Are Sikhs Hindus?

Sikh Identity - Are Sikhs Hindus?

Who are the Sikhs? And what is Sikhism? It is not possible to understand the Sikhs or appreciate their religion, Sikhism, without studying their history and the circumstances under which Sikhism was born.


To answer the above questions we must go back to the times of Sri Guru Nanak Dev (1469 to 1539), the founder of the Sikh religion. Sikhism began with the preaching of Guru Nanak. He based his right to teach on his personal experience of a hukum (command) received from God. Guru Nanak's simple monotheistic creed, supported by a set of humanitarian principles of conduct and presented with humility and conviction, made a deep impact on the Indian population, then suffering under the heavy heel of the Mughal conquerors and the ritualized Hindu religious observances. Guru Nanak won a large number of adherents to his teaching. It was the beginning of a new religious fellowship, which in course of time developed into a well-defined Faith. Its chief doctrines were the unity of God, the brotherhood of man, rejection of caste and the futility of idol worship.





Guru Nanak is viewed by Sikhs as the preacher of a new Gospel, the founder of a new Faith, the perfect example of piety and a person worthy of deep devotion, but not to be worshipped as God.
The new religion founded by Guru Nanak was nurtured by nine other Gurus who succeeded him in the holy office of Guruship. The Guru is the Enlightener, the instructor who shows the path leading to the Divine.




The first Guru, Nanak Dev, lived in the 15th century, a time of immense social and political turmoil. He witnessed the brutality of the Mughal invaders who swept through Afghanistan into the Northern sub-continent of India, terrorizing, the local population. According to Sikh historian Harbans Singh, Guru Nanak's voice offered " the only vocal protest in India against the invasions of Barbar, founder of the Mughal dynasty". Guru Nanak also spoke out against the social evils of the caste system which promoted vast inequality among fellow human beings. Guru Nanak recognized all humanity as one and knew the free life was the only life worth living.




The succeeding nine Gurus of the Sikh faith further developed what Guru Nanak set in motion. When the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, baptized the Sikhs into nationhood in 1699, he specifically commanded all Sikhs to stand up to tyranny no matter where it existed. Guru Gobind Singh, too, knew the importance of maintaining one's freedom, and he was certain to pass this legacy to the Sikh nation. Every morning Sikhs pray "Raj Karega Khalsa : The Khalsa Shall Rule". After the death of Guru Gobind Singh, Banda Singh Bahadur swept through the Punjab, defeating the forces of the Mughal rulers who had earlier outlawed the Sikhs, placing a heavy bounty on severed Sikh heads. Banda Singh's rule lasted from 1710 to 1716.


The Sikhs ruled Punjab until it was annexed by the British in 1849 at the conclusion of the Anglo-Sikh Wars. The Sikhs were the last nation on the Indian sub-continent to fall to the British. The records show that the British recognized the Sikhs as a sovereign and independent nation. History is clear that the British were close to being routed in the Anglo-Sikh wars. Indeed, if not for the treason of a few highly placed Dogras, who betrayed the Sikh nation by sabotaging the Sikh army in return for British favours, the Punjab may never have fallen into British hands. Sikhs were also the first nation on the sub-continent to fight for freedom from the British. It was the Sikhs who suffered the overwhelming number of casualties during the ****** struggle to oust the British. Though the Sikhs then comprised 1.6%of the population of the sub-continent, 85% of those hanged were Sikhs; 80% of those exiled were Sikhs; and 75% of those jailed were Sikhs!


In 1947, when the British pulled out of India, three nations representing three distinct ethnic groups, were recognized and specifically identified in preparation for the transfer of power : The Muslims, the Hindus and the Sikhs. The Muslims took their share in the newly created Pakistan; the Hindus took current-day India and the Sikhs opted to support the Hindus under solemn assurances by Jawarhar Lal Nehru and Mohandas Gandhi that the Sikh nation would lead an autonomous existence in the North. Gandhi personally guaranteed that no law would be passed in the new India that was unacceptable to the Sikh nation. In 1950, however, when the Constitution was being finalized, Sikhs found the document contrary to their interests as a nation, as it made no allowance whatsoever for their free existence! The Sikh delegates at the Constituent Assemble naturally refused to sign the document. The Hindu political leaders reneged on their promises.



