Faith

Who Are ‘Sikhs’ and What Do They Believe? We Explain

Editor’s Note: This article will be part of a larger series about lesser-known religions called “Understanding Faith.” In light of recent events, this week’s subject is Sikhism.

Violence against Sikhs, especially in our post-September 11 world, is nothing new. Due to their customs and a lack of knowledge about their beliefs and standing, members of the monotheistic religion are regularly mistaken for Islamic adherents. For obvious reasons, this has created a multitude of problems for Sikhs. The violent attack on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin on Sunday is yet another reminder of the pain and suffering that this religious minority has endured.

While we don’t yet have all of the details surrounding the case, we know that the suspected gunman, Wade Michael Page, is said to have been a white supremacist. Some have wondered if the Army vet’s shooting rampage was rooted in a wrongful assumption — that those he was attacking were Muslims. Others have claimed that, regardless of alleged anti-Islamic sentiment, his attack on the temple was a hate crime.

Find Out Who Sikhs Are & What They Believe

A woman reacts outside the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, Wis, after a shooting took place, Sunday, Aug 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

As the facts are being sorted through and the victims and their families being tended to, this tragic incident provides an opportunity to answer some important questions about the Sikh community — who comprises it, what do they believe and how do the faith’s tenets mesh with American values?

Part of the confusion surrounding adherents is rooted in their tradition of not cutting their hair or beards and of wearing turbins. As a result they are frequently mistaken for Muslims. TheBlaze originally reported in July 2011 that members of the Sikh community in America claim that more than 700 hate crimes have been waged against them since the 9/11 attacks in 2011. Here are some of the other past examples that have been reported:

In 2004, vandals scrawled the words “It’s not your country” in blue spray paint on the wall of a Sikh temple in Fresno. No one has been arrested in that case.

In 2010, a Sikh cabdriver was beaten by two men in Sacramento – located in a region with more Sikh residents than any in the nation. During the attack, one of the men called the cab driver “Osama bin Laden,” and the cab driver repeatedly told the assailants that he wasn’t Muslim, authorities said. In early June, Pedro Ramirez was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the attack a second man was sentenced to a year in jail.

On Memorial Day of [2011], four weeks after the U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden, a Sikh man who is a subway employee in New York said he was punched in the mouth by a man who called him “the brother of Osama.”

Clearly, Sikhs remain in the crosshairs. Aside from confusion between Muslims and Sikhs, there’s also a general issue in that many Americans lack an understanding about what, exactly, the population believes.

Sikhism is a religion that was founded 500 years ago in South Asia. With 27 million followers worldwide, it is the world’s fifth largest religion (behind Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism). According to current estimates presented by The Associated Press, there are approximately 500,000 Sikhs living in the United States, with the majority residing in India (CNN claims that this number is 700,000).

The faith essentially ties together Bhakti Hinduism and Islamic Sufism, an interesting mix to say the least. Its founder, the first Sikh guru and a mystic named Nanak, lived from 1469 until 1539. Unlike other faith leaders, Nanak was opposed to an organized priesthood (there are no official priests, but there are scripture readers), a caste system and rituals, among other sentiments, Reference.com reports. By most accounts, he was a non-practicing Hindu who founded the religion in Punjab, an area in what is now India (read more about the history).

Find Out Who Sikhs Are & What They Believe

Indian Sikh devotees gather at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on August 6, 2012. Indian Sikhs, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, voiced shock and anger August 6 at the killing of worshippers at a Sikh temple in the US, with some suggesting American Muslims may have been the intended target. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

While Nanak was opposed to ritualistic design, the tenth Guri, Guru Gobind Singh, did put into place some requirements for a special group he created, the Khalsa brotherhood. Certainly, not all believers belong to this strict alliance, but many still abide by the rules and wear: uncut hair, a comb, a steel wrist bangle, a sword and short underpants.

On Sunday evening, following the attack, CNN penned a fascinating overview of Sikhism, covering the values embraced by the faith, while attempting to better educate the public about its composition. According to Sikh leaders, the religion is based on equality and service to others. Corroborating this notion, these individuals claim that anyone is welcome to attend services at Sikh temples.

When it comes to days of worship, there is apparently not a specific timeframe set aside. However, due to the American work-week, it’s not uncommon for Sikhs, like Christians, to worship on Sundays. Members praise their lord in buildings called “gurdwara” — or “temples.” CNN has more about how these churches operate:

At a typical gurdwara, the doors open up at 6 a.m. for prayers. A formal service includes the singing of hymns and a team of leaders who have studied the faith reciting from the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scriptures. That book, more than 1,400 pages long, includes writings from Sikhism’s 10 gurus as well as writers from other religions. [...]

