term ‘Sikhi’ refers to ‘following the injunctions of the Sikh Gurus’. Unfortunately, a number of people have not understood the teachings and the values of Sikhism thus are unable to embrace the beauty of the religion.

In Gurbani, consuming intoxicant of any kind is forbidden. It is encouraged to consume the wine of Naam instead:

You barbaric brute, with your primitive intellect - reverse your breath and turn it inward.Let your mind be intoxicated with the stream of Ambrosial Nectar which trickles down from the furnace of the Tenth Gate. O Siblings of Destiny, call on the Lord. O Saints, drink in this wine forever; it is so difficult to obtain, and it quenches your thirst so easily.(GGS, p1123)

The teachings of Guru Granth Sahib do not permit its followers to consume meat as God’s Jyot enshrines in every being, thus killing a being is a sin. Gurbani says:

You kill living beings, and call it a righteous action. Tell me, brother, what would you call an unrighteous action ? (GGS, p1103)

Bhagat Kabir, in his hymn, clearly condemns consuming meat. He says:

Kabir, those mortals who consume marijuana, fish and wine,no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow, they will all go to hell. (GGS, p1377)

Gurbani recommends consuming light food, such as ‘Khichri’. Bhagat Kabir says:

Kabir, the dinner of beans and rice is excellent, if it is flavored with salt.Who would cut his throat, to have meat with his bread? (GGS, p1374)

Muslims keep fast but they sacrifice an animal to please Allah. Gurbani condemns the rituals of fasting and sacrifice of animals. Gurbani says:

You keep your fasts to please Allah, while you murder other beings for pleasure. You look after your own interests, and so not see the interests of others. What good is your word ? (GGS, p483)

Sikhism believes in the Karma - what one reaps what one sows. Every person is rewarded for a good deed and punished for a bad deed in the court of God. If you kill someone to satisfy your tastes, you will be punished for it. Gurbani says:

He obtains the rewards of his good and bad deeds.(GGS, p470)

Gurbani mentions many attachments of pleasure to the human body which distract human beings from meditation. With countless sensual pleasures present, there is no sanctum for Naam Simran within the human heart. To quote a hymn:

The pleasures of gold and silver, the pleasures of women, the pleasure of the fragrance of sandalwood,the pleasure of horses, the pleasure of a soft bed in a palace, the pleasure of sweet treats and the pleasure of hearty meals -these pleasures of the human body are so numerous; how can the Naam, the Name of the Lord, find its dwelling in the heart ? (GGS, p15)

The Sikh Ardaas includes welfare of entire humanity which includes all living beings. It is clear that there is no place for killing and eating meat in Sikhism. A true Sikh is kind and a pure vegetarian. However, there are Sikhs who are spiritually weak and don’t follow the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib. They enjoy eating meat and find any excuses to cover their weaknesses.

11. Did the Gurus say you should abide according to the rules of society ? i.e. Islam states it has a system for Education, Finance and Governance. What is the Sikh version of this? If there isn’t one then how can you call it a complete religion ?

Sikhism is about the way you are as a human being within society, it’s not about society. Its idea rests on the inner experience of God realisation. However, an ideology of Sikhism is not confined to only three or four areas, it is a much wider term. The Sikh Scripture and the Sikh Code of Conduct covers all aspects faced by society. For example, Japji Sahib is the law book which guides human beings to ascend the Eternal Abode by climbing up 38 steps.

Guru Granth Sahib supports in achieving both worldly and spiritual education. Learning Gurmukhi (Punjabi in the Gurmukhi script) is essential for Sikhs but they should pursue other studies too. All Sikh Gurus were educated and had attended Educational Institutions to learn languages, Scriptures, Arts, Arithmetic and Music. Gurbani recommends education essential for all but it forbids criticising others, “Do not call anyone bad; read these words, and understand. Don't argue with fools.” (GGS, p473)

The term ‘Finance’ acquires an eminent place in Sikhism. Sikh teachings encourage Sikhs to live a comfortable life but it is not the goal of life to collect wealth. In the words of Guru Hargobind, ‘wealth is essential for survival’. Man is appointed the trustee by Waheguru to manage wealth. Thus, a Sikh shares his wealth with the less fortunate ones. The concept of Daswand is one of the basic principles of Sikhism.