To this day, no Sikh has signed the Indian Constitution. Later the Sikh representative, Master Tara Singh was jailed by Nehru for agitating for the implementation of promises made to the Sikhs. Nehru is reported to have said: "I shut my ears when someone speaks to me about honoring promises made to Sikhs during the independence movement". The Sikhs were outwitted and cheated by Nehru. Sadly the history of the Sikh nation since ratification of the Indian Constitution is the story of Sikhs struggling for their most basic right of self-government in an autonomous Sikh State.

Understanding Sikhism (The Gospel of the Gurus) by Retired Justice Choor Singh of the Supreme Court of Singapore

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~~~**Jap mun Satnaam sda Satnaam...sda satnaam sda satnaam.....~~~

<<To this day, no Sikh has signed the Indian Constitution.>>

sikh80 ji

i hope you cross check certain facts before posting

out of the 92 member of the constituent assembly that drafted the constitution, 2 were

Sardar Hukam Singh(Akali) and Partap Singh Kairon(Congress)

the above 2 were "elected" representatives through the constituent assembly elected through franchise in 1946

and their signatures are "present" on the final constitution

Two members had walked out Sardar Bhupinder Singh Mann and another "observer" member from Akali Dal faction asking for third state.

If you count Rajkumari Amrita Kaur( Who was born to a sikh father, maharaja of Kapurthala and Christian mother) it could be 3 but Amrita Kaur was ( in rumors) an atheist

EVERY sikh(self claiming) joining the IAS, IPS or Government services takes up the oath to defend the constitution.

so please donot tell me that no SIKH is working in those professions.

Else there might be a new SIKH ID card that Mr. Choor Singh might be providing, please enlighten.


<<Nehru is reported to have said: "I shut my ears when someone speaks to me about honoring promises made to Sikhs during the independence movement". >>>

although not a big fan of nehruvian policies, i never find any reference to any news agency ( indian or foreign) providing reference to all such claims of statements being made.

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though the topic might sound relevant for discussion, the garbage inside the article makes this topic sound like a seperatist article rather than discussion on religion.

just my thoughts on the topic-

Sikhs are neither hindu, nor muslim, nor they are the so called "sikhs"

Sikhs are seekers, they seek truth through the Enlightened Ones and donot believe in any of the rituals of STRUCTURED religions.

you might like to refer back to SGGS to seek out the meaning of who is a sikh, i believe you have more knowledge of SGGS and its teachings than me.

__________________
Journey ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1.
I have retained that seemed to me that would be of relevance to the topic. I have not retained p'rsnl comments and would request you to refrain from doing so that it can be discussed in a peaceful manner. I am thankful for pointing out the mistakes of facts and not of intentions. But you have yet to establish these. I shall take up the matter with the site if I am convinvinced by your reply.
1a.
Kindly provide the date of constitution of the committees so that these can be checked and verified. To the best of my knowledge there is difference between a document to be drafted and that is approved and adopted.


In any case, I shall like to check before I comment upon your comments.
[Information Required]

1b.
[Whether Mr. P.S .Kairon was a member or Hukum singh was a member of a DRAFTING COMMITTEE becomes irrelevant. They would have been just GLORIFIED CLERKS only if they could not get the document drafted as per what they thought they wanted to say i.e mention of a Sikh State.

Kindly get the minutes of the meetings wherein the document drafted by them along with other members was signed. Jinnah was a smart guy for Muslims. It was/is this kind of leadership that Sikhs still need and we do not need few sycophants both in politics and also in Government Service. Hukum Singh was made Governor Of Madras and He enjoyed his life and Mr. P.S Kairon ruled Punjab over decades.
2. Minutes Of Meeting Required
Irrespective of what may emerge out, I shall be able to comment when the date of the appointment of the committee is made available to check into the correctness of that site claims to be correct and that you state to be untrue.

