Sikh Q&A

Q. 99. What do you know about the scriptures of various religions of the world?

Ans. The scriptures of Budhism are called “Patikas”. The first one is ‘Vinay’ (descriptive); the second one is ‘Shatt’ (teachings) and the third one is called ‘Abhidham’ (metaphysical). In “Dham Padd” the code of conduct (how to lead a pious life) is delineated. These rules are supposed to have been laid down by Lord Budha.It

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Q. 98. Describe the main reasons why the Sikh empire ended so fast.

Ans. It is true that the Sikh empire went the way Baba Faridhas written: ਗੰਢੇਦਿਆਂ ਛਿਅ ਮਾਹ ਤੁੜੰਦਿਆ ਹਿਕੁ ਖਿਨੋ॥ (SGGS, P. 488) “It takes six months (for the formation (of human body in mother’s womb), but only one moment to break it asunder (the death)”. There are four main reasons for the demise of

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Q. 97. Why there is no place for idol worship, according to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib? Also, can the respect accorded Guru Granth Sahib be considered as idol worship?

Ans. A Sikh does not practice bibliolatry. He is the worshipper of ‘Shabad’ (word). To show respect to the word (or to a book containing divine word) is not idol worship. An idol is a copy of someone’s form. A sculptor carves stone or moulds clay in order to make a figure. But his objective

Q. 97. Why there is no place for idol worship, according to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib? Also, can the respect accorded Guru Granth Sahib be considered as idol worship? Read More »

Q. 96. Describe what Baba Bota Singh wrote in his letter to Zakaria Khan, the then ruler of the country.

Ans. Baba Bota Singh and Bhai Garja Singh were passing through a village when they heard the conversation between two Muslims. One of them pointed his finger towards them and said to the other, “You were saying that the Sikhs have been completely exterminated, but look at those two Sikhs, they are still alive”. The

Q. 96. Describe what Baba Bota Singh wrote in his letter to Zakaria Khan, the then ruler of the country. Read More »

Q. 94. When did the “Chhota Ghallughara” (the minor holocaust) and the “Vadda Ghallughara” (the major holocaust) occur? How many Sikhs were martyred in these holocausts?

Ans. The minor holocaust occurred between January 1, 1746 and June 30, 1746 at reedy marshes of Kaahnuwaan. Nawab Yahya Khan and his Hindu Diwan, Lakhpat Rae, with a huge army under their command, invaded the Sikhs with vengeance. According to one estimate about ten thousand Sikhs courted martyrdom. Bhai Ratan Singh Bhangoo has described

Q. 94. When did the “Chhota Ghallughara” (the minor holocaust) and the “Vadda Ghallughara” (the major holocaust) occur? How many Sikhs were martyred in these holocausts? Read More »

Q. 93. What are their national attributes as a result of which it has not been possible to suppress the Sikhs?

Ans. Several reasons can be put forth to explain why in spite of the two holocausts (Ghallugharas) the Sikhs could not be exterminated or subdued. Some of these reasons are, able leaders, correct policies (strategies), good battle strategy, positive attitude, three-way-wars, tremendous sympathy and devotion of masses towards Sikhs and exemplary bravery of Sikh women.

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Q. 92. Is there any relationship between Yoga and Sikhism?

Ans. There is no place for Yoga (the way it is understood in Yogic tradition) in Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev has clearly and unequivocally explained in “Aasa di Vaar”: ਜੋਗੀ ਸੁੰਨਿ ਧਿਆਵਨ੍ਹਿ ਜੇਤੇ ਅਲਖ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾਰੁ॥ (SGGS, P. 465) “The Yogis expend all their efforts to concentrate on ‘void’.They try to achieve this by meditating

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Q. 91. Why the religion and politics are inseparable in Sikhism?

Ans. Politics is an inseparable part of religion. Efforts to separate the two (from time to time) have resulted in deterioration of morals and ethics. Just as the famous Urdu poet, Dr. Iqbal has said: “Whether an autocratic system of government or a democracy, when religion is separated from politics, it results in a ruthless

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Q. 90. Is there any significance of fasts, full moon nights (poornima), new moon nights (amaavas), or the first day of a month (sangraand) of Bikrami calendar, in Sikhism?

Ans. The fasts, the full moon nights, the new moon nights, or the first day of a month of Bikrami calendar have no place of any significance in Sikhism. The fasts, prevalent in the Hindu society, are all associated with a god or a goddess. These gods and goddesses themselves are trapped in attachment of

Q. 90. Is there any significance of fasts, full moon nights (poornima), new moon nights (amaavas), or the first day of a month (sangraand) of Bikrami calendar, in Sikhism? Read More »