ISLAM WORLDWIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Origins of Sikhism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

10 Sikh Gurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Eternal Guru:The Holy Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Five Ks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Recent History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Sikhism Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Sikhs in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Overview of Beliefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Religion Comparison Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sharing Your Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Sikhs and the Gospel of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Helpful Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

The vision of Christar is to cultivate

Christ-honoring transformation
in communities where He is yet
to be worshiped.

1
 INTRODUCTION

From its beginning as the teachings of one man in rural India, to its current standing as
a major world religion with over 27 million adherents, Sikhism has had an eventful 500
years of existence. Though often mistaken as Muslims, Sikhs practice a distinct religion
that differs from both Islam and Hinduism.

Even among the vibrant peoples of India, Sikhs are noted for their love of colour,
vivacious personalities and unmatched hospitality. Their work ethic, business savvy and
fierce loyalty have earned them respect and prestige in communities, militaries and
governments worldwide, in the countries Sikhs now call home.

As you read about Sikh history, beliefs and religious practices, we hope that you will join
in a movement of prayer for this precious people group, among whom very few have
found true salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.

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ORIGINS OF SIKHISM
Guru Nanak (pronounced Goo-roo Nah-nuk, lived 1469-1539 AD) was the founder
of Sikhism and the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. He was born in the Punjab area of South
Asia to Hindu parents. When he was around 30 years old, Nanak went down to the
river in the morning to bathe and meditate. According to tradition, he was gone for
three days and when he reappeared, he had been spiritually enlightened. It was then
that he began his missionary work of traveling and teaching a number of revolutionary
ideas, and the religion of Sikhism began.

The word “Sikh” (pronounced Seek or Sik) means learner or disciple. Nanak travelled
extensively as he taught his new ideas, visiting all parts of India, and even journeyed as
far away as Arabia and Persia. Wherever he went, Guru Nanak spoke against polytheism
(the worship of many gods), problems within the Hindu priesthood, idol worship, the
caste system, superstition and blind religious rituals. Instead, he taught that there is one
God, and that men and women are equal in the eyes of God. He stressed the impor-
tance of honest, hard work and the necessity of giving to those in need.

He eventually settled back in the Punjab area of modern India and his followers grew
in number. One of the key things he established was the common meal, where Muslims
and Hindus of all castes ate together. In a culture and religion in which people of high
and low caste were rigidly segregated to avoid becoming unclean, this was revolutionary.

GURU
NANAK

3
 10 SIKH GURUS

Guru Gobind Singh and the Panj Pyare are initiated through the Amrit ceremony.

Before his death, Guru Nanak appointed a successor who would carry on the leadership
of his growing group of followers. This began a succession of Gurus that would continue
for the next 200 years. The Sikh religion had a total of 10 living Gurus, each one making
notable contributions to the emerging Sikh faith.

As the followers of the Gurus met increasing hostility from the Muslim conquerors that
ruled the area, the Sikh community began to adopt martial arts and develop weapons,
establishing their identity as “saint soldiers.” Many prominent Sikhs were brutally martyred
for resisting Muslim authorities or for refusing to convert to Islam. Martyrdom became
an important element of the Sikh faith and martyrs are still revered as examples of
dedication to this faith and willingness to sacrifice for it.

Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and final living Guru, was instrumental in establishing
Sikhism as it exists today. In 1699, he called for volunteers willing to give their lives. The
five men who came forward became known as the Panj Pyare (pun-j pee-yaar-eh, the five
beloved ones). With these five men, Guru Gobind Singh performed the Amrit (ahm-rit)
ceremony for the first time, an initiation rite that involves drinking sugar water stirred
with a dagger from an iron bowl. This initiation made these men the nucleus of the Khalsa
(kull-sa, “the pure ones”), the community of initiated Sikhs. These men were given the last
name “Singh” and were now forever required to wear the Five Ks (see page 6) and
follow a specific code of conduct.
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THE ETERNAL GURU: THE HOLY BOOK

Instead of naming a living successor, on his deathbed Guru Gobind Singh decreed that
the 11th and eternal Guru would be the Guru Granth Sahib (goo-roo grunt sa-hib, the
Sikh holy book). It contains the writings of Sikh Gurus and other saints. It is written in the
script called Gurmukhi (goor-moo-ki, meaning “from the mouth of the Guru”), which is
the written form of the Punjabi language used in India. From that time, copies of the holy
book have been treated like a holy man, honoured with utmost respect. In Sikh temples
today, there are rituals surrounding the care of the book, including putting it to bed in its
own room in the temple each evening. Each morning, it is carried from its room back to
the platform in the worship hall. While it is being read from in the temple, a special fan
is waved over the pages.

