Having Faith In Tower Hamlets

The terms listed below apply only to amritdhari, Sikhs who have undergone an initiation to their faith (see below).

A – B – C – D – E – F – G – H – I – J – K – L – M – N – O – P – Q – R – S – T – U – V – W – X – Y – Z

A

Adi Granth Literally ‘the first book’. The early compilation of the Sikh scriptures by Guru Arjan, the fith Sikh Guru, in 1604.
Amrit Literally ‘nectar’. It is composed of water and sugar and is stirred with a double-edged sword while prayers are spoken. Initiation into Sikhism involves drinking Amrit.
Amritdhari A Sikh who has taken part in the ceremonial initiation into the Khalsa.
Amritsar Literally ‘pool of nectar’. City located in the northern Indian state of Punjab, where the Harimandir Sahib complex is located.
Anandpur The city in India where the Khalsa was created in 1699.
Ardas The Sikh congregational prayer, anonymously written during the 18th century. Although it is not in the Guru Granth Sahib, it occupies a prominent place in Sikh religious functions.

B

Bhangra A Punjabi folk dance.

C

Chandigarh The shared capital of the Indian state of Punjab.
Chunni A long, flowing headcovering worn by some Sikh women with their turbans. A symbol that every women is a princess.

D

Dasam Granth A sacred book of writings attributed by some Sikhs to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs.
Dasvandh One-tenth of personal income, which Sikhs are religiously obliged to donate to charity.

E

F

G

Gatka The Sikh martial art form.
Golden Temple A gurdwara of historical, spiritual, and emotional significance to Sikhs, called Harimandir Sahib in Punjabi. It was first conceived of by Guru Amar Das, although construction did not begin until Guru Ram Das became the Guru. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the structure plated with gold in the early 19th century.
Giani Someone learned in the Sikh religion. Often leads the congregation in prayers, such as ardas, or in singing kirtan.
Granthi A ceremonial reader of the Guru Granth Sahib. Duties include arranging daily religious services, reading from the Sikh scripture, maintaining the gurdwara premises, and teaching and advising community members. A granthi is not equivalent to a minister or priest because such religious intermediaries do not exist in the Sikh religious tradition.
Gurbani The revealed wisdom of the Sikh Gurus in their own words, found in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Gurdwara Literally translated ‘home of the Guru’. Any building or room dedicated to housing the devotional songs of the Guru for the purpose of spiritual practice. A Sikh place of worship, open to anyone. Provides food and shelter to travelers, and the needy.
Gurpurab A Sikh holiday to commemorate the birth or death of a Sikh Guru.
Guru Literally ‘teacher’. One of the most important words in Sikhism, it has a number of related meanings. It can refer, depending on context of usage, to one of the ten Sikh prophets, the Sikh scripture, the Sikh community (Guru Panth), or God. The Sikhs had ten living Gurus including the holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Arjan Dev The fifth Guru of the Sikhs and their first martyr. He compiled the Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) The tenth and last living prophet of the Sikhs, he passed the guruship onto the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, and the Sikh community (Guru Panth). Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the order of the Khalsa during Vaisakhi 1699.
Guru Granth Sahib The Sikh scripture, written in poetry organized in 31 sections, with each section corresponding to a particular melodic scale, or raag. It includes the poetry of six Sikh Gurus, and 36 other saints, including Muslims and Hindus. It is 1430 pages long and is the embodiment of the spiritual knowledge and authority of all of the Gurus. The words from the Guru Granth Sahib are the central focus at all Sikh Gurdwaras. It is used by Sikhs for meditation, guidance, comfort, and inspiration.
Guru Hargobind The sixth Sikh Guru. Following the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, he was the first Guru to maintain a standing army and symbolically wear two swords, representing spiritual and temporal power. Responsible for the construction of the Akal Takht.
Guru Har Krishan The eighth Guru of the Sikhs, who was only five years old when he became Guru in 1661. He died three years later.
Guru Nanak The founder of the Sikh faith. Born in 1469, he stressed common truths fundamental to diverse faiths. He preached against caste and advocated the equality of women.
Guru Panth Literally ‘Guru’s path’. The name used by Sikhs to describe the worldwide Sikh community.
Guru Har Rai The seventh Sikh Guru
Guru Teg Bahadur The ninth Sikh Guru.