At the end of the service, congregants pray for the “well-being of the world” then head to the langar, the community kitchen that serves meals for anyone who wants one. [...]

Gurdwaras around the world variously incorporate clinics, schools, guest quarters and community centers, which Sikhs say is a sign of the religion’s values of service and equality.

Find Out Who Sikhs Are & What They Believe

Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Doing good is a hallmark of Sikhism. Importantly, those who embrace the faith believe that if one doesn’t live a life filled with goodwill toward others, he or she will end up being reincarnated and forced to cycle through life and death again. Beliefnet has more about this process and the way in which Sikhs embrace their higher power:

Sikhs believe that liberation from the karmic cycle of rebirths occurs in the merging of the human spirit with the all-embracing spirit of God. Their religious worship involves contemplation of the divine Name. The ultimate deity is known by several names: Sat (truth), Sat Guru (true Guru), AkalPurakh (timeless being), Kartar (creator) and Wahi-Guru (“praise to the Guru”). By concentrating on God’s Name (or many titles), one conquers the ego and unites with God.

In an interview with CNN, Raghunandan Johar, president of the Guru Nanak Mission of Atlanta, heralded his faith and claimed that Nanak taught peace and that all religions were good. Being “good,” he claims, is key. In addition to being a decent human being, he also said that the faith encourages hard work and for its adherents to “never beg.”

“If you are Hindu, he said be a good Hindu,” he says. “If you are Muslim, be a good Muslim. If you are Christian, be a good Christian.”

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Comments (164)

1 2 3
  • jwright.80
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:00pm

    What this all truly means is that the old adage “Mind your own business” has never been a more appropriate way to run your life. Keep your ridiculous hatred to yourself and try to address it in a positive way. Go to church, seek a counselor, find a man or a woman, get a job, get a life whatever… Just don’t go out and exercise your petty hatred on other people.

    Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:52pm

      Guru Nanak was a wanderer who traveled (walked) around India with 2 young male companions; a Muslim and a Hindu. Many of the stories about him were written by these 2 people.

      Here are 3 stories of Guru Nanak told to me by one of my teachers.

      1- After entering a village full of Sufi Saints and finding a place to stay there was a knock at the door. I young boy entered carrying a glass of milk, full to the very top. He offered it to Nanak saying it was a gift his Master. Nanak put a flower in the milk and told the boy to return it back to his Master. Nanak’s 2 companions started asking each other what happened. “Why did he put a flower in the milk?” “Why did he not drink it?” “Why did he return it?” Nanak said, “The head Sufi was sending me a message that this village has so many Saints that not 1 more drop could the village hold. I put the flower in it to say that I would float on top and not spill the order of things”.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:53pm

      2- At a festival of Sun worshippers everyone was throwing water into the sky towards the Sun. Nanak turned and threw water in the opposite direction. People asked him why he was throwing water in the wrong direction. Nanak told them, “I’m watering my vegetable garden. It is only 200 kilometers away in this direction; much closer than the Sun”.

      3- Nanak once entered a village and everyone was laying prostrate in the same direction. So he laid down prostrate with his feet in that direction. People asked him why he was laying down in the wrong direction. Nanak said, “I’ve traveled a long way and my feet hurt. I want God to make them better”. The people said he had to turn around so Nanak told them to turn him in a direction where his feet were not pointing to God. So they spun him around and each time Nanak would say, “What, God cannot be found in that direction?” They finally all agreed that God was everywhere.

      I hope some people here enjoyed these stories. : )

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • db321
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:28pm

      Look at EVERY News Reel and Photo of this horrible shooting – do you see protest – signs – burning of American Flags – down with America – NO and you never will from this group! This is a very peaceful religion. On the other hand, Radical MUSLIMS that follow the false profit Mohamed does not have America’s best interest at heart.

      These people were in total shock – they have no idea why this happened to them. They did nothing deserve this.

      Obama, do not make a class warfare statement out of this. Educate Americans as to who this group is and what they represent.

      Report Post » db321  
    • spirited
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:34pm

      [:^> Thanks MONK

      ....sounds like a thoughtful way of living.

      Report Post » spirited  
    • AmericanPatriot
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 7:30pm

      Thanks, ‘The Monk’ — I enjoyed those stories.

      Report Post » AmericanPatriot  
    • Tigress1
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:29pm

      @The-Monk, I enjoyed the stories. Thanks! Nanak sounds like a cool guy!