In 2004, 150 copies of the Guru Granth Sahib were flown from India to Canada to be
distributed to families and temples across the country. On the chartered plane, each
copy was placed on a linen-covered seat with its own pillow, guarded by five devout
Canadian Sikhs who accompanied them on the flight.

Reading from a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib. Tukaram Karve/Shutterstock.com

5
 THE FIVE Ks
The Amrit ceremony, as established by Guru Gobind Singh, is still used today as the
initiation rite for Sikh men and women to commit themselves to following Sikh teachings.
Initiated Sikhs are often referred to as baptised Sikhs, though the ceremony does not
resemble Christian baptism. Once a Sikh has been initiated, they become members of
the Khalsa and must always wear five symbols, referred to as the Five Ks. These serve to
identify a Sikh and symbolize important aspects of their faith.
= Kesh (kay-sh) — uncut hair and beard, covered by a turban. By allowing the hair to
grow as God intended, the Sikh is showing his devotion to God. Boys and young men
who are too young to wear a turban will have their uncut hair wrapped in a bun on
top of their head and covered with a piece of cloth. Though most women with uncut
hair will braid it or wrap it in a bun, there are some women who choose to wear a
turban.

= Kangha (kung-gah) — a wooden comb used to keep the hair tidy, worn as a symbol
of cleanliness and discipline.

= Kachhera (kuh-chay-ra) — a specially made cotton undergarment, worn as a

reminder of their commitment to purity.

= Kara (kuh-ra) — a steel bangle, worn on the right wrist. The steel is a symbol of
strength, and the circular shape is a symbol of unity and eternity.

= Kirpan (kir-paan) — a small sword, with which the Sikh is committed to righteously
defending the weak and oppressed, as well as defending their own faith.

Though not one of the 5 Ks, the Khanda

(kunn-duh) symbol is often seen on the
kirpan, temples, vehicles and jewelry. This
symbol is the combination of four items, all
traditional Sikh weapons. Its meaning can
be interpreted symbolically in a number
of ways, such as representing the unity of
God (the ring of steel), truth and justice
(the two-edged sword) and God’s spiritual
power (the two crossed swords).
6
Only initiated Sikhs will wear all five items, so many Sikhs you meet in Canada will wear
some, or even none, based on their own level of commitment to Sikh traditions.
Wearing the Five Ks has been the source of a number of controversies in Canada. Many
occupations require head protection or a cleanshaven face because of safety regulations,
while carrying the Kirpan on airplanes or in schools has caused concerns about security.
We need to understand the genuine tension felt by many Sikhs who are loyal, hard-
working Canadians, but who also want to be faithful to orthodox Sikh tradition that
requires initiated Sikhs to wear the Five Ks.
7
 RECENT HISTORY

Since Guru Gobind Singh’s death in 1708, the Sikh faith has continued to grow and
develop, despite persecution and great hardship. The Punjab region was the location of
horrific violence during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The western half of
the Punjab became part of Pakistan and the Eastern half became part of India. As a result,
Muslims in India were forced to move to Pakistan and Sikhs and Hindus on the Pakistani
side were forced to move to India. Violence erupted between communities and as many
as 500,000 people lost their lives. In all, more than 14 million people moved to another
country, considered the greatest migration in human history.
8
Most followers of the Sikh religion are still found in the Punjab state of India, and remain
distinct in their religion and language. However, they have struggled to defend their identity
and desire for greater autonomy in a predominantly Hindu nation. After the partition
of India and Pakistan in 1947, some Sikhs in the Punjab began a separatist movement
advocating for the formation of an independent nation named Khalistan, meaning “The
Land of the Pure.” In the 1970s and 1980s, the Khalistan movement gained momentum,
reaching its violent pinnacle in 1984. Led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a large number of
Sikh militants occupied the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where they stockpiled powerful
weapons for their defense.

