Ask a Sikh!

[IAmAKaur]

Why is ritually slaughtered meat (halal or kosher) considered cruel since ritual slaughter is meant to be the opposite of cruel toward the animal?

The issue of halal meat came about because of the introduction of Islam into India and the issue of the ritual slaughter, which became the only permitted form of slaughter allowed. Guru Gobind Singh took a dim view of the way in which the meat is given prayers from the Qur’an in order to remove the sin of the killing (which do no good for either the animal or person eating it, reducing it to a pointless ritual) and the fact of this way of slaughter being imposed on non-Muslims, and so forbade this meat to Sikhs.

Kosher meat, for the same reasons, also falls under this teaching and so for meat-eating Sikhs, it is avoided.

Thank you! Are these the only times you pray? Is it allowed to pray for others, for needs/desires, and in thanksgiving as well?

Yes, and given the length of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, at 1430 pages, there are plenty of banis and shabads. The primary devotion however is to ‘naam jaap’ or remember God in every single action, thought and deed, not to mindlessly recite things though.

 

[followingtheway]

I have a couple of questions

1. 
   *]Do God have a name in Sikhism?
   *]From what I understand about Sikhism, it is monotheistic. Is it?
   *]What do Sikhs believe happens to a person when they die?
   *]Do Sikhs have a concept of sin?
   *]Do Sikhs have a “moral list” like The Ten Commandments of Judaism and Christianity?
   *]Where does Sikhism stand on today’s political issues?
   *]Does Sikhism have different sects?

 

[openmind77]

Do Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma (you would expect that for a religion originating in India)?

 

[meltzerboy]

The issue of halal meat came about because of the introduction of Islam into India and the issue of the ritual slaughter, which became the only permitted form of slaughter allowed. Guru Gobind Singh took a dim view of the way in which the meat is given prayers from the Qur’an in order to remove the sin of the killing (which do no good for either the animal or person eating it, reducing it to a pointless ritual) and the fact of this way of slaughter being imposed on non-Muslims, and so forbade this meat to Sikhs.

Kosher meat, for the same reasons, also falls under this teaching and so for meat-eating Sikhs, it is avoided.

Yes, and given the length of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, at 1430 pages, there are plenty of banis and shabads. The primary devotion however is to ‘naam jaap’ or remember God in every single action, thought and deed, not to mindlessly recite things though.

A little background on the kosher slaughter ritual. It entails the slaughtering of the animal followed by preparation of the meat. The blood must be drained per Hebrew Bible requirements while inflicting the least pain possible on the animal by using the sharpest blade without any nicks and wielding it in one continuous, uninterrupted motion, which also helps drain the blood in addition to the salting. The ritual includes the detection of any diseased organs, which would render the animal unfit for consumption. The blessing that is said once by the Jew who does the slaughtering is not for the purpose of “removing the sin of the killing” but rather to thank G-d for providing nourishment. According to Jewish Law, non-Jews are not required to eat food according to kosher preparation. There is a case for vegetarianism within (Orthodox) Judaism: a minority viewpoint but nonetheless interesting in its own right. The rationale for the kosher ritual and food preparation is not only for health purposes but also to teach discipline and self-control in even mundane tasks such as eating, which thus take on a higher spiritual significance.

 

[MartinJordan]

A little background on the kosher slaughter ritual. It entails the slaughtering of the animal followed by preparation of the meat. The blood must be drained per Hebrew Bible requirements while inflicting the least pain possible on the animal by using the sharpest blade without any nicks and wielding it in one continuous, uninterrupted motion, which also helps drain the blood in addition to the salting. The ritual includes the detection of any diseased organs, which would render the animal unfit for consumption. The blessing that is said once by the Jew who does the slaughtering is not for the purpose of “removing the sin of the killing” but rather to thank G-d for providing nourishment. According to Jewish Law, non-Jews are not required to eat food according to kosher preparation. There is a case for vegetarianism within (Orthodox) Judaism: a minority viewpoint but nonetheless interesting in its own right. The rationale for the kosher ritual and food preparation is not only for health purposes but also to teach discipline and self-control in even mundane tasks such as eating, which thus take on a higher spiritual significance.

Thank you Meltzerboy for this info. God bless you.

MJ

 

[drac16]

Hi there,

Is it true that sikhs believe that Guru Nanak performed a miracle in which he went to Mecca and made the Ka’aba move? Also, could you please explain, on a basic level, the attributes of Waheguru?