      Report Post » Tigress1  
    • ChevalierdeJohnstone
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 1:18am

      @TheMonk

      I liked the stories!

      Report Post »  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:27am

      Good stories, MONK! (…i won’t even take a Punjab at you…). :)

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • SwilkG
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:55pm

    this article has a typo, the 9/11 attacks did not happen in 2011

    Report Post » SwilkG  
    • TROLLMONGER
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:32pm

      Every story on this site has a typo. That is what happens when you hire people that did not go to college or dropped out.

      Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
    • elimenopee
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:44pm

      My favorite is “the first Sikh gugu and a mystic named Nanak”…my daughter spoke “gugu” once.

      Report Post » elimenopee  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:45pm

      Hatemonger – And you leftists certainly show that just b/c you go to college doesn’t make you intelligent.

      Report Post »  
    • Stone Cold Truth
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:24pm

      Or you can go to college only to be a forum troll who still misspells words.

      Report Post » Stone Cold Truth  
    • mersey
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:58pm

      Trollmonger has no guilt that he wasted Mommy and Daddy’s money on an inferior education only to become part of the progressive internet goon squad.

      Report Post » mersey  
    • HorseDancer
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 7:13pm

      That was no typo. They’re trying to get you to think they happened under Obama instead of Bush. Remember Dana Perino saying, “No terrorist attacks occurred during the Bush administration.”

      Trust me, it’s juicy

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_fW8YxPXmU

      Report Post »  
    • jamgdurrett
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 11:57am

      @horsedancer and Trollmonger, it is easy to see that you both are liberal. I find it amazing how so many people hide behind anonymous comments. People died in a tragic manner and may God give them all peace and help their families through trying times. It pains me to see how weak and pathetic people can be when they are posting their comments knowing that they wouldn’t say these things in public. Let’s take a few minutes today and pray for the people who have lost their lives and not try to place blame on anything or anyone but the man who did this. God Bless us all!

      Report Post »  
    • libsaredumb
      Posted on August 8, 2012 at 11:46am

      The typos and grammar mistakes on this site and others are seriously pathetic nowadays. C’mon writers and editors, have some pride in your work, proofread!

      Report Post »  
  • DangerMike
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:53pm

    Sikhs are total badass warriors and very cool people.
    It‘s a shame this article doesn’t explain that Sikhs wore turbans and beards to distinguish their Warriors from the Muslims they were desperately fighting for their lives against.
    Somehow, all of the modern world’s issues come back around to Islam…

    Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:58pm

      Exactly

      Report Post »  
    • RedNeckMormon
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:11pm

      I worked next to a Sikh for almost a year on an IT project and learned all about their warrior culture. He said his family had been fighting muslims for almost a thousand years. He was a great guy and loved his family, I came to respect him very much and most of all “He loved America”.

      Report Post » RedNeckMormon  
    • AmericanFightingMan1
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:21pm

      I agree, I have always felt a bond with Sikhs. Great people. Strong, but gentle warriors. I admire them. I think they have their hearts and minds in the right place (as a people goes).

      I hope they know that this event does not represent a sentiment held by most or much of Americans.

      Report Post » AmericanFightingMan1  
    • hayesstephen
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:35pm

      Years ago I worked with Sihks in a machine shop. They were damn fine machinist and nice guys. They had a strange sense of humor, but got along with everyone and never were involved in any nonsense. Gel, Armajet Singh how sad I am for your brothers and sisters who were killed and wounded. Peace and love to you guys. I still remember some of the dirty phrase’s you two taught those oh so many years ago.

      Report Post »  
    • DeOppressoLiber
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:26pm

      Here is a good link

      http://www.harisingh.com/about.htm

      They have a great warrior tradition.

      My prayers go out to them.

      Report Post »  
  • Borrys
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:45pm

    The average bozo on the street can’t name the 3 branches of government and you expect them to know the difference between Sikhs and Muslims? The same idiots who can tell you who the last 6 American Idol winners are, but can’t name their Senators? Please, get real!

    BTW – Yes, we have some sharp people here, I am talking about the average Joe off the street….

    Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:59pm

      On Memorial Day of [2011], four weeks after the U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden, a Sikh man who is a subway employee in New York said he was punched in the mouth by a man who called him “the brother of Osama.””

      Happened in NYC. Chances are they are a Democrat.

      Report Post »  
  • qpwillie
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:40pm

    I read that the Hindus and Muslims kinda shunned the poor people so they founded a religion of their own. I think there’s probably some truth in all the explanations of how the religion started.