As the situation in the Punjab deteriorated and violence and murders became increasingly
common, the Indian government decided to take action. Indira Gandhi, then the Prime
Minister of India, ordered the start of Operation Blue Star in June 1984 to remove
Bhindranwale and his followers from the temple. The temple sustained significant damage
during the operation, and both military personnel and large numbers of civilians caught
in the temple lost their lives. Bhindranwale was among those killed. Many Sikhs felt that
their holiest shrine had been desecrated by the military during the invasion and, in
retaliation for the operation, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on
October 31, 1984.

This assassination inflamed anger toward the Sikh population, resulting in anti-Sikh riots
in Delhi and surrounding areas. Official government reports state that 2,800 Sikhs were
murdered by Hindu mobs. Unofficial numbers are drastically higher and eyewitness
accounts tell of brutal attacks on innocent, unarmed Sikhs. Many Sikhs accuse government
leaders and the police of assisting in and even organizing the ruthless violence. Since
1984, numerous committees have been formed to investigate the attacks, yet most of
those implicated were acquitted, never charged or simply left unnamed.

In addition to the majority of Sikhs living in the Punjab, migration has led to the
establishment of Sikh communities elsewhere in India and in many countries throughout
the world. Some continue to speak out against the Indian government and raise awareness
about the abuses the Sikh community has endured in recent decades. Despite the
objections of the Indian government, in 2017 the Ontario Legislature passed a motion
labeling the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 a genocide. The complex, violent and traumatic
history of the Sikh community in India over the past century has undoubtedly left its
mark on lives and families. The healing and peace that only Christ can bring in hearts and
communities is desperately needed among Sikhs throughout the world.

9
 SIKHISM TODAY

Sikhism today revolves around the Sikh temple, known as a Gurudwara (goo-roo-dwah-
rah), which means “doorway to God.” They are the center of Sikh worship and community
life and can be found in almost every city in Canada. Few Sikh families have a copy of the
Guru Granth Sahib in their home because of the difficulty of showing it proper care and
respect, and must go to the temple to hear it read.

The Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar in India, is the holiest gurudwara for
Sikhs. It is an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs and is open to visitors of all faiths.

Gurudwaras have three main functions: Kirtan (keer-tun, singing of hymns from the
Guru Granth Sahib), Katha (kah-tah, reading from and explanations of the Guru Granth
Sahib) and Langar (lun-gahr, a free community kitchen for Sikhs who come to
worship and visitors of all religions). Along with these main functions, Gurudwaras
may also have li-braries of Sikh literature and schools to teach children Sikh religion
and Punjabi language, and may serve to promote charitable work in the community.

When a person enters a Gurudwara, it is required that they remove their shoes and
cover their head with a headscarf provided, if they are not already wearing a turban. Af-
ter washing their hands, they will enter the temple sanctuary and walk down the middle
of the room toward the platform where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed during the day.
Sikhs are expected to bow down and touch their forehead to the floor in front of the
book as a sign of respect. Though giving an offering of money or food at this time is com-
mon, it is not required. The person will then walk clockwise around the Guru Granth
10
Sahib, being careful to never turn their back toward it. Seating in the temple sanctuary
is on the floor, with women on one side and men on the other.

Toward the end of a Sikh service, everyone will be offered a small amount of karah
prasad, a sweet vegetarian food that has been blessed. Then, in the separate kitchen and
eating area, the free meal called langar is served. It will always be a vegetarian meal so
that people of all faiths and convictions can eat, regardless of religious dietary restrictions.
Though Sikhs do not consider one day of the week more holy than others, Sunday is
a common day for them to visit the temple as it works well with the typical Canadian
work week.

As with any religion, there is a huge variance in actual practice within Sikhism. Initiated
Sikhs devoutly wear the 5 Ks and regularly study and recite the scriptures; but, you may
also meet Sikhs who cut their hair, do not regularly attend the Gurudwara and who may
wear none of the 5 Ks. There are debates about how the Sikh faith should be practised,
particularly among the younger generation as they balance their devotion with modern
life. Disputes about cutting hair, eating non-vegetarian food and practices within the
Gurudwaras are common.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi. The Guru Granth Sahib is under the gold canopy. Nowak Lukasz/Shutterstock.com

11
 SIKHS IN C ANADA

The first Sikhs came to Canada in the early 1900s. By 1908, they had established the
first Sikh temple in Vancouver and by that same year, more than 5,000 South Asians had
arrived in British Columbia. They were almost all men, working in the forestry industry
or in agriculture. They often faced discrimination and when an immigration ban and a
number of restrictions on Indian immigrants were imposed in 1908, nearly half of the
Indians living in British Columbia returned to India.