The ideology of Governance is based on the concept of freedom, secularism and democracy. The establishment of Sarbat Khalsa, the Gurmata, the role of five Takhts and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (Sikh Parliament) play a vital role in governing the Sikh religion.

12. Sikh pray to pictures of their Guru - is this not Idol worship ?

The Sikhs worship only the Almighty God in abstract form. But they do respect their Gurus, as they were the messengers of God and delivered the divine message to humanity. The Sikhs have their pictures in their households as they love them; everyone keeps pictures of one’s loved ones in their homes. Mecca was once the centre for idol worship. In fact, the Prophet Mohammed himself worshipped idols before his revalations. At Haj Muslims walk around the Kaaba stone and on the seventh turn they kiss Kaaba stone - is this not idol worship ?

It is true that no accurate images of the Guru exist. All pictures are based on the imagination of artists, and have been drawn at different periods. Most of the modern pictures are quite different to the old sketches and pictures. As a matter of fact, none of the Gurus permitted paintings of themselves made in their lifetimes as it is against Sikh philosophy to worship human Gurus; instead the Bani (word of God) recorded in Guru Granth Sahib is the living Guru of the Sikhs. The Gurus regarded themselves as humble servants of God, the dust below the feet of God. In conclusion, Sikhs do not worship pictures of the Gurus, they respect them.

13. There may well have been a time when the 5K’s were relevant (for fighting) but now they just a symbol, so why have them ?

The five K’s are the commandment of our tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh. For a Sikh, the order of the Guru is eternal; it cannot be challenged. The five K’s are the distinct identity of the Khalsa Fauz, the army of Almighty God.

The Khalsa Brotherhood is the institution of the pure ones, the army of brave Sikhs to fight against injustice. They represent the highest state of evolution in modern society. Guru Gobind Singh acknowledged the Khalsa as his form. He declared, “Khalsa is my form now, I reside in Khalsa. I bestow my form to the Khalsa. I remain with the Khalsa”.

14.In Sikhism it says that Allah created this world, and that he watches over the world like a drama. So if we belong to Allah and we are part of him and our soul is lost without him and we will finally unite with him then what was the point of him sending us here ?

Sikhism strongly accepts that God has created this world at His will to watch it like a drama. Prior to creation there were no human beings thus there was no question of Karmas. How should human beings know the reason for His drama? Gurbani says: When nothing existed, what deeds were being done? And what karma caused anyone to be born at all ? The Lord Himself set His play in motion, and He Himself beholds it. He created the Creation. (GGS, p748)

It was God’s wish to manifest Himself, thus He created all beings, creatures, trees, planets etc. We, the foolish mortals, are not wise enough to question Him. The Sikhs accept the sweet will of God. Guru Arjan Dev says: I am worthless, foolish, thoughtless and ignorant. I know nothing about good actions and righteous living. (GGS, p748)

Our little knowledge suggests us that we are here at His will to experience life, experience the different aspects of Him. Originally, we were all part of Him, when this world was created He broke off little parts of Himself to create us. He then came to reside in each and every unit of His creation. Thus, we are all a tiny part of Him like a tiny drop of a huge ocean or a little sparkle of fire. It makes us all miniature forms of God. We are here to experience the other parts of Him all around us and recognise Him in the form of people, animals, trees etc.

We go through many cycles of life and death playing worldly games. Finally, in human form, we obtain a chance to realise our goal. Through the teachings of the Guru we realise our objective and merge back into Him. Gurbani affirms: Know your soul, and know the Supreme Soul; associating with the Guru, you shall be emancipated. (GGS, p1030)

Gurbani reminds us the objective of our life. It says that God has given us an opportunity to attain unity with Him, thus it is our duty to meditate on Him. Gurbani affirms: This human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe. Nothing else will work. Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam. (GGS, p12)

15. Sikhism says many times that the Lord is compassionate, if that is true then why would he send us here, knowing the pain and suffering we go through as human beings? Is the God of Sikhism playing a joke on us ?