    Report Post » qpwillie  
  • mdlwoods
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:21pm

    Westboro: I would 10 times more prefer a Sikh to come and walk with me and talk with me about love and service than I would any of you evil evil people. Evil liberals who blame Michelle Bachman: You show me where anything Michelle Bachman has said is hateful or hate and I will eat these words: You are the hatemongers. You have no love for anyone but yourself. You are pure evil!! You need to go take some lessons from the Sikhs and the Christians and learn to love, not hate!!!

    Report Post » mdlwoods  
    • AndYetItMoves
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:08pm

      “You are the hatemongers. You have no love for anyone but yourself. You are pure evil!!”

      “You need to go take some lessons from the Sikhs and the Christians and learn to love, not hate!!!”

      Absolutely classic Christian reasoning. You need to learn how to think before you can preach.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:06pm

      AndYetItMoves

      There are admonitions against judging & yet judgments are clearly made. Other wise they would “IN EFFECT” allow prostitutes to set up house in church sanctuaries. Because how could they stop it? They would have to judge the prostitutes mentally before they could act physically to stop them. Clearly Christians judge & should judge. The whole things about judging is that you should be very careful before judging lest you judge falsely among other things.

      You come here with a troll posting name of “AND YET IT MOVES” for no other reason to observe & mock. So if someone call you evil, well the glove fit, so we can not acquit.

      Report Post »  
    • AndYetItMoves
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:10pm

      Any idea where that phrase comes from? If you can tell me, 10 points for being better educated than the average blazer.

      Report Post »  
    • Stone Cold Truth
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:28pm

      I don’t know where it comes from, but it describes everything the Democrats want to tax and regulate more.

      Report Post » Stone Cold Truth  
    • HorseDancer
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 7:08pm

      MDLWOODS . . . bon appetite

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWVGVuviDIQ&feature=related

      Report Post »  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:11pm

      @AndYetItMoves

      “Any idea where that phrase comes from?”

      Yes. I was coined by a friend of mine in late 70′s. He always complained that his wife is very passive during intercourse. Then he caught her in flagranti with a land sculpting induhvidual and seeing her riding on top, he uttered the phrase as his expression of surprise. After an initial shock and a divorce, he found himself another wife with opposite traits.

      Otherwise, the phrase has been reported by one Giuseppe Baretti regarding Galileo’s reaction past his recantation before inquisition court. The thing is, he never said that, not even muttered under his breath. Baretti made it up.

      So, you see, in your elitist assholery, you actually shot yourselsf into you own foot.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
  • Inlandmar2
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:03pm

    Maybe this report is being PC, but one of the reasons for the formation of the Sikh religion was to combat the expansion of Islam into India.

    Report Post » Inlandmar2  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:56pm

      did you not read the article-they embrace aspects of muslim sufiism[one God-unlike hindus who believe in many gods] .and in india today thee are at least 40milions muslims .You’re as brainwashed and hate filled as the american vet who killed those sikhs yesterday.

       
    • indy500
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:12pm

      you are absolutly correct my friend. @ rose ellen, i assume ur muslim, you may not remember you own history or are attempting to gloss over the bad parts, but rest assured the Sikhs will never forget.

      Report Post »  
  • qpwillie
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:02pm

    “By concentrating on God’s Name (or many titles), one conquers the ego and unites with God.”

    Sadly, most Christians don’t even know the name of the god of the Bible, let alone what it means. They also don‘t know the name of god’s son and have substituted the name, “Jesus (Ghe Zeus)” for his real name.

    Report Post » qpwillie  
    • LittleSmidge
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:52pm

      From where did you get the term Ghe Zeus, and what does it mean?

      Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:02pm

      His name is joshua[isiah] But yes the root of all these words are the same; ze-us , is , isahah , Deo all have the origin in the word IS [being] i am who am. god is pure being[underived, unconditional] .The latin and greek words shaer a common origin with the hebrew word for god [is-isaih].As our word is, the and , al al.They’re all indo european languages after all.

      Report Post »  
    • hayesstephen
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:38pm

      littlesmuge. Yahweh = God. Yeshua = Jesus.

      Report Post »  
    • Daenopis
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:46pm

      Actually, Yeshua is the Hebrew rendering of joshua. We get Jesus from the Greek rendering of Yeshua (Iesous). Then in Latin it is rendered Iesus. Latin did not have the Letter “J’ (Neither does Hebrew or Greek). The name Jesus (with a “J”) and the the modern pronunciation is from the English rendering.

      Report Post »  
    • mr.goodvibe
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:04pm

      Rose Ellen, if you do some research back to the origins of Genesis it comes from the Sumerian creation epic, so then the name of God was EN.LIL.