 

[IAmAKaur]

Hi there,

Is it true that sikhs believe that Guru Nanak performed a miracle in which he went to Mecca and made the Ka’aba move? Also, could you please explain, on a basic level, the attributes of Waheguru?

The story is as follows. Guru Nanakji went to Mecca whilst on his last major travels. He dressed in the manner of any other pilgrim in hajj clothing and carried a staff and ablutions jug. At Mecca he fell asleep near to the Ka’aba, with his feet pointing towards it. A religious scholar by the name of Kazi Rukan ad-Din saw this, came over and began insulting Guruji, calling him an infidel and impious. The Guru’s response was to smile and ask politely if the man could point his feet in a better direction. So the qazi grabbed his feet and turned him in the opposite direction, only to look up and find the Ka’aba at the Guru’s feet again. The man tried to pull the Guru’s feet in every direction, only finding that the Ka’aba remained at his feet. At this point the scholar and other hajjis were amazed. Guru Nanak-ji then stood up and told them ‘God is everywhere, in all places. His House is in all directions. He lives in both your and my hearts’.

Basic attributes of Waheguru I’ll respond to later as I’m due to go to work soon!

Do Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma (you would expect that for a religion originating in India)?

Yes, these are Sikh beliefs.

I have a couple of questions

1. 
   *]Do God have a name in Sikhism?
   *]From what I understand about Sikhism, it is monotheistic. Is it?

1. 
   It is a monotheistic religion, yes. The name that is most commonly used is ‘Waheguru’ although you may also hear the names of Onkaar and ‘Akal Purakh’ also. In reality it does not matter what name is used- God is aware you are calling on Him.
   

   *]What do Sikhs believe happens to a person when they die?

   *]Do Sikhs have a concept of sin?

   Yes, sin exists in Sikhi too. There are 5 Vices in Sikhi (Greed, Lust, Anger, Attachment, Ego) which we must overcome too.
   

   *]Do Sikhs have a “moral list” like The Ten Commandments of Judaism and Christianity?

   Aside from the Five Vices I mention above, there isn’t really a list like in Christianity. There are however the Four Misdeeds, the committing of which means penance, a punishment and then re-initiation into Sikhi. These are: the removal of hair, eating halal meat, adultery and the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
   

   *]Where does Sikhism stand on today’s political issues?

   As a general rule Sikhism promotes freedom of speech, democracy and the duty of those who are able to look after the less fortunate and the disadvantaged in society. Each Sikh is able to make up their own mind on politics, with little to no pressure to conform or mindlessly agree.
   

   *]Does Sikhism have different sects?

   THere are groups in Sikhi, but I don’t believe that the differences between them are so pronounced or cause for division and intolerance of one another. Plus what unites Sikhs is far greater than what divides them.

 

[RyanBlack]

Do Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma (you would expect that for a religion originating in India)?

Yes. However, it is my understanding that for Sikhs, karma can be “overruled,” so to speak, by grace. Also, I’ve also read that Sikhs believe that liberation from samsara is can be achieved in as little as a single lifetime, with the assistance of grace.

 

[Bergon]

If I may, I have several questions:

1. 
   *]Is there a rite or ritual in Sikhi that is termed ‘baptism’ in English?
   *]If a sikh converted to another faith how would the Sikh community view them?
   *]I understand this is highly unlikely, if it happens at all, to be committed by groups with extreme and warped views, but would any sikhs consider those who left Sikhi should be put to death?
   *]Does Sikhi welcome converts?
   *]What process would one be required to go through to become a sikh?
   
   Thank you!

 

[flameburns623]

What are your holy books, what good resources might I find (online and/or via bookstores/libraries), and who are some notable Sikhs who might be of interest to Americans/Westerners?

Frankly, this is a faith of which I know only the barest outlines.

 

[Brendan_64]

Hello there Ms Kaur,

I have a couple of questions that perhaps you might be able to answer for me:

1. Did the Gurus choose their own successors? When Guru Gobind Singh chose (if he did choose) not to appoint a human Guru successor, but chose instead to have the Granth Sahib to be the final Guru, was this Gobind Singh’s decision?
2. Regarding the concept of baptised Sikhs and non-baptised Sikhs. Am I right in thinking that baptised Sikhs have to stick to the rules regarding not cutting hair, wearing a turban (all other 5-ks etc) not eating meat, not drinking alcohol etc, while non-baptised Sikhs do not have to follow these rules? Why is this?
3. If a baptised Sikh and a non-baptised Sikh die, what will be the consequences for each thereafter as a result of baptism or non-baptism? (I know I’m generalising here, but I hope you can see the point of my question)

God Bless,

Brendan

 

[IAmAKaur]

If I may, I have several questions:

1. 
   *]Is there a rite or ritual in Sikhi that is termed ‘baptism’ in English?
   *]If a sikh converted to another faith how would the Sikh community view them?
   *]I understand this is highly unlikely, if it happens at all, to be committed by groups with extreme and warped views, but would any sikhs consider those who left Sikhi should be put to death?
   *]Does Sikhi welcome converts?
   *]What process would one be required to go through to become a sikh?
   