The discrimination reached a climax in 1914 when a boat called the Komagata Maru,
carrying passengers from India, was refused permission to dock in Vancouver.
Government officials claimed that those on board were not allowed in Canada because
of certain immigration policies. Eventually, over 350 Indian passengers on board were
forced to return to India. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued an official apology for the
Komagata Maru incident in 2016.

Changes to immigration policies in the 1950s and 1960s eventually allowed South Asian
immigrants the right to vote, as well as the ability to sponsor family members to join
them in Canada. Recent decades have seen a huge increase in emigration from India.
There are significant numbers of Sikhs in Alberta, British Columbia and the Greater
Toronto Area, particularly Brampton, with growing populations in many smaller cities
as well. Canada is often considered to have the largest number of Sikhs of any country
outside of India.
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1988 – Baltej Singh Dhillon applied to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP),
but was told he could not wear his turban. After a two-year battle, he was finally granted
permission to wear his turban on duty, paving the way for many other Sikh police officers.
1993 – Gurbax Singh Malhi was the first turbaned Sikh to be elected anywhere in the
Western world when he became a member of the Parliament of Canada. The law that
prohibited headgear from being worn in the Parliament of Canada was changed shortly
after he was elected.
Since 2013, the popular Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition has provided regular
coverage of NHL games, featuring Punjabi commentators.
2015 – Harjit Sajjan was appointed Minister of National Defense. During his years in the
Canadian military, he designed and patented a gas mask that would fit over his unshorn
beard, enabling more devout Sikhs to have active roles in the military.
2017 – Jagmeet Singh was elected leader of Canada’s federal New Democratic Party
(NDP). He is the first visible minority to be the leader of a major federal party.
2017 – Palbinder Kaur Shergill was appointed a judge in the Supreme Court of British
Columbia. She is the first turbaned judge in Canada.

Canadian Sikhs celebrate Team Canada’s gold medal win in hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Sergei Bachlakov/Shutterstock.com

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 OVERVIEW OF BELIEFS
Though it contains some teachings from both Islam and Hinduism, the Sikh faith is a
unique religion with a distinct set of beliefs. Here are just a few significant Sikh
teachings.

MUL MANTAR (mool munter) is the first composition in the Guru Granth Sahib (the
Sikh holy book) and considered the first teaching of Guru Nanak after his
enlightenment. It is repeated during morning prayers and forms an outline of Sikh
beliefs about God. The first symbol is called Ik Onkar. It is seen in Sikh temples and
homes, as a reminder that there is one God.

“One Universal Creator God. The Name Is Truth. Creative Being Personified. No Fear.
No Hatred. Image Of The Undying, Beyond Bir th, Self-Existent. By Guru’s Grace.”

Pray, Work, Give

The three duties that a Sikh must carry out can be summed up in three phrases:
= Nam Japna (meditate on God’s name at all times).

= Kirt Karna (earn an honest living).

= Vand Chhakna (share one’s earnings with others).

Equality
Sikhism preaches that all people are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of race, religion
or gender. All Sikh males share the surname “Singh,” which means “lion,” and women use
the surname “Kaur,” which means “princess.” These may be used as a legal surname, or
often just as a middle name. In Hinduism, a person’s last name identifies the individual’s
caste, so the common use of “Singh” and “Kaur” exemplifies the Sikh belief that all people
are equal.

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Biblical Faith and Sikhism
SIKHISM CHRISTIANITY

• Creator of the universe. • Creator of the universe.

• Not personal. God is the • A personal God.
“True One” or “Ik Onkar.” • Known through Jesus Christ.
GOD He does not have a personal
name.
• Known through devotion
and human effort.

• Teaches karma, the belief • Sin is our acts of disobedi-

that the quality of this and ence to God and not living
future lives is determined up to His standard of
SIN by behaviour in this life and holiness.
previous lives. • Jesus was without sin.
• Sikh Gurus admitted their
sins.

• Jesus was an enlightened • Jesus is God’s only Son, God

teacher, but not God incarnate as a man.
incarnate. • He is the only means for
JESUS salvation because of His life,
• Most believe He is not
written about in their holy death and resurrection.
book.