[There were some other committees that were appointed By Nehru and one would like to know the committee that you are referring to.]

2.
Yes, if anyone is a Government Servant in any country, one would be able to serve as per the terms of appointment only. If one has to take an oath to protect the Constitution one has to be on oath else people shall not get any appointment. This applies to all the caste and communities or do you think that there should be some concessions for Sikhs.



Hence any person calling him an Indian shall have to take an oath. It is not only for sikhs. It is for INDIANS. There is no logic in statement of yours in view of the context and the thrust of the topic.

Yes, about three years back a Sikh Chief Secy. of UP had to resign 3 days before/prior to retirement due to corrupt practices in Taj corridor case.

It is the reputation that Sikhs in IAS are earning for the community.
Now pl. do not tell me that you do not know and it cannot happen.

3.
Things do not change if you are not a fan of Nehru.

I shall request that kindly check the statements that you author so that we can process it peacefully. Although I did not have any intention of entering into controversy but if it is let it be. Please reply only after checking facts.

It shall be meaningless to proceed on so called presumptions.

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~~~**Jap mun Satnaam sda Satnaam...sda satnaam sda satnaam.....~~~

please visit the site Constituent Assembly DEBATES (PROCEEDINGS)

you might be able to find the relevant documents


as a proof of the signatories, i suggest you visit the parliament exhibitory hall and see the replica copy of the signatories of the constitution

you can see aforementioned signatures


<<[Whether Mr. P.S .Kairon was a member or Hukum singh was a member of a DRAFTING COMMITTEE becomes irrelevant. They would have been just GLORIFIED CLERKS only if they could not get the document drafted as per what they thought they wanted to say i.e mention of a Sikh State. >>

double standards, you are making personal comments on character of two distinguished gentlemen, one of whom the majoriy of punjab even elected their chief minister.

in debates this is called negation of exact by generalization, how can you prove that they were "mere clerks" ?

and WHY do you think a SIKH state is needed?

<<Any comments on this, Sir.Mr. Kairon was and has been ‘stated to be’ a personal servants of Nehrus. Both joined hands with congress and lived their lives peacefully. We do not need such kinds of Sikhs and the entire community is paying for the mistakes of some traitors>>>

dear SIKH80 ji

just your statement of Mr. Kairon as a "traitor" and "servant" of Nehru doesnot make him one.

just as you "might" be miserable being cheated out into being born as an Indian, i am proud to be one and this doesnot make YOU a better person , nor it makes me a worse.

i request you to abstain from mud slinging on deceased persons without FACTS,

i am still waiting for the "sources" to prove your quoted article's contents -

<<<<Nehru is reported to have said: "I shut my ears when someone speaks to me about honoring promises made to Sikhs during the independence movement". >>>>>


<<They would be equally guilty of misrepresenting the Sikhs if in the final document there was no mention of Independent and autonomous state of Sikhs.>>>

Please provide me any CENSUS source/opinion poll stating that SIKHS wanted a seperate independent nation.

please just donot make assumptions that sikhs were fighting for khalistan/whatever

there might be people here on the board whose fore fathers sacrificed lives and spilled their blood for getting India's freedom. please donot demean them by saying that they were fighing for "SIKH nation"

SIKHS were not mercenaries in the WAR for independence. They fought with others shoulder to shoulder.

<<Yes, if anyone is a Government Servant in any country, one would be able to serve as per the terms of appointment only. If one has to take an oath to protect the Constitution one has to be on oath else people shall not get any appointment. This applies to all the caste and communities or do you think that there should be some concessions for Sikhs.



Hence any person calling him an Indian shall have to take an oath. It is not only for sikhs. It is for INDIANS. There is no logic in statement of yours in view of the context and the thrust of the topic.>>>

i am confused here, please donot side step from the point

if you say that all indians take oath of constitution , then it means ALL indians and it includes SIKHS

i only provided the fact to prove it wrong that SIKHS donot accept the constitution. please enlighten me how this is not in line with the "thrust" of the article?