There is no separate God of Sikhism. There is only One Supreme Being whether you call Him Allah or Waheguru or God. He is known to be compassionate not only in Sikhism but in Islam too. He is called Rahim – the compassionate one in Islam.

The pain and sufferings are created by us. God has given us a brain to think and make the right decision but we fail to listen to our conscience under the impact of vices thus we do bad Karmas. Our sufferings are created by us; we are not to blame others. Gurbani says: Do not blame anyone else; blame instead your own actions.Whatever I did, for that I have suffered; I do not blame anyone (GGS, p433)

We, the mortals, are here to achieve the goal of life that is the unity with God. Human life is the only opportunity to meditate on God and attain unity with Him. The objective of life and the means of unity with Him is mentioned in Gurbani: This human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe. No other work is useful to you. Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam. (GGS, p12)

God is forever Merciful; He does not punish anyone without reasons. We are the designers of our destiny. Our destiny is formed on the basis of our Karmas at His Hukam. Gurbani affirms: As one plants, so does he harvest; such is the field of karma.(GGS, p134)

It is evident that joy and pain are one’s inner feelings. Pain cannot make someone miserable unless one wants to be. This is proven by the life of Guru Arjan Dev. His brother, Prithi Chand, tried to impose various types of mischief upon him but he sustained every incident without any grief. He had spiritual strength to sustain the martyrdom, as he submitted himself to the will of God by uttering the following hymn: Sweet is your will, Waheguru. (GGS, p748)

In Sikhism God is Graceful and a Forgiver; He can liberate someone by His grace from the account of one’s Karmas. Gurbani says: One who is blessed with His grace is fortunate and possesses everything; his fortune is beyond comparison to others. Waheguru keeps no records of deeds of such a devotee. Guru Arjan Dev writes: And that one upon whom He bestows His blessings Waheguru does not hold him to his account. (GGS, 277)

The purpose of God sending us here is known to Him only. Who are we to challenge His decision or His Will? Gurbani affirms that He alone makes His own decisions: The created cannot know the extent of the Creator. O Nanak, whatever pleases Him comes to pass. (GGS, p285)

In light of the above, it would be foolish to say that the 'God of Sikhism' is playing some joke on us.

16. If men and women are said to be equal in Sikhism, then why do they tend to sit separately in the Gurdwara ?

For a simple reason - by nature, men are attracted to women and vice versa. For this reason, society has made some rules that men and women sit separately in the Gurdwara so that they can attune with the divine word rather than feel a physical attraction to each other. However, there are no strict rules in the Gurdwaras that men or women can’t cross the line and sit together, unlike in some orthodox religious places.

In the eyes of God, all souls, whether of a man or a woman, are regarded equally. In the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, women are assigned an equal status to men; they are in no way inferior to men. In Sikh history, the woman is never been degraded, but rather she has been assigned a respectful position.

- Why does the bride walk behind the groom in the Anand Karaj and not for example next to the groom ?

A Sikh religious marriage ceremony is called ‘Anand Karaj’, meaning ‘the ceremony of bliss’. The four hymns of Lavan from Guru Granth Sahib are recited to solemnise the Anand Karaj. Lavan is the core of the entire marriage ceremony. The word ‘Lavan’ literally means ‘break away’, the bride breaking away from her parents’ house and uniting with her husband’s family. This path is new for the bride, thus she follows the groom whilst taking the oath of Guru Granth Sahib.

In Sikhism, marriage is a very special institution. The bond between the two grows so strong that they become ‘one spirit in two bodies’. So does it matter who walks in front or behind ?

- Why weren’t any Gurus female? Does this suggest that God is only strongest and influential in the male form ?