      Report Post » mr.goodvibe  
    • Orangephi
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:33pm

      Jesus is the Latin transliteration of a Greek word, which is a transliteration of the Hebrew name YahShua, which is translated as : to deliver, or to rescue, Savior, or “Yahweh is Salvation”.
      Google is an amazing tool, if used correctly.

      I Mourn for the people, and pray that our father takes them in and comforts those left behind.

      Report Post »  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 11:54pm

      mr.goodvibe, EN.LIL and EN.KI had both the same top rank. Their heavenly father, Anu, was the supreme entity. The problem arises with translation. In Sumerian, they were either called Anunaki (those that from heaven to earth came), or Lofty Ones (unsure if that was referring to their physical or other stature). Cultures that followed in the Mesopotamia region then equated Lofty Ones with deities.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • tzion
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 3:51pm

      Actually, the Hebrew of Joshua is Yehoshuah not Yeshuah.

      Report Post »  
  • ACTFORCHRIST
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:00pm

    Encouraging someone to be a good Muslims leads to death! Read, THE COMING; A TRUE STORY OF HORROR @ amazon.com…This is our future!

    Report Post »  
  • TaterSalad
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:51pm

    Sikhs are good people and have a sense for life and friendship, just the opposite of Muslims who always have a frown on their faces and are full of hate for most of them.

    Report Post »  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:49pm

    The neurologist that treated my wife this weekend was Sikh. Super nice and smart guy with a good sense of humor. I think it‘s the turban thing that people don’t understand.

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • TaterSalad
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:48pm

    Sikh shooting has a very interesting “twist” and here is why:

    1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uQq9lVsUk4&feature=youtu.be

    2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhKFHxbDq9U&feature=youtu.be

    Report Post »  
  • Mtremblay
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:46pm

    Although this is a sad tragedy be careful when you claim a religion as peaceful. Like Muslims both Hindu and Sikhi will behead a daughter not as often but they do http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/19/oghad-singh-beheads-daughter-manju-kanwar_n_1608792.html

    Report Post »  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:46pm

    Encouraging people to be good muslim is never a good idea .
    As far as sufi go
    Al-Ghazali, a Sufi orthodox Muslim, and follower of the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence, wrote this about jihad war and the treatment of the vanquished non-Muslim dhimmi peoples, in the Wadjiz: [4]

    [O]ne must go on jihad (i.e., warlike razzias or raids) at least once a year…one may use a catapult against them [non-Muslims] when they are in a fortress, even if among them are women and children. One may set fire to them and/or drown them…If a person of the Ahl al-Kitab [People of The Book – primarily Jews and Christians] is enslaved, his marriage is [automatically] revoked…One may cut down their trees…One must destroy their useless books. Jihadists may take as booty whatever they decide…they may steal as much food as they need…

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
    • Mr.Fitnah
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:49pm

      [T]he dhimmi is obliged not to mention Allah or His Apostle…Jews, Christians, and Majians must pay the jizya [poll tax on non-Muslims]…on offering up the jizya, the dhimmi must hang his head while the official takes hold of his beard and hits [thedhimmi] on the protruberant bone beneath his ear [i.e., the mandible]… They are not permitted to ostentatiously display their wine or church bells…their houses may not be higher than the Muslim’s, no matter how low that is. The dhimmi may not ride an elegant horse or mule; he may ride a donkey only if the saddle [-work] is of wood. He may not walk on the good part of the road. They [the dhimmis] have to wear [an identifying] patch [on their clothing], even women, and even in the [public] baths…[dhimmis] must hold their tongue….

      Legal war (jihad) is an obligatory social duty (fard-kifaya); when one group of Moslems guarantees that it is being carried out in a satisfactory manner, the others are exempted.
      The jihad becomes a strictly binding personal duty (fard-‘ain) for all Moslems who are enlisted or whose country has been [invaded] by the enemy. It is obligatory only for free men who have reached puberty, are endowed with reason and capable of fighting. Jihad is the best of the works of supererogation. Abu Huraira relates that “The Prophet, when asked what was the best of all works, replied: Belief in God [and in His Prophet].– And then? someone asked him. – War for God’s cause, then a pious pilgrimage.

      Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
    • Mr.Fitnah
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:55pm

      Abu Sa’id reports also that the Prophet, when asked who was the best of all men, replied, “He who fights for God’s cause, personally and with his goods.”… It is permitted to surprise the infidels under cover of night, to bombard them with mangonels [an engine that hurls missiles] and to attack them without declaring battle (du‘a’). The Prophet attacked the Banu Mustaliq unexpectedly, while their animals were still at the watering-place; he killed the men who had fought against him and carried off the children into captivity. It is forbidden to kill children, madmen, women, priests, impotent old men, the infirm, the blind, the weak-minded, unless they have taken part in the combat.
      The chief of State decides on the fate of the men who are taken as prisoners; he can have them put to death, reduce them to slavery, free them in return for a ransom or grant them their freedom as a gift. He must choose the solution most in keeping with the common good of the Moslems.
      The jizya can be demanded only from the Peoples of the Book (Ahl-al-Kitab) and from Zoroastrians (Magus), who pledge to pay it and submit to the laws of the community. The Peoples of the Book are understood to mean the Jews and those who follow the religion of the Torah, as well as the Christians and those who follow the religion of the Gospel. When People of the Book or Zoroastrians ask to pay the jizya and to submit to the laws of the community, one must grant their request, and it is forbidden to f

      Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
    • Mr.Fitnah
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:57pm

      The jizya is collected at the beginning of each year. It is set at 48 dirhems for a rich man, at 24 dirhems for a man of moderate means, and at 12 dirhems for a man of lowly estate. It cannot be demanded from children who have not reached the age of puberty, from women, helpless old men, the sick, the blind, or slaves, nor from poor people who are unable to pay it. An infidel subject to the jizya who converts to Islam is free of this obligation. When an infidel dies, his heirs are responsible for the jizya

      Any connection with Islam Sufism mohammad is inherently evil.
      Sikhs claim Mohammad as a prophet.

      Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
    • Silvertruth
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:41pm

      You may quote many of the more controversial Clerics of the Islamic faith, but in assuming that all who practice Islam pay any attention to them is a mistake. Part of the issue with the Islamic faith is that it is extremely decentralized, there is no central power calling the shots. Many variants only take other Clerics words with a grain of salt. Even Mohammed gets mildly interpreted by some sects of Islam. Islam is constantly at war with itself and it has been argued that it only goes to war outside of itself to try and calm it’s internal struggles, essentially reunify. They can try for a Caliphate all they want but they don’t have the central organization needed to keep from killing each other. The Sikh’s are even more decentralized with nobody calling the shots. It seems to be a very personal/traditional faith. If people do good works, then all is good. I agree with that viewpoint.

      Report Post » Silvertruth  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:17pm

      we have no problem killing in the name of our religion -americanism. and everyday men kill their wives or girlrfiends or children or each other and often get away with it. hypocrites!

      Report Post »  
    • indy500
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:55pm

      you are wrong Mr Fitnah, i don’t know where you got your information, but Sikhs never have and never will believe in muhammad. Sikhs came into being to fight the oppression of muslims. Sikhisam is completely opposite of what the muslims believe in.

      Some Answers About Sikh History In India

      Q: How did the Sikh religion originate?

      A: It was founded in 1469 by Guru Nanak, who preached monotheism and equality, in reaction to the Hindu caste system. After fights with India’s Muslim Mogul rulers, the religion grew more militant. The 10th and final founding leader, Guru Gobind Singh, commanded Sikhs to carry a kirpan, or curved ceremonial dagger

      Q: What are the customs of their faith?

      A: Besides carrying the kirpan, traditional Sikh men don’t cut their beards or their hair. Most cover their heads in yards of cloth elaborately wrapped into a turban. Sikh men all take the name Singh, meaning lion. The religion’s holiest site is the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which is surrounded by a lake.

      Q: What is their current role?

      A: Sikhs hold some of India’s most important positions. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, head of the financially powerful planning commission, are all Sikh. They are a majority in the agriculturally crucial province of Punjab, known as the breadbasket of India, which is currently ruled by the Sikh-dominated Akali Dal party. Their temples, or gurdwaras, often run free kitchens giving foo

      Report Post »  
    • Mr.Fitnah
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:57pm

      @SILVERTRUTH
      I was just shinning the light on orthodox sufi message of jihad and dhimmitude since few know anything about sufism.
      Many can hold non scriptural interpretation of Islamic scripture but they will lose to those who kill according to scripture.

      Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
  • Individualism
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:43pm

    They look like Muslims but act allot more friendlier and chill in general based on my experience. Also i think the cities of Calgary and Edmonton have some in power and those cities are up and running pretty well.

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • jjufon
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:27pm

    i think the scary issue to me is how it is being classified as “terrorism” thus making it a fed case and allow them to suppend all sorts of normal rights.

    this was a senseless crime, but “a federal crime” it aint.

    slowly but surely, we will all fall under “federal rule”

    Report Post »  
    • Gourdy
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:40pm

      It absolutely is terrorism if the gunman was a white supremacist and killed them for religious or ideological reasons. If that’s true, he’s pretty much identical to the 9/11 terrorists’ motivations.

