Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century CE. Sikhs believe in the oneness of all beings and the equality of everyone. The core beliefs of Sikhism include:
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Oneness: Sikhs believe that people of all faiths worship one Divine Being who created this world and lives within it. The Divine is equally present in all people, and every human being is equal in the eyes of God.
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Service: Sikhs believe in service to humanity and doing good deeds.
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Devotion: Sikhs believe in spiritual devotion and reverence of God at all times while practicing the ideals of honesty, compassion, humility, and generosity in everyday life.
Sikhs worship one God, and the Sikh Gurus established the religion. Guru Nanak was the first Guru, and Guru Gobind Singh was the last Guru. The Sikh sacred text is the Guru Granth Sahib, which is intended to be sung. Sikh males can be easily distinguished by their turban, unshorn hair and beard, a steel/iron bangle called KARA, and kirpan (a small sword usually carried in a cloth support and worn under the shirt), while Sikh females wear a traditional “chunni” (long scarf used for head covering) over their head and across their shoulders. The Sikh community does not have clergy or priests, and each person can connect with the Creator directly.