In Sikhism, God is neither a male nor a female, He if formless. He is above the gender. He is enshrined in every heart and treats all souls equally. In spiritual terms, God alone makes decisions; He needs no advice from any other. Gurbani affirms: In the body-village is my Lord and Master, whose body is ever-new, Innocent and childlike, incomparably playful. He is neither a woman, nor a man, nor a bird; the True Lord is so wise and beautiful. Whatever pleases Him, happens; You are the lamp, and You are the incense. (GGS, p1010)

In worldly terms, God sent the Sikh Gurus in the male form due to the prevailing social and political conditions of India. The Sikh religion was born and propagated when India was ruled by cruel Mughal invaders. The Islam religion was intolerant against the Hindu religion. Hindus were subjected to every kind of degradation and cruelty by Muslim rulers in an attempt to force them to convert to Islam.

During the life of the Sikh Gurus, society had been under Muslim domination where women were in danger from Islam. Invaders from Afghanistan looted the valuables and abducted the women in India to be used as slaves, thus women were kept shut indoors. It was this environment that did not suit women to become Gurus.

Why are there never/rarely any female Gianis ?

There is no restriction for women to become Gianis but for domestic reasons women are not encouraged to become Gianis. The Gianis duties are very demanding; they have to be prepared day and night to fulfil religious duties such as an unexpected death. Women are responsible to mange household duties, and for a woman it is difficult to neglect their families. Only for this reason is it rare to find Sikh women performing the duty of Gianis.

17. How do we deal with situations where you don’t know whether it is right or wrong and if you are trying to make a decision ?

God has placed a conscience within every human to make decisions of a right and wrong nature. Sometimes if a situation occurs and you find it difficult to make a decision then Sikhism suggests taking the support of God (advice from Guru Granth Sahib Ji). Gurbani says, if you are confused and stuck, render your prayers to God and leave all your worries to Him. God knows your inner feelings. O' foolish mind, God, your Lord and Master is watching over you. Whatever you do, He knows; nothing can remain concealed from Him. (GGS, p616)

A Sikh prays to God with humility: y God is the Inner-knower, the Searcher of Hearts.Take pity on me, O Perfect Transcendent Lord; bless me with the True Eternal Insignia of the Shabad, the Word of God.(GGS, p1323)

A Sikh offers Ardaas to Waheguru as Ardaas is a straight communication with God. A Sikh believes that God is near to you; He is all around you; He is within you. He doesn’t live in the seventh sky as suggested by Islamic view. Ardaas, in Sikhism, is a very powerful tool: So offer your prayers to Him, the Giver of Peace, the Destroyer of fear. Showing His Mercy, the Merciful Master shall resolve your affairs. (GGS, p44)

18. What is the most significant "form" for a Sikh and why?

It is important first to understand the definition of ‘Sikh’. The word ‘Sikh’ in the Sanskrit language means a ‘learner’ or a ‘disciple’. In the Sikh religion, the term ‘Sikh’ has come to be used for the followers of Guru Nanak Dev and the succeeding nine Gurus.

The definition of a Sikh has been initiated by the Sikh Gurus in Gurbani verses. A true Sikh is called a Gurmukh. He is a practicing disciple of the school of the true Guru. Having been trained under the guidance of the true Guru, he ascends to the highest spiritual level and eventually attains Sahaj Avastha or Jeevan Mukti, the ultimate goal of life.

According to the above verses, the definition of a true Sikh was initiated by the Sikh Gurus in Gurbani. The tenth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, gave substance to the definition of a Sikh by the ordaining of the five Kakkare (five articles beginning with the letter ‘K’).

The Sikh Reht Maryada, issued by SGPC has given a definition of a Sikh that is, “a true Sikh is any human being who faithfully believes in one Immortal Being, the ten Sikh Gurus (from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh), the Guru Granth Sahib, the importance and necessity of baptism as initiated by the tenth Guru, the utterances and the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus, and does not owe allegiance to any other religion”.

With time, some classifications within the religion have occurred, such as Sahajdhari, Keshdhari and Amritdhari. These terms have been explained hereunder.

19. What form does the creator manifest ? If the Creator is considered formless, and the union with it is a goal for a Sikh. How does a Sikh become formless? If the Creator does have a form, then what is it, and how can a Sikh say they have adopted that form.

In Sikhism God is seen in two aspects, Nirgun and Sargun. In Nirgun form He is transcendental and remains One without attributes and in Sargun form He is all-pervading and manifest; He enjoys the cosmic play yet remains unattached in the midst of all.

