Sikhism is founded on the teachings of Guru Nanak and nine successive Sikh Gurus
in fifteenth century Punjab. It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world.
Over twenty million Sikhs follow a revealed, distinct, and unique religion born
five centuries ago in the Punjab region of northern India. Between 1469 and 1708,
ten Gurus preached a simple message of truth, devotion to God, and universal equality.
Often mistaken as a combination of Hinduism and Islam, the Sikh religion can be
characterized as a completely independent faith.
Sikhism rejects idolatry, the caste system, ritualism, and asceticism. It recognizes
the equality between both genders and all religions, prohibits the intake of any
intoxicants, and encourages an honest, truthful living. Sikhs have their own holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib. Written, composed, and compiled by the Sikh Gurus
themselves, the Guru Granth Sahib serves as the ultimate source of spiritual guidance
for Sikhs. While the Sikhs hold their Gurus in high reverence, they are not to be
worshipped; Sikhs may only worship God.
Members of the Sikh community are mainly concentrated in their homeland, Punjab;
however, substantial Sikh populations exist throughout the rest
of India and the
world. Punjabi, a variant of the Hindi language with some Persian influence, is
the spoken and written language of the Sikh people. Male members of the Sikh religion
use the name, Singh (lion), as their middle or last name, while females use the
name, Kaur (princess). Sikhs tend to be industrious and pioneering; this accounts
for their general success wherever they live and settle. The hard-working nature
of the Sikhs is derived from their religion, which can be best characterized as
a faith of unlimited optimism.