What is Sikhism and Who are the Sikhs?

Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion, the Sikh faith began around 1500 CE, when Guru Nanak began teaching a faith that was quite distinct from Hinduism and Islam.

Here are some facts about what Sikhs believe and Sikh culture.

* Sikhs believe everyone, men and women, has equal status before God, who created the universe and all faiths. Human beings are encouraged to develop their moral character through generosity, humility and self-reliance.

* The word 'Sikh' in the Punjabi language means 'seeker of knowledge', Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus.

* Sikhism was divinely revealed to its first guru, or prophet, Guru Nanak, who died (Jyoti-Jot) in 1539. Nine gurus followed him, the last of which, Guru Gobind Singh, died (Jyoti-Jot) in 1708.

* The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, recreated the Sikhs as a military group of men and women called the Khalsa in 1699, with the intention that the Sikhs should for ever be able to defend their faith.

* Sikhs keep their hair uncut, or natural, as a sign of living in harmony with God. Men and women — cover their hair with turbans as a mark of their faith.

* The kara is a steel bracelet worn by Sikhs to remind them of the unity of God. The kirpan is a ceremonial dagger (though not a weapon) that is meant to remind Sikhs of the duty to fight injustice.

* The Sikh place of worship is known as a Gurudwara, and it is where the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is kept. Sikhism does not have priests, which were abolished by Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru felt that they had become corrupt and full of ego. Sikhs only have custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib (granthi), and any Sikh is free to read the Guru Granth Sahib in the Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) or in their home. All people of all religions are welcome to the Gurdwara. In a gurdwara, all remove their shoes, and women cover their heads.

* The central Sikh shrine is the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, India, which is also known as the Golden Temple. It is the inspirational and historical center of Sikhism but is not a mandatory place of pilgrimage or worship. All places where Guru Granth Sahib Ji are installed are considered equally holy for Sikhs.

* A free community kitchen can be found at every Gurdwara which serves meals to all people of all faiths. Guru Nanak first started this institution which outline the basic Sikh principles of service, humility and equality.