He exists in each and every unit of His creation including land, oceans, skies and nether regions. Every creature and every being is His form and He becomes Sargun (with attributes) when He so wishes to. Guru Amardas says: “This whole world which you see is the image of the Lord; only the image of the Lord is seen.By Guru's Grace, I understand, and I see only the One Lord; there is no one except the Lord.” (GGS, p922)

Although, He is manifest in every being yet He has no form of His own. Guru Nanak Dev says: “You have thousands of eyes, and yet You have no eyes. You have thousands of forms, and yet You do not have even one. You have thousands of lotus feet, and yet You do not have even one foot. You have no nose, but you have thousands of noses. This play of Yours entrances me”. (GGS, p13)

When a Sikh is completely detached from the materialistic world, his soul elevates to the stage of equipoise (Sahj-Avastha), the state of union with the Formless God. It is the union of Atma (soul) and Param Atma (Supreme Soul). This only happens when he remains in this world in his physical form, but devoid of those desires that muddy the human being – like a lotus that has its roots in the muddy water, yet the flowers are able to bloom and sustain their purity and beauty over the muddy water.

20. What is the form of the Sikh Guru? Is it a person, and how do we see the Guru through their role-model lifestyles? Is it a divine light? Then what does it mean ?

The term ‘Guru’ is widely used in Sikhism. In literal terms, the word ‘Guru’ refers to ‘the light’ that dispels the darkness of ignorance’. In the text of Guru Granth Sahib the Guru symbolises the Jot (divine knowledge), ocean of knowledge, mediator at the court of God, remover of bonds of Maya, cherisher of mankind, Sat Purakh etc. Guru is the possessor of all the divine qualities. It is vital to understand the fundamental value of the word ‘Guru’. In adherence to the writings of Guru Granth Sahib, the word Guru occurs with three different meanings:

The Sikh Gurus were appointed by Waheguru with a divine mission. It was to reveal the word and save it for humanity forever which no human Guru, after Guru Gobind Singh, would be able to match its teachings and the instructions. It was God’s will to end the humanship with Guru Gobind Singh and rest the destiny of the Sikh religion in the Shabad of Guru Granth Sahib. Before leaving the mortal world, Guru Gobind Singh declared that he would always be visible through the Shabad of Guru Granth Sahib. Therefore, the form of the Sikh Guru is Shabad, the Bani of Guru Granth Sahib.

The form of the Sikh Gurus was similar to any other human being. It is a law of nature that every being who takes birth has to die; only God is eternal, who neither takes birth nor dies - he is beyond birth and death. The ten Sikh Gurus were the liberated souls who came to this mortal world at the commandment of God with a mission.

They were blessed with divine knowledge but they never used it to impress people or to undo their sufferings which they faced like any other human being. As a matter of fact, when Guru Arjan Dev was brutally tortured to death he endured three days torture cheerfully accepting the will of God. He did not utter a word of complain or beg for mercy, he instead remained engrossed in Path recital and maintained this until his last breath. Mian Mir requested the Guru to let him use his mystic powers to undo his pain and sufferings, which were being inflicted upon him. Guru Arjan Dev said that the use of mystical powers is against the law of nature and it is disobeying God.

The ten Sikh Gurus were the spiritual guides of the Sikhs. A Guru is not the incarnation of God, but rather, the messenger of God who delivers the divine word to humanity. The human body of each of the ten Gurus was the medium to deliver God’s light.

21. Why is it necessary to perceive and treat the Guru Granth Sahib in the form of a human being ?

Guru Granth Sahib is the living Guru of the Sikhs. It is the embodiment of the ten human Gurus from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh. The ten Sikh Gurus are the manifestations of Waheguru; they came to spread the word of God. The Jot (spiritual knowledge) of the first Guru was transmitted into the succeeding Gurus, in turn.

