SIKHISM

Concept of Sikhism

Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good actions rather than carrying out rituals, and Sikhs believe that the way to lead a good life is to:

Keep God in heart and mind at all times

Live honestly and work hard

Treat everyone equally

Be generous to the less fortunate

Serve others

Sikh Worship, Scripture And Prayer

The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara. The Sikh scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib, a book that Sikhs consider a living Guru. Sikhs can pray at any time (within the time periods set) and in private or public. There are set prayers that a Sikh should recite in the morning, evening and before going to sleep. The full list of Holy days can be found here

Sikhism and Diet

Sikhs who have taken Amrit (baptised) are vegetarians. They will exclude from their diet: eggs, fish and any ingredients with animal derivatives or cooked in animal fat.  Dairy produce is acceptable providing it is free from animal fat e.g cheese made from non animal rennet.  Non vegetarian Sikhs will only eat meat that has been slaughtered according to their own rites (Ohatka) and not halal or kosher rites. 

Religious Symbols

Initiated Sikhs, also known as Khalsa, at all times wear on their person five religious symbols that are articles of faith. They are known as the 5 K's because their names start with the letter K. These are:

• Un-cut hair, (Kesh), a gift from God representing spirituality 

• A wooden comb (Kengha), symbolising cleanliness

• A steel bracelets (Kara) represents self restraint and link to God

• A short sword (Kirpaan) an emblem of courage and commitment to truth and justice

• A type of underwear (Kachhehra) represents purity of moral character  

Sikhs have high standards of personal hygiene.  Sikhs will wash their face and hands before eating. 

The religious significance of the headdress (a male turban or a female scarf) should be respected, because it is covering for one of the 5 K's (Kesh) and is also a symbol of Sikh’s honour.