H

Hauma The self-centered human ego, which can only be overcome through meditation on God’s name (naam).
Hukam Literally ‘divine will’. A decree by a high authority.

I

J

Jathedar A leader of Sikh volunteers. Also refers to the appointed leader of one of the five Sikh takhats.

K

Kacha Undershorts. One of the five Sikh articles of faith, given as gifts of love by Guru Gobind Singh, worn by a baptized Sikh.
Kanga Comb. One of the five Sikh articles of faith, given as gifts of love by Guru Gobind Singh, worn by a baptized Sikh.
Kara Steel bracelet. One of the five Sikh articles of faith, given as gifts of love by Guru Gobind Singh, worn by a baptized Sikh. Worn as a symbol of devotion.
Kaum A term used by many Sikhs to refer to corporate the Sikh nation or Panth.
Kaur Literally ‘princess’. The name given to all female Sikhs.
Kesh Uncut hair. One of the five Sikh articles of faith, given as gifts of love by Guru Gobind Singh, worn by a baptized Sikh.
Khalsa Literally ‘belonging only to the divine’. The collective body of all initiated Sikhs, who drink the amrit instituted by Guru Gobind Singh, and agree to live by the highest ideals of Sikh principles.
Khanda Double-edged sword. When surrounded by a kirpan on each side and a quoit, a symbol of the Khalsa.
Kirpan Miniature ceremonial sword. One of the five Sikh articles of faith, given as gifts of love by Guru Gobind Singh, worn by a baptized Sikh. Represents the Sikh commitment to Truth and Protection of the innocent.
Kurta Traditional upper body garment worn by Sikhs (men and women).
Kirtan The devotional singing of sacred hymns, or shabads, from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, usually accompanied by instruments.

L

Langar Free community kitchen. The devotional meal eaten by the congregation, as part of the religious service. Langar is free and open to all, regardless of religious background.

M

Matha taykna Bowing down and touching the floor with one’s forehead in front of the Guru Granth Sahib. By bowing, Sikhs are submitting themselves to the scripture and the true words of God inside it.
Maya Literally ‘delusion’. Sikh theology explains that everything in this world is an illusion, and that the only true reality is Waheguru.

N

Naam The divine name of God when meditating.
Naam Simran Remembering God’s name through meditation. This is a seminal form of worship for Sikhs.
Nitnem The daily Sikh prayers. Sikhs recite prayers three times a day.

O

P

Panth The Sikh community.
Prakash A short ceremony performed when the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is formally opened everyday.
Punjab Literally ‘five rivers’. Fertile, agriculturally productive region in South Asia which today is divided between India and Pakistan. Birthplace of the Sikh religious tradition. Name of state in both India and Pakistan.

Q

R

Raag A term used in Indian classical music to refer to a series of five or more notes upon which a melody is based. The poetic works in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib are categorized according to the raag in which they are sung.
Rehat Maryada A formalized code of conduct for the Khalsa way of life.

S

Sangat Literally ‘community’. Believed to be an essential aspect of living a spiritual and God-centered life.
Seva Community service. A central aspect of Sikh theology. Selfless service, which is believed to bring one closer to God.
Sikh Literally ‘student, disciple, seeker of truth’. According to the Sikh Rehat Maryada, a Sikh is someone who believes in God, the ten Sikh Gurus, in the Guru Granth Sahib, in the importance of the Khalsa initiation, and in no other religion.
Singh Literally means lion. The name given to all male Sikhs.
Sukhasan A short ceremony performed when the Guru Granth Sahib is formally closed everyday.

T

Takhat Literally ‘throne’. One of five centres of Sikh secular authority.
Turban A cloth covering of the head to help keep the daily washed hair clean. Worn also as a sign of devotion to God

U

V

Vaisakhi A spring harvest festival in Punjab, usually held around 13 April. It holds special significance for Sikhs, as it serves as a time to commemorate the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. Considered the beginning of the Sikh New Year, it is a time of religious observances and festive celebration.