In adherence to Gurbani, God is the form of Shabad and Shabad is the identity of God. Thus, there is no difference between God and Shabad. Guru Nanak Dev proclaims: “The Shabad is the Guru, upon whom I lovingly focus my consciousness; I am the disciple”.(GGS, p943)

The thought of oneness of Bani and Guru is expressed by Guru Ramdas: The Word, the Bani is Guru, and Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani, the ambrosial nectar is contained.If His humble servant believes, and acts according to the Words of the Guru’s Bani, then the Guru, in person, emancipates him (GGS, p982)

Guru Gobind Singh ended the line of human Gurus and infused his spirit to Guru Granth Sahib. In the assembly of his followers, the Guru bowed his head, placing 5 Paisa and a coconut. Addressing the Sangat, he said, that the line of teacher-Guru was to end with him and he proclaimed, “It is my commandment: regard Sri Guru Granth Sahib in my place. He, who so acknowledges it, will obtain his reward, the Guru will rescue him. Know this as the truth. O beloved Khalsa! I have infused my mental and bodily spirit into the holy Granth Sahib; the Sikhs should bow to the holy Granth in reverence and should not worship it”

Guru Granth Sahib is the spirit of the ten Sikh Gurus and it is the source of knowledge and divine instructions, thus it has to be respected as living Guru and not to be treated in a human form. The teachings of Guru Granth Sahib reflect ‘Truth’ which is timeless, ageless and therefore will always remain alive.

22. What is the significance of standardized forms of practice in religion? Particularly a religion, which is to unshackle us from materialistic confinements.

Religion plays a vital role in society. It gives spiritual support to human beings and develops the personality and the inner-self. Sikh religion is a practical religion; it makes life meaningful and it aims to form an ideal society.

Sikhism consists of standardised forms of practice of various aspects of life for its followers. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder, prescribed three basic pillars:

Guru Ramdas prescribed the discipline of life:

Guru Gobind Singh prescribed personal regulations of 5 K’s and five daily prayers for the Sikhs. The significance of standardised forms of practices in Sikh religion is to give its followers:

23. If Sikhism is against the practice of polygamy, then why did Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Guru Hargobind Singh Ji have 3 wives ? ?

There are several stories depicting the marriage of Guru Gobind Singh but it is generally accepted that Guru Gobind Singh was married to Mata Jito Ji at the age of eleven when she was nine years old. In olden days Muklava was performed a few years after the marriage when the girl and the boy were mature enough to live together (Mata Jito Ji lived with her parents until she was of age). After Muklava, Mata Jito Ji was renamed Mata Sundari keeping in tact with the prevailing tradition of Punjab.

Mata Sahib Kaur was the spiritual mother of the Khalsa. Her marriage with the Guru was a social agreement based on spirituality only. After a mutual consultation she accepted marital celibacy and was delighted to serve the Guru and the Sangat of Anandpur.

In relation to Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, some envious minority groups are trying to target the Sikh Gurus to exploit the Sikh religion. They put allegations on the Sikh Gurus for practicing polygamy to cover the weaknesses of their own prophet who was indulged in polygamy. They say that Guru Hargobind had three wives. Sikhs claim it a baseless statement as the Gurus preached what they practiced. If Guru Hargobind was indulged in polygamy like Mohammed we would have found indications in Guru Granth Sahib or in his life history. In fact, Guru Hargobind lived an honest and pious life like other Sikh Gurus.

Guru Hargobind lived a happy family life. Proof of this arises from an incident that occurred in his life. Kaulan, a beautiful daughter of Quazi Rustam Khan, a follower of Saint Mian Mir, came into Guru Hargobind’s contact. She was impressed with the appearance and the lifestyle of the Guru and fell in love with him. She expressed her wish to the Guru that she wanted to marry him but Guru Hargobind refused to marry her as he was already married. She persisted to have a son like him. At this Guru Hargobind fell at her feet and asked Kaulan to accept him as her son. After her death, Guru Hargobind had a Sarovar, Kaulsar, constructed in her memory. If Guru Hargobind believed in polygamy he would have married the beautiful lady but he regarded her as his mother.

Some history books depict three marriages of Guru Hargobind but evidently Sikh history has been corrupted by some so called scholars, who have not studied the teachings of the Gurus, enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib, the most authentic source of Sikh history. There has been no evidence put forward that proves Guru Hargobind married more than once.