A Sikh should live and work according to the principles of Sikhism, and should be guided by as follows:

(a) He should worship only one God, and should not indulge in any form of idol worship.

(b) Live a life based on the teachings of the ten Gurus, the Holy Guru Granth Sahib, and other scriptures and teachings of the Gurus.

(c) Sikhs should believe in the “Oneness” of the ten Gurus, That is, that a single soul or entity existed in the ten Gurus.

(d) A Sikh should have no belief in caste, black magic, and superstitious practices; such as, the seeking of auspicious moments, eclipses, the practices of feeding Brahmins in the belief that the food will reach one’s ancestors, ancestor’s worship, fasting at different phases of the moon, the wearing of sacred threads and similar rituals.

(e) The Gurdwara should serve as the Sikh central place of worship. Although the Holy Guru Granth Sahib is the center of Sikh belief, non-Sikh books can be studied for general enlightenment.

(f) Sikhism should be distinct from other religions, but Sikhs must, in no way, give offense to other faiths.

(g) Knowledge of Sikhism is highly desirable for a Sikh and this should be acquired in addition to his other education.

(h) It is the duty of the Sikhs to teach Sikhism to their children.

(i) Sikhs should not cut their children’s hair. Boys are to be given the name of Singh and girls the name of Kaur.

(j) Sikhs should not partake of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or other intoxicants.

(k) Sikhism strongly condemns infanticide, particularly female.

(L) A Sikh should live only on his honest earnings.

(m) No Sikh should gamble or commit theft.

(n) Sikhs must not commit adultery.

(o) A Sikh should regard another man’s wife as his sister or mother; and another man’s daughter as his own daughter.

(p) A Sikh should be loyal to his wife and vice versa.

(q) A Sikh should live his whole life according to the tenets of his faith.

(r) A Sikh should greet other Sikhs with the salutation “Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh” (Hail Khalsa of the wonderful Lord who is always victorious).

(s) There is no such thing as purdah, for a Sikh Woman.

(t) Any clothing may be worn by a Sikh, provided it includes a turban (for males) and a Knicker (Kachh) a similar garment.

Article extracted from this publication >>  July 5, 1985