• Gained by devotion to • Gained through faith and

God through good works trust in the saving work of
SALVATION (meditating on God’s name, Jesus Christ, who died for
reciting hymns, hard work). our sins.
• Salvation is a gift from God.

• Scripture was written by • Scripture is God-breathed.

Guru Nanak, Kabir and God inspired over 40
other gurus and saints. writers to write His words.
GOD’S WORD
• Considered to be the last • Authoritative for human life.
Guru, treated like a holy • It is without error.
living Guru.

• All religions worship the • Salvation is found in no one

WORLD same God. except Jesus Christ (Acts
RELIGIONS • All are different paths to the 4:12).
same God.

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 SHARING YOUR FAITH with a Sikh Friend

Friendship
In many places in Canada, we have the unique opportunity to work with and befriend
Sikhs. Develop genuine, long-term friendships with those to whom the Lord leads you,
caring for them and accepting their care in return. Many Sikhs live with extended family,
so seek to build relationships with their family if possible.

Developing an understanding of one another’s cultures can take a long time, so be

patient as you earn trust and learn about their worldview. Let love and humility be the
core of your friendship. Try to understand how being Sikh affects their life. Some Sikhs
may not be very religious and it will affect how you share your faith.

Hospitality is a key value in Indian culture. Invite your Sikh friends into your home and
be prepared for them to honor you with matchless hospitality in return! Many Sikhs are
vegetarians (no meat or eggs), so ask about and honor their religious dietary restrictions.

Respect for Their Faith

Sikhs deeply respect their Gurus and history, and generally have a strong allegiance
to the Sikh community and a fervent commitment to defending their faith. Per-
ceived disrespect, especially toward the Gurus, could close the door to friendship
and to further opportunities for dialogue. Focus instead on speaking about the beauty
of Jesus Christ as Saviour.
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Respect for the Book
Sikhs treat their holy book with great reverence, so be mindful of how you handle your
Bible in front of them. Putting your Bible on the floor, near your feet or underneath other
books would be considered disrespectful. If showing a Sikh a passage from the Bible, use
a copy that has not been highlighted or written in. The greatest respect we can give our
Holy Book is to read and obey it, so be open in sharing how God’s truth has impacted
your life. After you earn trust, offer a copy of the Gospel of John or another portion of
Scripture (in English or Punjabi, depending on their language abilities) and invite them to
read it daily.

Prayer
God is the One who changes hearts, and we depend on Him to do His supernatural
work. Family and community pressure, misconceptions about Christianity, legalism and
demonic influences all make the task of sharing Christ with Sikhs a challenge. Pray daily,
and encourage others to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ to your Sikh friends
and the others in their family and community.

Storytelling
Though almost all Sikhs you meet in Canada are literate and able to read the Bible for
themselves, hearing a story from Scripture will often be very interesting and meaningful
for them. Choose a relevant story or parable from the Gospels and ask your Sikh friend
if you can share it with them. Ask questions about what was interesting or significant and
be prepared for a great discussion.

Culture vs. Religion

Coming from India, where religion and culture
are inseparable, many new immigrants equate
Canadian culture and morals with Christianity.
Issues such as sexual promiscuity, immodest
clothing, racism, disrespect of parents and drug
and alcohol abuse are deeply disturbing to many
Asians. Distinguishing between secular Canadian
culture and Christian teachings will be important
for some immigrants to understand.

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 SIKHS AND THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

Similarities
When beginning discussions of faith with a Sikh friend, there are a number of points of
connection between our faiths. We both believe that there is one God, and that He is
sovereign over the world He created. Scripture is immensely important to both faiths,
and we are encouraged to read it daily. Fellowship with others from our religious
community is a part of practicing our faith. Generosity and service to others in need
is an expression of our faith. Both faiths acknowledge the value of obeying God and
sacrificing for Him.

Stumbling Blocks
Despite the similarities, it quickly becomes evident that there are core points of Christian
teaching that a Sikh will have difficulty agreeing with.The belief that Christ is the only way
to God is offensive to a Sikh, who believes that every religion is a valid path to God. The
thought of a Sikh person leaving the Sikh path that they were born into to follow the
Christian path is seen as a betrayal of their family and rich religious heritage.