W

Waheguru Literally ‘the wonderful Lord’. The most popular Sikh name for God. Traditional Sikh prayer which means ‘my Purity belongs to God, my victory belongs to God’.

X

Y

Z

This list is by no means definitive, but it covers a broad range of core Sikh – book list topics. If you would like to see any other books added to the list, we would be pleased to consider your recommendation.

Teach Yourself Sikhism. By W.O.Cole. (Published by Hodder, London, 1990)

A Popular Dictionary of Sikhism. By W.O.Cole.  (Published in London, 1990)

Sikhs in England. By A.W. Helweg. (Published by Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1986)

The Evolution of a Sikh Community in Britain. By Sewa Singh Kalsi. (Published by Community Religions Project, University of Leeds, Leeds, 1999)

Sikh Belief and Practice. By M.Thompson. (Published by Edward Arnold, London 1985)

These sites direct students and teachers towards comprehensive sources of information on the Sikh faith. Each site carries more links to other web-based educational resources, many relevant to the national curriculum.

www.bbc.co.uk/religion
www.re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk
www.citezenship-pieces.org.uk
www.request.org.uk
www.theresite.org.uk

(The Inter Faith Forum is not responsible for the content of these web sites. If you have any concerns about any site, please contact us. If you would like to suggest any other links, we would be happy to consider your proposal.)

These are addresses to other websites.  They have more information about the Sikh faith in Tower Hamlets, this country and all over the world.

www.sikhs.org
www.sikhnet.com
www.sikhwomen.com

(The Inter Faith Forum is not responsible for the content of these web sites. If you have any concerns about any site, please contact us. If you would like to suggest any other links, we would be happy to consider your proposal.

Questions people often ask…

What role does the gurdwara play in Sikh community life?
The gurdwara is more than just a place of worship. Much like a church, it also feeds, houses and clothes those in need. All Sikhs are expected to contribute part of their earnings or time to the gurdwara as part of their duty to the community.

Why do all Sikhs sit on the floor when they visit the Gurdwara?
Because Sikhs believe that everyone is equal – regardless of age, sex, race and creed. During the time of the Gurus, even kings had to sit on the floor with their subjects.

How do Sikhs regard other religions?
Sikhs believe that all religions are like different boats on the river of life: they all get you across, but they may take different routes. In practice, this means that Sikhs are happy to worship God alongside the followers of other faiths whenever their boats are moving in the same direction.

Why are Sikhs forbidden from cutting their hair?
It’s not strictly a case of hair cutting being forbidden. The fact is that many Sikhs choose not to cut their hair. This is because they believe that God made no mistakes when he created the human form. Therefore, we should not alter it by doing things like cutting our hair.

Does the Sikh faith have any special symbols?
The Sikhs symbol is the khanda, which comprises double-edged sword of life surrounded by the circle of eternity and two crossed swords (Miri and Piri).

Local history

Britain has been home to Sikhs since the early nineteenth century, when many wealthy Punjab families sent their children to Britain’s top public school and universities.

The end of the Second World War marked the arrival of a second wave of Sikh immigrants, many of them ex-servicemen. More Sikhs arrived from East Africa in the 1970s and the Indian sub-continent during the early 1980s.

Initially, the new arrivals headed for West London. Gradually, however, more and more Sikhs settled in East London. Here, many established themselves as successful business people as their numbers rose well into five figures.

Like generations of East London immigrants before them, Sikhs are now moving away from this area, making way for new arrivals from different parts of the world.

Gurdwara profile
Tower Hamlets is home to the UK’s second-oldest Gurdwara. Located in Campbell Road, it was opened in 1952, providing the Sikh community with an alternative to the country’s oldest Gurdwara in Shepherd’s Bush.

Campbell Road has expanded into a second location in nearby Harley Grove. Now a listed building, this site was previously a church, synagogue and mosque. Its changing role reflects the changing face of Tower Hamlets.

