Jump to content

Explaining Kirpan to NON SIKHS !


Recommended Posts

EXPLAINING WHAT THE KIRPAN IS TO A NON-SIKH

by Manvir Singh Khalsa

WHAT IS A KIRPAN (pronounced Kir-paan)?

    It is a small sword held by a material strap which goes across the body.

    [*] It is not an offensive weapon but a protective tool

    [*] Kirpan means ‘hand of kindness/mercy’, which highlights how the Kirpan is not to be used to attack anyone but merely to defend oneself or another as a last resort.

      WHO CARRIES A KIRPAN?

      Initiated Sikh men and women, irrespective of age.

      WHY CARRY A KIRPAN?

      It is part of the Sikh uniform which consists of 5 articles:

      1. Kes: uncut hair (tied up and the head and crowned with a turban)

      - The Kes is an identity of a Sikh and also has spiritual significance.

      - The Kes is a stamp or seal that a Sikh¡'s head is God's.

      2. Kanga: small wooden comb (placed in the hair knot under the turban)

      - The Kanga is used to keep the hair clean.

      - Just a Sikh combs their hair daily; he or she should also comb their mind with the Guru's wisdom.

      3. Kara: Iron bangle (worn on the wrist)

      - The Kara is a gift of a Guru which acts as a reminder to do the right action (with our hands).

      - The Kara is made of iron which symbolises how a Sikh should have strength and courage.

      4. Kirpan: small sword (made of steal/iron)

      - The Kirpan is to be used to upkeep righteousness

      - The Kirpan represents sovereignty and kingship bestowed upon the Sikhs by their Guru.

      - The Kirpan exemplifies the warrior character of a Sikh.

      5. Kachhera: Long undergarment (which is above the knees, and worn as an undergarment)

      - The Kachhera is worn to be respectable and dignified at all times.

      - The Kachhera reminds a Sikh to practice self-control and to have a high moral character.

      The 5 articles have the same value as the uniform of a policeman or a soldier and something more subtle than that. This means equality, uniformity, unity and identity of the wearers. Every member of a team is required to put on a certain prescribed uniform for this very purpose. In the same way a Sikh has to wear the 5 Articles (known commonly as the 5 Ks) as part of being a "Warrior-Saint", a 'Khalsa'.

      IS IT OPTIONAL TO WEAR A KIRPAN?

      No! It is mandatory for initiated Sikhs to carry a Kirpan (this is recognised by the British Law).

      WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE KIRPAN?

        [*]Defence (as a last resort, to upkeep righteousness and justice)

        [*]Used to bless Sikh Holy Communion, called 'karhaah parshaad', at the end of religious functions.

          WHAT ARE OFFENSIVE OR MISLEADING SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE KIRPAN?

            To suggest that is a 'dagger', 'knife' or 'offensive weapon'.

            [*]To suggest it is a merely cultural symbol.

            [*]To suggest that the Kirpan can be replaced by wearing a miniature or replica Kirpan.

              IS IT LEGAL TO CARRY A KIRPAN IN BRITAIN?

              Yes it is! Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (section 139) and Criminal Justice 1996 (section 3 and 4) allows anyone to carry a blade exceeding the length of 3 inches for religious, cultural or work related reasons. The Criminal Justice Act and the 2003 Religious Discrimination Act safeguards the Sikhs to carry the Kirpan.

              manvir_singh_khalsa@yahoo.co.uk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...