The concept of the incarnation, God becoming man, is inconsistent with Sikh theology,
which teaches that God cannot become human. Christians believe that we are born with
a sinful nature and our guilt must be atoned for; Sikhs teach that people are essentially
good. In Sikh teaching, meditation on the holy book is a means of cleansing a person
from sin. In contrast, Christians value meditating on God’s Word, but know it cannot
cleanse from sin. It quickly becomes evident that, despite the similarities between our
faiths, there are foundational truths that we do not agree on.
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The Uniqueness of Christ
Though similarities do exist between Sikhism and Christianity, it is important not to dwell
on them. Sikhs believe that there are many paths to God and, if the Christian message
is not presented as offering something unique, there is no reason for them to even con-
sider following it. Emphasize how unique Jesus Christ is, that He gave His perfect life and
rose from the dead to be our Saviour (not just dying like a Sikh martyr) so we can have
a relationship based on God’s grace. Christianity’s uniqueness is not in giving a list of rules
to follow, but in the offer of a changed heart through Christ’s resurrection power. We can
never do enough good deeds. He lived the perfect life for us.

Counting the Cost

The process of a Sikh person going from hearing about Christ to choosing to follow Him
can take months or even years. Those who become followers of Jesus Christ will almost
invariably encounter deep resistance and even hostility from their families. Choosing to
follow Christ carries a cost that may involve being cast out of their families and losing
employment and the support of the Punjabi community. Our friendship must continue
and deepen to care for them in the midst of the deep relational, financial and even physical
cost that they may pay. Are we as Christ followers prepared to support them as they
risk losing everything to gain Christ?

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep

to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot

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 GLOSSARY

Amrit ceremony (ahm-rit) – the Sikh initiation ceremony.

Guru (goo-roo) – A spiritual teacher.
Guru Granth Sahib (goo-roo grunt sa-hib) – The Sikh holy book.
Gurmukhi (goor-moo-ki) – The written Punjabi script used in the Sikh holy book (the
Guru Granth Sahib).
Gurudwara (goo-roo-dwah-rah) – A Sikh temple.
Guru Nanak (Goo-roo Nah-nuk) – The founder of Sikhism and the first of the 10 living
Sikh Gurus.
Khalsa (Kull-sa) – The community of initiated Sikhs, literally “the pure ones.”
Mul Mantar (mool munter) – Considered the first teaching by Guru Nanak after his
englightment. It is a summary of Sikh beliefs about God.
Panj Pyare (Pun-j pee-yaar-eh) – Literally the “five beloved ones,” the first five men
to commit themselves to the Sikh faith through the initiation rite performed by Guru
Gobind Singh. They are revered as examples of steadfastness and devotion.
Punjabi (pun-ja-bee) – A person from the state of Punjab in northern India. Also the
language spoken by those in the state of Punjab.
Sikh (Seek or Sik) – Means learner or disciple. A follower of the Sikh religion.
The 5 K’s – Five physical items that are worn to identify Sikhs who are have taken the
initition rite. Non-initiated Sikhs may still wear some of them.
20
Helpful Resources
From a Christian Perspective
“Lions, Princesses and Gurus: Reaching Your Sikh Neighbour” by Ram Gidoomal
and Margaret Wardell: Published in 1996 about Sikhs in the United Kingdom, much of
this thorough book is applicable to Sikhs in Canada.

Sadhu Sundar Singh; a devout Sikh who became a follower of Jesus in the early 1900s.
There are numerous articles and biographies about him available in print and online.

www.brotherbakhtsingh.org: Bakht Singh came from a Sikh family, but became a

follower of Jesus after he came to Canada as a university student in the 1920s. He had
a profound impact on the Indian church through his preaching and leadership. His testi-
mony, “How I Got Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory” can be found online.

From a Secular Perspective

www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/

From a Sikh Perspective

The internet has a wealth of information written by Sikhs about their culture and religion.
A couple helpful websites to start with:
www.sikhnet.com
www.sikhs.org

Punjabi Bibles
The Canadian Bible Society (www.biblesociety.ca, 1-800-465-2425) is currently working
on revising the Punjabi Common Language Bible. Please contact them if you would like
copies of what has been completed thus far.

Sikh Seminar
If your church is interested in hosting a seminar about Sikhs and how to share the gospel
with them, please contact Christar Canada with the information on the back cover.

21
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P.O. Box 20164
St. Catharines, Ontario L2M 7W7
905-646-0228 | 800-295-4158 | Fax: 905-646-8707
[email protected] | www.christar.ca

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0618 Printed in Canada