   Thank you!

1. 
   I’ll answer the first, fourth and last points together. Yes, there is a process of baptism in Sikhi, called ‘amrit’. This involves drinking of a specially prepared sugar water mixture, the completion of which enters the person into the Sikh community.
   
   Sikhism happily welcomes those who, of their own free choice, wish to be a Sikh as it is considered a religion for all. Typically a person is, even before consideration for amrit, will be required to begin studying Sikhism (if they have not done so already), to read the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, learning the prayers and also Punjabi. They may also be encouraged to visit the gurdwara regularly, to offer seva (voluntary work) and to start living the Sikh lifestyle (including some or all of the Five Ks). Then preparation will, at the correct time, take place for the person to take amrit at which time they’ll be considered a full Sikh.
   
   Regarding leaving the Sikh community, there is, like any other religion, something of concern for people who choose to leave the community. However conversion into another faith from Sikhi would not bar a person from kind treatment and equality to a Sikh. On that note however, I have come across some articles which express concerns for the entrapment of young Sikh girls, often poorly educated into their faith, to conver to Islam by young men. This seems to be a problem primarily limited to India, but I cannot say if this is a real problem across the board.
   
   Sikh extremists DO exist unbelievably. However as far as I can tell such a movement is primarily concerned with the creation of a seperate Punjab country (called Khalistan) and Indian politics rather than the likes of killing apostates. If there are any cases of killing apostates then I can’t find them.
   

   What are your holy books, what good resources might I find (online and/or via bookstores/libraries), and who are some notable Sikhs who might be of interest to Americans/Westerners?
   
   Frankly, this is a faith of which I know only the barest outlines.

   The primary text for Sikhs is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. This can be found online at many sites, but my usual link is www.srigranth.org
   
   If you wish to read only portions of it, then there is a daily portion provided at www.sikhnet.com/hukam , with readings being selected at the Golden Temple at Amritsar. There are other scriptures too, which I can provide links
   
   For general Sikh information, then sikhnet.com, realsikhism.com and allaboutsikhs.com are all good sources of information which provide a good basic overview. You can also check out the SikhiWiki (www.sikhiwiki.org) which has a ‘learn about Sikhism’ section as well as a section for the 10 Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib.

 

[adawgj]

What is the name of the head wear that Sikh men wear. Those things are cool

 

[IAmAKaur]

Hello there Ms Kaur,

I have a couple of questions that perhaps you might be able to answer for me:

1. Did the Gurus choose their own successors? When Guru Gobind Singh chose (if he did choose) not to appoint a human Guru successor, but chose instead to have the Granth Sahib to be the final Guru, was this Gobind Singh’s decision?

Darn, difficult question. I’ll have to make an additional post on this as I really can’t answer properly.

1. Regarding the concept of baptised Sikhs and non-baptised Sikhs. Am I right in thinking that baptised Sikhs have to stick to the rules regarding not cutting hair, wearing a turban (all other 5-ks etc) not eating meat, not drinking alcohol etc, while non-baptised Sikhs do not have to follow these rules? Why is this?

Technically all Sikhs, baptized or not, are supposed to keep the rules (although not all will do so, unfortunately). However my understanding of this is that the rules are stricter on those who have taken amrit because of what amrit represents- the means by which one can achieve salvation by keeping to the path of Sikhi, remembrance of God and following the rules it gives. To deliberately then go against Sikhi in deliberately breaking said rules means you have essentially rejected the amrit. Therefore for those who take amrit there is penance and a punishment required.

1. If a baptised Sikh and a non-baptised Sikh die, what will be the consequences for each thereafter as a result of baptism or non-baptism? (I know I’m generalising here, but I hope you can see the point of my question)

God Bless,

Brendan

As far as I’m aware, although I could be wrong, those who do not take amrit would not be able to take those steps which would grant them salvation. All that would happen to the non-baptised is that they are reborn to face the chance to attain salvation once again.