      Report Post » Gourdy  
  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:27pm

    Today – 89,000,000 gun owners did not shoot anybody.

    But we don’t hear about that.

    What we hear about is the one wacko that does.

    Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • Caballosinnombre
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:48pm

      Yes, and he is a dead wacko, isn’t he?

      Report Post »  
    • FaithfulFriend
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:59pm

      Yes, a dead wacko shot with a gun in the hands of a good guy.

      Report Post » FaithfulFriend  
    • HorseDancer
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:50pm

      ERIC . . . So one gun death per day in the US, and that’s an anomaly, is that your story? According to the FBI’s uniform crime reports, in 2010 – the latest year for which detailed statistics are available – there were 12,996 murders in the US. Of those, 8,775 were caused by guns. I’m no mathematician, but I’m pretty sure that works out to more than zero per day.

      Report Post »  
    • pudssweetie
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 1:00am

      Horsedancer, how many of those murders were done by Blacks against Blacks? It is so easy to ignore statistics when you are pushing an Anti-Gun agenda.

      Report Post »  
    • HorseDancer
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 1:19am

      PUDDSUCKER . . . Try to be relevant It’s not that hard, really. Just think before you type. “Does what I’m about to type have anything to do with the post or topic being discussed?” That’s really the only question you need to work through. If the answer is yes, proceed, If the answer is no, you either a dumbass or you’re pushing an agenda. Geez, come on, people, make an effort.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:21pm

    The store I buy gas at is owned by Sikhs. They bend over backwards to be nice to everyone. From this article, I can see that is part of their religion. I also think it’s to differentiate themselves from the Muslims because they know Americans confuse the two. It’s sad.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • HKS
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:27pm

      I know some as well, great people.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:32pm

      Very sad indeed, my friend…what’s even sadder…just watching CNN…(why, I don’t know)…I find it sad that the only time CNN is pro-religion is when it’s NOT christianity.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • docvet
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:35pm

      During my military career and living in many locations around the country, I have met many Hindus and Sikhs and never met one I didn’t like. They are some of the best friends and neighbors a person could want.

      Report Post »  
  • Teaparty_Grammy
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:17pm

    Thanks for this educational “tour” of the Sikh religion. I knew that it originated in India and that its practitioners are Indian, NOT Arab and NOT Muslim, but beyond that knew nothing about them.

    If “doing good” and “living a life of goodwill toward others” are characteristic of Sikh beliefs, it should be abundantly clear that they have NOTHING in common with bloodthirsty ISLAM!

    Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:24pm

      the way Sikhs drink their Scotch..trust me..they’re not muslims.

      Report Post »  
    • mike_trivisonno
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:52pm

      It is telling that the Sikh community must point out that they are not muslims.

      It is sad that the non stop jihad by muslims all over the planet have caused these people to become targets. But it is the way of the muslims to deflect attention away from their jihad and hope others get blamed for their violence.

      The muslims are all too happy to see violence done against sikhs. The count on it.

      Report Post » mike_trivisonno  
    • Tigress1
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:26pm

      Same here. I only learned about them this weekend. It seems that they also believe in freedom, and they respect women, also unlike the Muslims. Any other turban wearing groups out there that we should know about? We need to know who the good guys are!

      Report Post » Tigress1  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:31pm

      sufism is islamic and sikhs take their belief in one God from sufi islam. They read from sufi muslim texts too.So they are an offshoot of islam and hinduism. Deny all you want.

      Report Post »  
    • Tigress1
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:50pm

      @Rose-ellen, I’m not denying anything. I’m new to this. However, this site (written by Sikhs themselves) says that Sikhs are NOT a different sect of Muslims:

      http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/23-many-people-think-sikhism-sect-islam.html

      Report Post » Tigress1  
    • indy500
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:31pm

      @ rose ellen. muslims believe in one god and think moses and jesus were prophets sent by god, does that make them Christians. if you think muslim and Sikhs have anything in common then you are an idiot. here i will give you some pointers.
      muslims face kabba when they pray (how is this not praying to idols i dont know) and they have to pray five times a day
      Sikhs can pray anytime anywhere they want.
      muslims treat their women like crap, marrry upto four times and dont forget “Mutta marrige”(temporery marriges lasting from a few hours to weeks, by the way the rest of the world calls that prostitution)
      Sikhs treat their mothers, daughters and sisters with respect.
      you call islam a relegion of peace but most people have come to realise that its a relegion of pieces