Jaswinder Singh was born in the Punjab city of Ludhiana in 1959, and moved to Tower Hamlets a year later. He was among the first pupils from his comprehensive school to go to university, where he studied to become a pharmacist. Now a senior manager in the National Health Service, he has been an active member of the borough’s Sikh community since a chance meeting nearly 25 years ago.

Did you have a particularly religious upbringing?
My parents are very devout Sikhs but I certainly wasn’t. Even as a very young child, I was always trying to find my own answers. When I reached adolescence, I became a bit of a rebel. I didn’t wear a turban, I hung around with gangs and generally acted like a teenager. Then my parents introduced me to a religious teacher, Sant Baba Isher Singh Ji. He was just passing through London on his way to India, but that chance meeting changed my life. He became a mentor, a guide, a teacher and a role model all in one.

What do you think are the best things about your faith?
One of the best things is the way we provide welfare for those in need. Sharing with the needy is known as vand chhakna, and it involves donating up to 10% of one’s income. I’m also proud of the respect we give to our elders and our parents. Funnily enough, God comes fourth in our list of priorities after our mother, father and teachers – because learning is of enormous importance to Sikhs.

Does this explain why you became a governor at your children’s school?
I guess so. And believe it or not, it’s the same school I went to. But attitudes among teachers and pupils have changed beyond recognition since I was there. These days, they regard cultural and religious differences as cause for celebration.

You are closely involved with so many community activities and you’re also a magistrate. Where do you get all the energy?
I guess I draw strength by my belief that people have a duty to step in and take action when they see injustice. Besides, serving one’s community – or sewa – is another important part of Sikh life. If I find myself in need of inspiration, I always recite a line from one of our daily prayers that translates as: ‘You can think of something 100,000 times, but it won’t get done until you do it.’ Those words give me real sense of purpose combined with complete peace of mind. That’s a formidable combination!

How close are you to other members of the Sikh community where you live?
We’re indispensable to each other. Like the borough’s Jewish community, our numbers have been steadily falling in recent years. And of course, we all lead busy lives. So we may not always see each other for several weeks, sometimes months. But when the need arises, we’re there for one another. A couple of years ago, my daughter fell seriously ill and spent several months in hospital. At times, even the doctors were struggling to sound optimistic about her chances. Without the support of the community, I don’t know how our family would have got through the experience.

What is the biggest misunderstanding you have heard about your faith?
One widespread misunderstanding is that Sikhism is a hybrid between Hinduism and Islam. Of course, we have a lot in common with those religions just as we have a lot in common with most religions. For example, a belief in truth, honesty and sharing. But we are a unique religion with a unique set of beliefs. When I explain these beliefs to people, they are highly receptive.

Have you got any ambitions associated with your beliefs?
I have spoken Punjabi fluently since I was a kid. Now I’m determined to read and write it equally well. I believe reading our holy book, the Holy Granth Sahib, in its original form is essential to appreciating its true meaning. I started a Punjabi evening class last September at my local gurdwara, but once again everyday life got in the way of my good intentions. I’m planning a sabbatical in India next year, and hopefully I can make up for lost time when I’m there.

What do Sikhs believe? Sikhs believe in the message of universal love, peace and brotherhood first taught by the faith’s founder, Guru Nanak Dev. In the Sikh tradition, there is one only one God who is known by various names including Ram, Waheguru Hari, Nirankar – among others. A true Sikh is regarded as someone who believes in one immortal God, the ten gurus and their teachings, the Gurbani, which are found in the holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. According to Sikh beliefs, God made the world through his creative power and allowed it to evolve in gradual stages culminating in humans, the highest form of life on earth. While humans can experience God’s power, he is beyond their comprehension. Humans can only hope to get close to God through love, worship and contemplation. Sikhs believe that the purpose of life is to reach the highest level of existence by merging with God. This is the key to breaking the cycle of life and death, which is known as reincarnation. Those who fail to become one with God will be reincarnated as a lower form of life and go through a cycle of 8,400,000 life forms before another chance as man. Sikhs respect equality of all people, regardless of caste, colour, creed or gender. They believe that a good life is a life lived as part of a community and involves working, giving and sharing. Sikhism has no rituals because Sikhs believe they serve no useful purpose. ^ top