<<Yes, about three years back a Sikh Chief Secy. of UP had to resign 3 days before/prior to retirement due to corrupt practices in Taj corridor case.

It is the reputation that Sikhs in IAS are earning for the community.

Now pl. do not tell me that you do not know and it cannot happen.>>

once again, you use the second fallacy of debate, giving an example and generalizing.

one sikh IAS bad = all sikh IAS bad

i admire the ingenuity of your logic

i donot consider this statement of any relevance to the points of discussion.


<<Things do not change if you are not a fan of Nehru.

I shall request that kindly check the statements that you author so that we can process it peacefully. Although I did not have any intention of entering into controversy but if it is let it be. Please reply only after checking facts.

It shall be meaningless to proceed on so called presumptions.>>.

instead of asking me to check facts , you can help me by pointing out mistakes like i did.


i am not of a closed mind Sikh80 ji, i am absolutely open to criticism of my statements, but only through facts and not vague statements. Also i hope that before you call some deceased as "clerks", "traitors" or else, do post DATA to substantiate your claims.

also i did not understand that what are "non peaceful" discussions

----------------------------------------

as a piece of advice to Mr. Choor Singh - he seems like a learned man, he should keep his hands in his pockets and stop meddling with other country's internal affairs. The moment he became an Singaprean citizen, he lost all right to yak yak on things concerning us Indians.

i would love to see him working more productively in his free time, rather than fanning khalistani/divisive ideologies by making baseless allegations.

__________________
Journey ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rebuttal to Mr Choor Singh

in the article here Mr. Choor Singh uses vagur quotes, biased views and also twists the bani of SGGS

i have no quallms on him proving that sikhs are not hindus, but he slyly introduces divisive comments and ideology of SIKH rule etc. that i find wrong.

Understanding Sikhism (The Gospel of the Gurus) - Sikh Identity - Are Sikhs Hindus??


<<<<There is no better way of closing this essay than with Divine words from our holy scripture. The Sikh religion, as projected in the HolyGranth is concerned with the creation of a just social order, social equality and peaceful co-existence as proclaimed by Guru Arjun in the following words:

"Hun Hukum hua Meharvan da Pai koi kisae ranjhan da Sab sukhali wuthia Eho hoa Halemi Raj jio!" (AG.74)
(The Gracious Lord has now promulgated his ordinance:
None shall domineer over others or cause pain to them. All shall abide in peace and the governance shall be gentle and compassionate.)>>>>

let's read the whole Shabd in completeness

it is


ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
सिरीरागु महला ५ ॥
Sirīrāg mehlā 5.
Siree Raag, Fifth Mehl:

ਪੈ ਪਾਇ ਮਨਾਈ ਸੋਇ ਜੀਉ ॥
पै पाइ मनाई सोइ जीउ ॥
Pai pā­ė manā­ī so­ė jī­o.
I fall at His Feet to please and appease Him.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪੁਰਖਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
सतिगुर पुरखि मिलाइआ तिसु जेवडु अवरु न कोइ जीउ ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
Saṯgur purakẖ milā­i­ā ṯis jėvad avar na ko­ė jī­o. ||1|| rahā­o.
The True Guru has united me with the Lord, the Primal Being. There is no other as great as He. ||1||Pause||

ਗੋਸਾਈ ਮਿਹੰਡਾ ਇਠੜਾ ॥
गोसाई मिहंडा इठड़ा ॥
Gosā­ī mihandā iṯẖ­ṛā.
The Lord of the Universe is my Sweet Beloved.

ਅੰਮ ਅਬੇ ਥਾਵਹੁ ਮਿਠੜਾ ॥
अम अबे थावहु मिठड़ा ॥
Amm abė thāvhu miṯẖ­ṛā.
He is sweeter than my mother or father.

