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'''Sikhism''' is often mistaken to be based on [[Hinduism]] and [[Islam]]. It is a separate religion from both Hinduism and Islam.  It was founded by [[Guru Nanak]] in the 16th century in the [[Punjab]] province of what is now [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] and is based on his teachings and those of the 9 Sikh gurus who followed him.  Its holy book, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, is considered to be the 11th and final Guru.  Guru literally means teacher, someone who brings you from darkness to light.

'''Sikhism''' is often mistaken to be based on [[Hinduism]] and [[Islam]]. It is a separate religion from both Hinduism and Islam.  It was founded by [[Guru Nanak]] in the 16th century in the [[Punjab]] province of what is now [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] and is based on his teachings and those of the 9 Sikh gurus who followed him.  Its holy book, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, is considered to be the 11th and final Guru.  Guru literally means teacher, someone who brings you from darkness to light.

Sikhism is a [[monotheistic]] religion, teaching that men and women are equal and that you do not have to be a Sikh to get to God.  Discipline and standing up for justice are also key aspects of Sikhism.  In order to even survive as a religion historically, Sikhs had to stand up for their beliefs and fight Islamic rulers who tried to convert them.  The religion also explains the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out rituals in the name of religion, which is why Sikhs do not have many rituals in their religion. <ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/</ref>  

Sikhism is a [[monotheistic]] religion, teaching that men and women are equal and that you do not have to be a Sikh to get to God.  Discipline and standing up for justice are also key aspects of Sikhism.  In order to even survive as a religion historically, Sikhs had to stand up for their beliefs and fight Islamic rulers who tried to convert them.  The religion also explains the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out rituals in the name of religion, which is why Sikhs do not have many rituals in their religion.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/</ref>  

Followers of Sikhism are called [[Sikhs]].

Followers of Sikhism are called [[Sikhs]].

The community of men and women who have been initiated into the Sikh faith is the Khalsa. The Khalsa celebrated its 300th anniversary in 1999.

The community of men and women who have been initiated into the Sikh faith is the Khalsa. The Khalsa celebrated its 300th anniversary in 1999.

Guru Gobind Singh decreed that where Sikhs could not find answers in the Guru Granth Sahib, they should decide issues as a community, based on the principles of their scripture. <ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/</ref>

Guru Gobind Singh decreed that where Sikhs could not find answers in the Guru Granth Sahib, they should decide issues as a community, based on the principles of their scripture.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/</ref>

Sikhs wear turbans and most do not cut their hair or shave. Many believe they carry [[knife|knives]] but usually they only carry a symbol of one (on a necklace). The small knife is known as a Kirpan.

Sikhs wear turbans and most do not cut their hair or shave. Many believe they carry [[knife|knives]] but usually they only carry a symbol of one (on a necklace). The small knife is known as a Kirpan.

[[Abortion]] is generally forbidden is Sikhism, because it interferes the [[creation]] of [[God]].<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/sikhethics/abortion.shtml</ref>

[[Abortion]] is generally forbidden is Sikhism, because it interferes the [[creation]] of [[God]].<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/sikhethics/abortion.shtml</ref>

==See Also==

==See also==

{{Template:Indian philosophy topics}}

{{Indian philosophy topics}}

==References==

==References==

==External links==

==External links==