Sikh diversity The Sikh faith is not divided according to different beliefs. However, the faith does incorporate different organisations that support various interests and concerns within the Sikh community. ^ top

How Sikh developed The Sikh faith was founded by Guru Nanak Dev in the Indian state of Punjab around 540 years ago. Born in 1469, Guru Nanak Dev spent twenty-two years from the age of thirty completing a series of four epic journeys around and beyond the Indian sub-continent. He eventually settled at Kartarpur in the Punjab. Here, he founded a community that became known as the Sikhs – meaning disciples or learners. Inspired by Guru Nanak Dev, the Sikhs in the Punjab eventually emerged as a fully-fledged community with economic and administrative structures as well as spiritual functions. In 1799, the Punjab became a sovereign nation under its ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It remained independent until the coming of the British Raj in 1849. Guru Nanak Dev was followed by Sikhism’s other nine gurus: Guru Angad Dev (1504-1552), Guru Amar Das (1479-1574), Guru Ram Das (1534-1581), Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606), Guru Hargobind (1595-1644), Guru Har Rai (1631-1661), Guru Har Kishan (1656-1664), Guru Tegh Bahadur (1622-1675), Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708). Together, the Gurus are respected as divine teachers who spread the word of God. There has been no other living Guru since Guru Gobind Singh, who gave the holy book – Sri Guru Granth Sahib – authority to act as the definitive reference on the Sikh way of life. ^ top

Sikh leaders Copy to follow

How Sikhs worship Practices Prayer/Worship Sikhs do not have a specific holy day during the week. But like many Sikhs around the UK, practising Sikhs living in Tower Hamlets generally visit their gurdwara over the weekend.Gurdwaras – or Sikh temples – are places for discussing God and for congregational worship. They also provide space for meditation, divine knowledge, bliss and tranquillity in addition to a full range of social services. A gurdwara’s focal point is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book), wrapped in a special cloth, and placed on a platform under a canopy. A typical Sikh service includes hymns, a discourse on a religious subject and a final prayer. Afterwards, those attending the service share Guru ka Langar – the Guru’s food. Duties Sikhs strive to perform three duties: Keep God in mind at all times (nam japna) Earn an honest living (kirt karna Give to charity and care for others (vand chhakna) Dress As an act of faith, baptised Sikhs wear the five Ks: Kesh – wearing your hair long, under a distinctive turban Kangha – a small comb, which is worn in the hair at all times Kara – a steel bracelet , worn on the right wrist Kaccha – a special style of underwear, made from cotton Kirpan – a short sword or dagger Diet Many Sikhs are vegetarian and do not eat fish or eggs, or any products that contain them. Many non-vegetarian Sikhs do not eat beef or pork. Nor do they eat halal or kosher meat. Amritdhari (baptised) Sikhs abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol.

God
In the Sikh tradition, there is one only one God who is known by various names including Ram, Waheguru, Hari, Nirankar – among others.

Core beliefs
A true Sikh is regarded as someone who believes in one immortal God, the ten gurus and their teachings – the Gurbani – which are found in the holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Origins
The Sikh faith was founded by Guru Nanak Dev in the Indian state of Punjab around 540 years ago.

Statistics
There are around 25 million Sikhs worldwide. Most live in the Punjab region of India. Sikhism is Britain’s third most popular religion, with about half a million Sikhs living in the UK. There are just under 700 Sikhs in Tower Hamlets.

Duties
Sikhs strive to perform three duties:

• Keep God in mind at all times (nam japna)
• Earn an honest living (kirt karna)
• Give to charity and care for others (vand chhakna)

Diet
Many Sikhs are vegetarian and do not eat fish or eggs, or any products that contain them.

Dress
As an act of faith, baptised Sikhs wear the five Ks:

• Kesh – wearing unshorn hair long, under a distinctive turban
• Kangha – a small comb, which is worn in the hair at all times
• Kara – a steel bracelet , worn on the right wrist
• Kaccha – boxer shorts, made from cotton
• Kirpan – a short sword or dagger