ਭੈਣ ਭਾਈ ਸਭਿ ਸਜਣਾ ਤੁਧੁ ਜੇਹਾ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥
भैण भाई सभि सजणा तुधु जेहा नाही कोइ जीउ ॥१॥
Bẖaiṇ bẖā­ī sabẖ sajṇā ṯuḏẖ jėhā nāhī ko­ė jī­o. ||1||
Among all sisters and brothers and friends, there is no one like You. ||1||

ਤੇਰੈ ਹੁਕਮੇ ਸਾਵਣੁ ਆਇਆ ॥
तेरै हुकमे सावणु आइआ ॥
Ŧėrai hukmė sāvaṇ ā­i­ā.
By Your Command, the month of Saawan has come.

ਮੈ ਸਤ ਕਾ ਹਲੁ ਜੋਆਇਆ ॥
मै सत का हलु जोआइआ ॥
Mai saṯ kā hal jo­ā­i­ā.
I have hooked up the plow of Truth,

ਨਾਉ ਬੀਜਣ ਲਗਾ ਆਸ ਕਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਬੋਹਲ ਬਖਸ ਜਮਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
नाउ बीजण लगा आस करि हरि बोहल बखस जमाइ जीउ ॥२॥
Nā­o bījaṇ lagā ās kar har bohal bakẖas jamā­ė jī­o. ||2||
and I plant the seed of the Name in hopes that the Lord, in His Generosity, will bestow a bountiful harvest. ||2||

ਹਉ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਇਕੁ ਪਛਾਣਦਾ ॥
हउ गुर मिलि इकु पछाणदा ॥
Ha­o gur mil ik pacẖẖāṇḏā.
Meeting with the Guru, I recognize only the One Lord.

ਦੁਯਾ ਕਾਗਲੁ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਣਦਾ ॥
दुया कागलु चिति न जाणदा ॥
Ḏuyā kāgal cẖiṯ na jāṇḏā.
In my consciousness, I do not know of any other account.

ਹਰਿ ਇਕਤੈ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਓਨੁ ਜਿਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਂਵੈ ਨਿਬਾਹਿ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
हरि इकतै कारै लाइओनु जिउ भावै तिंवै निबाहि जीउ ॥३॥
Har ikṯai kārai lā­i­on ji­o bẖāvai ṯiʼnvai nibāhi jī­o. ||3||
The Lord has assigned one task to me; as it pleases Him, I perform it. ||3||

ਤੁਸੀ ਭੋਗਿਹੁ ਭੁੰਚਹੁ ਭਾਈਹੋ ॥
तुसी भोगिहु भुंचहु भाईहो ॥
Ŧusī bẖogihu bẖuncẖahu bẖā­īho.
Enjoy yourselves and eat, O Siblings of Destiny.

ਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਬਾਣਿ ਕਵਾਇ ਪੈਨਾਈਓ ॥
गुरि दीबाणि कवाइ पैनाईओ ॥
Gur ḏībāṇ kavā­ė painā­ī­o.
In the Guru's Court, He has blessed me with the Robe of Honor.

ਹਉ ਹੋਆ ਮਾਹਰੁ ਪਿੰਡ ਦਾ ਬੰਨਿ ਆਦੇ ਪੰਜਿ ਸਰੀਕ ਜੀਉ ॥੪॥
हउ होआ माहरु पिंड दा बंनि आदे पंजि सरीक जीउ ॥४॥
Ha­o ho­ā māhar pind ḏā bann āḏė panj sarīk jī­o. ||4||
I have become the Master of my body-village; I have taken the five rivals as prisoners. ||4||

ਹਉ ਆਇਆ ਸਾਮ੍ਹ੍ਹੈ ਤਿਹੰਡੀਆ ॥
हउ आइआ साम्है तिहंडीआ ॥
Ha­o ā­i­ā sāmaiĥ ṯihandī­ā.
I have come to Your Sanctuary.