      Report Post »  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:10pm

      I’m curious — Whither dost thou First Council at Nicea circa 325AD fer? — then — flash-forward — We know Henry the VIII had some ‘issues’ wit da ‘vicar’ pope guy (so did Abraham Lincoln ;-) — And King James (hence the Elizabethan English ‘bible’ the fundamentalists tout) James decided the Nicea ‘version’ hadda go “cuz he didn’t like the rules” — to get to the ROOTS of any ‘religious text/doctrine‘ requires one to ’question with boldness’ — kinda like looking at the ‘polls’ today — they mean absolutely nothing other than to provide a narrative on some ‘agenda.’ — Who what where when why how — all relevant questions in formulating an EDUCATED ‘opinion.’ get ALL “facts” available, from ‘both’ sides…

      Report Post »  
  • MOLLYPITCHER
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:16pm

    I think you would really have to be NOT paying attention in order to mistake them for muslims. None of the women look like muslims at all.

    Report Post »  
  • SREGN
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:16pm

    I work with a Sikh woman. She’s the salt of the Earth.

    Report Post »  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:14pm

    The NAZI spent time in the military.I am sure he knew the difference between Sikhs and Muslims.He was a NAZI White Supremacist. He just went to the first place he could think of that had a bunch of people with darker skin.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • HorseDancer
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:21pm

      Bush was president and he didn’t know the difference between Sunni and Shiite. How’s that for stunning?

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:36pm

      My pretty pony; Obama is POTUS and he doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground. How’s that for stunning?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Polarized America
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:37pm

      ……….”a bunch of people with darker skin.”…………………..

      I find it ironic that some of these ..”white supremacist.” Get so many tattoos ( including on there face )
      That the start to look black ..lol………….

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:50pm

      umm…HORSIE..Obama doesn‘t know that Austrians don’t speak Austrian..they speak German.
      Oh and how do you pronounce “Corpsman” again?

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:51pm

      Come on, both the Sikhs and Muslims supported Hitler.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:04pm

      AK, how many states are there again? Did you know that Hawaii is in Asia?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • HorseDancer
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:44pm

      GONZO and AVENGECAKE . . . Wha? Really? Next thing you know you’ll be telling me Africa is a country . . . that the queen is the head of the British government . . . that the Fed is short for something, h, what is it . . . Federal Reservists something or other . . . that the North Koreans are our allies . . . wow, thanks for putting me straight. Now, don’t you have food to put on your family? I recommend raw steak. Sarah Palin loves it raw. Or maybe fish in a barrel, my favorite (as you can see).

      Report Post »  
    • RichmondMomforFreedom
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:10pm

      @HORSE. I believe they were referring to the fact that in a speech in Hawaii Obama called the state “…here in Asia…” There are not a lot of MSM reporting this but many conservative websites have posted it. http://townhall.com/tipsheet/greghengler/2011/11/15/obama_in_hawaii_here_in_asia_world_leaders_teach_me_how_to_spread_out_the_sacrifice

      Report Post » RichmondMomforFreedom  
    • HorseDancer
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:30pm

      RICHMONFMOMFORFREESTUFF . . . Ahhhhhhh, thanks. Gosh, I’d never heard that whole Hawaii/Asia thing, other than everywhere for about a week. Thanks for providing that mastery of the obvious.

      Report Post »  
    • indy500
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 6:36pm

      @ Swampy this ones for you.
      “In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith.”

      (General Sir Frank Messervy K. C. S.I, K. B. E., C. B., D. S. O.)

      “The Sikh Regiment in the Second World War”

      Colonel F T Birdwood OBE

      Published in Great Britain by Jarrold and Sons Ltd., Norwich

      Foreword by General Sir Frank Messervy K. C. S.I, K. B. E., C. B., D. S. O.

      Report Post »  
    • Smokey_Bojangles
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 1:31am

      Keep this up and I am going to order me a breathalyzer for my asthma from one of the 57 states.

      Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:12pm

    Glad to see you posting something constructive Billy! Thank you for this information.

    Report Post »  
  • Wino911
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:12pm

    Why not start this article with go to CNN for details?

    Report Post »  
    • starman70
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:26pm

      Communist News Network? Their report is probably dripping with liberal doublespeak.

      Report Post »  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:34pm

      I said this above, but this is the only time I’ve heard CNN be pro-religion…go figure.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:11pm

    The Sikhs I know are fun, energetic people..rabble rousers and love their Scotch.

    Report Post »  
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