Introduction
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak (1469–1539) in the Punjab and developed under nine successor Gurus. It teaches the oneness of God (Ik Onkar), equality of all people regardless of caste or gender, honest livelihood, sharing with others and constant remembrance of the divine Name.
The Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal Guru of the Sikhs — a 1,430-page scripture in Gurmukhi script containing the hymns of six Sikh Gurus together with compositions by Hindu and Muslim saints such as Kabir, Namdev and Sheikh Farid. It is cited by Ang (page), and its opening composition, Japji Sahib, begins with the Mool Mantar.
The Guide cites the Guru Granth Sahib by Ang and links to SikhiToTheMax, which presents Gurmukhi, transliteration and English side by side.
Primary scriptures
The living Guru — 1,430 Angs of devotional poetry set to 31 ragas, compiled by Guru Arjan and completed by Guru Gobind Singh.
Guru Nanak's opening composition, beginning with the Mool Mantar (Ang 1–8).
Compositions attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, held in respect though not as scripture on the level of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Major concepts
Ik Onkar
There is one God — the opening of the Mool Mantar (Ang 1).
Naam japna, kirat karni, vand chhakna
Remembering God, earning honestly, and sharing with others — the three pillars of Sikh life.
Hukam
The divine will or order within which all things unfold.
Seva and langar
Selfless service, embodied in the free community kitchen open to all.
Haumai
Self-centredness or ego, the root barrier between a person and God.
Relevant passages
Passages the Guide cites for the questions in the library, each linked to a public reference edition.
Forgiveness
'Where there is forgiveness, there is God Himself.'
Do not strike back at those who strike you.
Death & the afterlife
Guru Tegh Bahadur on the transience of the world.
Hymns for the time of death: dying in remembrance of God is blessed.
Suffering
'Suffering is the medicine, and pleasure the disease.'
All happens within Hukam, the divine order.
Purpose of life
'This human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.'
Becoming truthful by walking in Hukam.
Meaning of life
How to become truthful: by walking in Hukam.
'O Nanak, the whole world is suffering' — apart from the Name.
'Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is truthful living.'
God & ultimate reality
'Ik Onkar, Sat Naam, Karta Purakh...'
First God created the light; all beings come from that one light.
'I am neither Hindu nor Muslim... the One God is my Lord.'
Enemies & conflict
'No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger.'
Do not strike back; go peacefully home.
All beings come from the one light; who is good and who is bad?
Love
'I would cut myself into pieces for the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan.'
A body without love of the Lord is a cremation ground.
'Do not break anyone's heart; these are all priceless jewels.'
Right & wrong
'Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is truthful living.'
One who works for what he eats and shares 'knows the Path'.
Peace & stillness
'No Fear. No Hatred. Image Of The Undying.'
'Your pain shall be sent far away, and peace shall come to your home.'
'Meditate... in remembrance of Him, and find peace. Worry and anguish shall be dispelled.'
Grief & loss
'By the Hukam of God's Command, we come and go.'
'Death would not be called bad... if one knew how to truly die'; all happens by His Will.
'Nothing lasts forever; the world is like a dream.'
Frequently asked questions
Is the Guru Granth Sahib only written by Sikh Gurus?
No. It includes hymns of six Gurus and of Hindu and Muslim saints (Bhagats) such as Kabir, Namdev, Ravidas and Sheikh Farid — a deliberate statement of shared truth.
How is the Guru Granth Sahib cited?
By Ang (page) number, from 1 to 1430, often with the composer (e.g. Fifth Mehl = Guru Arjan) and raga.
Do Sikhs believe in reincarnation?
Yes, the Guru Granth Sahib speaks of the cycle of birth and death and of liberation through God's grace and remembrance of the Name.
Ask the Guide about Sikhism
Answers are AI-assisted, drawn from nine traditions and linked to original sources. No account needed.
The Scripture Guide uses artificial intelligence to help organize and explain religious texts and traditions. AI-generated responses may contain errors or omissions. When accuracy is important, consult the original scripture and authoritative sources.