Dr Awatar Singh Sekhon, Dr Gurcharan Singh Dhillon, Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer and Dr Harbakhash Singh Sandhar CONTINUED “
A Sikh MUST NOT:
* Bow before anyone except the Guru Granth Sahib,
*pray/worshiping Hindu temple, mosque, church, synagogue or any other place of worship. Visitor other purpose is, however, not prohibited. A Sikh must respect the faith/religion of others.
“Worship idols, statues or pictures (even of Guru Sahib) etc. There are no real pictures of any Guru Sahib; but even if there was a real picture it is against Sikh ideology to worship it. (It is shocking that, during the period of Satbir Singh’s chairmanship of the Dharam Parchar Committee of the SGPG, fake pictures of some Guru Sahib were published and distributed by the SGPC itself).
*believe in magic, occult power, superstitions and such like things.
* seek auspicious moments, eclipses. (All the days and moments have the same importance in Sikhism).
*practice infanticide or sati (burning oneself on the burning pyre of husband).
“observe any fast e.g. Karva Chauth, Ramzan etc. fasting otherwise or for health reasons is not prohibited), Sangr and (the first day of the Hindu Bikrami calendar), Masyia, Puranmasi etc., have nothing to do in Sikhism and to observe these days is ‘against the Sikh philosophy.
‘Believe in wearing of the (so-called) seared thread and similar rituals.
* observe Sharadhs (annual rituals for the dead).
* have Socioreligious relations with Radha Soamis, Nirankaris, Namdhar is and the other cults or other groups of the ‘Sadhus (ascetics and so-called saints) and such impostors etc.
*move in public without Dastar (the Sikh turban), even while at home, one must cover one’s head! With a small turban, *renounce the world (should lead an active householder’s life). use tobacco, drugs, intoxicants etc.
*pierce nose or ear (for omaments or otherwise).
Observe Ghund/Purdah (veil). Beauty contests are in contravention to Sikh faith. Five Articles of faith (a must for an initiated Sikh)
An initiated Sikh must always have Pury Katar on one’s person and one cans never art with them until death. (The five articles of faith.” These are called Kakar because these five begin with the Punjabi Tetter Kakka), these five articles of faith i Unshorn hair distinguish the Sikhs from the rest of the world. A Sikh must not trim hair from anybody. Hair is “the seal of a” Removal of this seal makes (apostate). Such a person cannot present oneself as representative of Sikhism. A Sikh must keep the hair neat and clean, A Sikh must comb the hair twice a day, Hair must be covered with a Kesakij Dastar (the Sikh turban), The females should also cover their hair with Dastar and a Dupatia (a cloth of a size enough to cover hair properly) may also be used in addition. (According to another source Kesaki (turban to cover unshor hair) and not Kes is a Kakar. The Rahitmaryada approved by Akal Takht Sahib Mentions Kes (hair) and not Kesaki but one of the most authentic sources confirm *Kesaki to cover unshorn Kes” as a Kakar, Please see below on turban. HAIR is also obligatory for a Sikh. The keeping of hair means living in harmony with the Will of the Almighty. One must not interfere in the ways of Nature. Scientifically, hair is a source of strength, energy and vitality; and spiritually an essential attribute of faith in His Command. All the prophets of the different faiths obeyed the Almighty and did not shave their hair. 2, Kangha (the Sikh comb): A Kangha is a specific comb of the Sikh nation. It is used for combing the hair. It must be kept in one’s hair. A wooden Kangha is a 3. Kara (the Sikh bracelet): Every Sikh must wear a Kara on his right wrist. It should be made of iron or steel. (Usage of a Kara made of gold is not authentic practice in Sikhism). Kara reminds a Sikh to desist from UN Sikh like acts.
- Kachhehra (the Sikh shorts) Every Sikh must wear a Kachhehra. It is a specific type of shorts designed and stitched in a special manner. It reminds a Sikh of chastity, High moral standards are a must for a Sikh. ‘5. Kirpan (the Sikh sword): Every initiated Sikh must wear a kirpan on his person. The kirpan is wom in a Gatra (a specific belt of cloth) hanging from the right side of shoulder to the left side of the waist. The Sikh kirpan reminds a Sikh of his duty to help and defend the weak, the poor and the oppressed, the kirpan represents struggle for justice and human rights. (See: separate article on sword), to be continued…
Article extracted from this publication >> February 14, 1996