ਪੰਜਿ ਕਿਰਸਾਣ ਮੁਜੇਰੇ ਮਿਹਡਿਆ ॥
पंजि किरसाण मुजेरे मिहडिआ ॥
Panj kirsāṇ mujėrė mihdi­ā.
The five farm-hands have become my tenants;

ਕੰਨੁ ਕੋਈ ਕਢਿ ਨ ਹੰਘਈ ਨਾਨਕ ਵੁਠਾ ਘੁਘਿ ਗਿਰਾਉ ਜੀਉ ॥੫॥
कंनु कोई कढि न हंघई नानक वुठा घुघि गिराउ जीउ ॥५॥
Kann ko­ī kadẖ na hangẖ­ī Nānak vuṯẖā gẖugẖ girā­o jī­o. ||5||
none dare to raise their heads against me. O Nanak, my village is populous and prosperous. ||5||

ਹਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਘੁੰਮਾ ਜਾਵਦਾ ॥
हउ वारी घुमा जावदा ॥
Ha­o vārī gẖummā jāvḏā.
I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice to You.

ਇਕ ਸਾਹਾ ਤੁਧੁ ਧਿਆਇਦਾ ॥
इक साहा तुधु धिआइदा ॥
Ik sāhā ṯuḏẖ ḏẖi­ā­iḏā.
I meditate on You continually.

ਉਜੜੁ ਥੇਹੁ ਵਸਾਇਓ ਹਉ ਤੁਧ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੁ ਜੀਉ ॥੬॥
उजड़ु थेहु वसाइओ हउ तुध विटहु कुरबाणु जीउ ॥६॥
Ujaṛ thėhu vasā­i­o ha­o ṯuḏẖ vitahu kurbāṇ jī­o. ||6||
The village was in ruins, but You have re-populated it. I am a sacrifice to You. ||6||

ਹਰਿ ਇਠੈ ਨਿਤ ਧਿਆਇਦਾ ॥
हरि इठै नित धिआइदा ॥
Har iṯẖai niṯ ḏẖi­ā­iḏā.
O Beloved Lord, I meditate on You continually;

ਮਨਿ ਚਿੰਦੀ ਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਇਦਾ ॥
मनि चिंदी सो फलु पाइदा ॥
Man cẖinḏī so fal pā­iḏā.
I obtain the fruits of my mind's desires.

ਸਭੇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰਿਅਨੁ ਲਾਹੀਅਨੁ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਭੁਖ ਜੀਉ ॥੭॥
सभे काज सवारिअनु लाहीअनु मन की भुख जीउ ॥७॥
Sabẖė kāj savāri­an lāhī­an man kī bẖukẖ jī­o. ||7||
All my affairs are arranged, and the hunger of my mind is appeased. ||7||

ਮੈ ਛਡਿਆ ਸਭੋ ਧੰਧੜਾ ॥
मै छडिआ सभो धंधड़ा ॥
Mai cẖẖadi­ā sabẖo ḏẖanḏẖ­ṛā.
I have forsaken all my entanglements;

ਗੋਸਾਈ ਸੇਵੀ ਸਚੜਾ ॥
गोसाई सेवी सचड़ा ॥
Gosā­ī sėvī sacẖṛā.
I serve the True Lord of the Universe.

ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਮੈ ਪਲੈ ਬਧਾ ਛਿਕਿ ਜੀਉ ॥੮॥
नउ निधि नामु निधानु हरि मै पलै बधा छिकि जीउ ॥८॥
Na­o niḏẖ nām niḏẖān har mai palai baḏẖā cẖẖik jī­o. ||8||
I have firmly attached the Name, the Home of the Nine Treasures to my robe. ||8||

ਮੈ ਸੁਖੀ ਹੂੰ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
मै सुखी हूं सुखु पाइआ ॥
Mai sukẖī hūʼn sukẖ pā­i­ā.
I have obtained the comfort of comforts.

ਗੁਰਿ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਸਾਇਆ ॥
गुरि अंतरि सबदु वसाइआ ॥
Gur anṯar sabaḏ vasā­i­ā.
The Guru has implanted the Word of the Shabad deep within me.