CONCEPT OF GOD IN SIKHISM:

Sikhism is a non-semitic, Aryan, non Vedic  religion. Though not a majorreligion of the world, it is a branch or offshoot of Hinduism founded by Guru Nanak at the end of the 15t h Century. It originated in the Area of Pakistan and North West India called Punjab meaning the land of the 5 rivers. Guru Nanak was born in a Kshatriya (warrior caste) Hindu family but was very strongly influenced by Islam and Muslims.

DEFINITION OF SIKH AND SIKHISM

The word ' Sikh' is derived from the word  Sisya  meaning disciple or follower. Sikhism is a religion of 10 Gurus, the first Guru being Guru Nanak and the 10t h and the last being Guru Gobind Singh. The sacred book of Sikhism is Sri Guru Granth  also called Adi Granth Sahib.

THE FIVE    K S

Every Sikh is supposed to keep the five  K s which are also serve as his identity.

(i) Kesh   uncut hair; which all the Gurus kept

(ii) Kangha   comb; used to keep the hair clean.

(iii) Kada   metal or steel bangle; for strength and selfrestrain

(iv) Kirpan   dagger; for self defence

(v) Kaccha   special knee length underwear or underdrawler for agility

MULMANTRA :- THE FUNDAMENTAL CREED OF SIKHISM

The best definition that any Sikh can give regarding concept of God in Sikhism is quote the  Mul Mantra    the fundamental creed of Sikhism, which occurs at the beginning of Guru Granth Sahib. It is mentioned in Sri Guru Granth Sahib volume 1 Japuji, the first verse There exists but one God, who is called the true the creator, free from fear and hate, immortal not begotten, self -existant, Great and compassionate .Sikhism enjoins on its followers strict monothiesm. It believes in only One Supreme God who is,  in the unmanifest form called   ek omkara .In the manifest form He is called as Omkara and has several attributes  such as :

Kartar   The Creator

Sahib   The Lord

Akal   The Eternal

Sattanama   The Holy name

Parvardigar   The Cherisher

Rahim   The Merciful

Karim   The Benevolent

He is also called  Wahe Guru    the One true God.Besides Sikhism being strictly monotheistic, it does not believe in Avataravada   the doctrine of incarnation. Almighty God does not incarnate Himself in what is known as Avatara. Sikhism is also strongly against idol worship

Guru Nanak influenced by Kabir

Guru Nanak was  influenced by the sayings of Sant Kabir so much that several chapters of Shri Guru Nanak Sahib contain couplets of Sant Kabir. One of the famous couplets of Sant Kabir is

Dukh mein Sumirana sabh karein Sukh mein karein na koya Jo sukh mein sumirana karein To dukh kaye hoye

(Everyone remembers God during trouble but no one remembers Him during peace and happiness. The one who remembers God during peace and happiness why should he have trouble?).Compare this with the following verse of the Holy Qur an:

When some trouble toucheth man, He crieth unto his Lord,Turning to Him in repentance: But when He bestoweth  A favour upon him As from Himself, (man) Doth forget what hecried And prayed for before, And he doth set upRivals unto Allah [Holy Qur an 39:8]