 

[IAmAKaur]

What is the name of the head wear that Sikh men wear. Those things are cool

That’s a dastar (to give it the correct name!) or turban. Here’s a REALLY big one:



Bonus image- women wear the dastar too. Here’s the kirtan singer Snatam Kaur:

 

[Brendan_64]

Ms Kaur,

As far as I’m aware, although I could be wrong, those who do not take amrit would not be able to take those steps which would grant them salvation. All that would happen to the non-baptised is that they are reborn to face the chance to attain salvation once again.

Why would someone then choose to be a non-baptised Sikh if, according to Sikh beliefs, there is no chance of salvation after their death in this life? What would be the point of putting off the chance of salvation until after a future life?

Does that also mean that in Sikhism, the only people who have a chance for salvation are those who eventually (maybe in future lives) become baptised Sikhs?

Do es Sikhism include the concept of Hell, or punishment after death, for the wicked? Or are they just reborn again like other good-living non-Sikhs and non-baptised Sikhs? What about any baptised Sikhs who are wicked and don’t achieve salvation, what punishment do they receive?

 

[IAmAKaur]

Ms Kaur,

Why would someone then choose to be a non-baptised Sikh if, according to Sikh beliefs, there is no chance of salvation after their death in this life? What would be the point of putting off the chance of salvation until after a future life?

Does that also mean that in Sikhism, the only people who have a chance for salvation are those who eventually (maybe in future lives) become baptised Sikhs?

Do es Sikhism include the concept of Hell, or punishment after death, for the wicked? Or are they just reborn again like other good-living non-Sikhs and non-baptised Sikhs? What about any baptised Sikhs who are wicked and don’t achieve salvation, what punishment do they receive?

Unfortunately there are some who do not take the amrit particularly seriously, who are talked out of it because ‘living as a Sikh is too hard’ or because of other reasons. Plus it must also be remembered that there is no formal age for taking amrit, only the requirement that the person feels willing to do so. People being as they are, this will be different for everyone.

Regarding salvation, it isn’t a case of ‘you must be a Sikh to achieve salvation’ because the Gurus taught that all religions and all people belong to Waheguru. Rather a devotee of God, whether that be Muslim, Jewish, Christian or Sikh, can be freed from the cycles of lives by the Grace of Waheguru if they have God in their hearts, and reflect this in their daily lives and worship.

There is no Heaven or Hell in Sikhi, certainly not in terms of physical places. Rather hell is viewed as the cycle of births and deaths, whilst achieving unification with God through remembrance of God and worship of Him is Heaven. Each person builds up an account of karma in each life which then decides their next bodily form. For those who choose to do bad things, including a Sikh, a lower bodily form is next. Merely calling yourself a Sikh or Hindu or Catholic isn’t enough. You have to actually do something (no sola fides here!).

 

[Brendan_64]

Thank you very much for those very comprehensive and illuminating answers. Much appreciated.

I work in an area of the UK which is probably 25% Muslim and 25% Sikh. I’ve visited both the Gurdwaras in the town (and one of the Mosques). I’ve always wondered about the difference between Sikhs who wear turbans, don’t cut hair, don’t eat meat etc, and those who cut their hair, don’t wear turbans, eat meat etc (it seems that 50% do and 50$ don’t). ;f You’ve made things much clearer, thank you.

 

[IAmAKaur]

Thank you very much for those very comprehensive and illuminating answers. Much appreciated.

I work in an area of the UK which is probably 25% Muslim and 25% Sikh. I’ve visited both the Gurdwaras in the town (and one of the Mosques). I’ve always wondered about the difference between Sikhs who wear turbans, don’t cut hair, don’t eat meat etc, and those who cut their hair, don’t wear turbans, eat meat etc (it seems that 50% do and 50$ don’t). ;f You’ve made things much clearer, thank you.

Yeah, the meat issue is one which is constantly debated among different groups, with no real definitive answer as to what is right. I personally take the view that it is a matter of conscience to be decided by the individual. Ditto keeping kesh (uncut hair) and wearing a headcovering, particularly in the West where such a thing is much more difficult a decision to make and in the light of things like attacks on Sikhs or attacks on gurdwaras.

Glad I could be of help!

 

[famdigy]

Sat shri akaal everyone!

Ok, feel free to ask any question you fancy about Sikhism, Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib or anything else. I’ll try to answer!

Waheguru ji ki khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh.

Disregard. My question was answered already.