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Differences between Sikhism and Islam.


BAZ

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1)Sikhism does not believe that any Holy Book takes precedence over all others or any religions prophet is the final messenger of God.

- The Quran is considered the final revelation of God in His own words. It was send to clear up previous messages that had been distorted by men for their own benefit. It is also consodered to be the final chapter in revelation. If you look at the word "Rasul" in arabic then the word prophet doesnt give justice to its meaning. Muhammad was considered the final Rasul in that he was the last person to recieve Gods direct and exact words through the angel Gabriel. This is not to say that great teachers and saints did not and would not come after him. This is the belief of muslims according to Islam.

2) Purpose of the Holy Book

"Thus We have revealed the Koran in the Arabic tongue and proclaimed in it warnings and threats so that they may take heed and guard themselves against evil." (20:114 Quran)

- Yes but each chapter also begins with the words "In the name of Allah MOST GRACIOUS MOST MERCIFUL" and muslims are also told by God that "My mercy is greater than my anger". Anger at what? Anger at us doing harm to our own souls by wronging ourselves, wronging others and wronging God.

3)Sikhism believes that people of different religions are equally capable of achieving salvation while still following their own religion.

"Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends. They are friends with one another. Whoever of you seeks their friendship shall become one of their number. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers." (5:49, Quran)

- this quote refers to a time of war when muslims were being persecuted by Jews and Christians. Some where former family and friends. It reminds me of the story of Arjun when he had to fight against his own family in the Mahabharat.

"Mohammed is Allah's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the unbelievers but merciful to one another." (48:29, Quran)

- another quote revealed in a time of war when muslims were fighting oppression. Ruthless to those unbelievers they were at war with.. those who would persecute the muslims and did.

"When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and pay the alms-tax, let them go their way. Allah is forgiving and merciful." (9:4, Quran)

- another quote in the time of war. if their enemy became muslim then he was no longer their enemy because he was not fighting against them or persecuting them for what they believed in.

4) Sri Guru Granth Sahib places greater emphasis on love of God as the main motivation for man rather than fear of God.

- Each chapter begins with the words "In the Name of Allah, Most Compasionate Most Merciful" There is a reason for this. There has to be a balance of fear and love. Fear of displeasing your Creator and Love for wanting to please Him. In the begining a child is afraid when their parent shouts at them or talks firmly to them.. fear keeps a young child in line. As the child begins to grow and understand then this child realizes that their parent only had their best interest in mind and begins to do things out of love for the parent and not out of fear. This is the same thing with ones love and fear for God.

5) Sikhism does not believe in the idea of Gods name being only those authorized in a religious tradition or Holy Book.

- Neither does Islam. We are told that 124,000 prophets have been sent to the earth and to every people and nation in it since the beginning of time. So therefore God has been called upon by many names and even names that have been forgotten.

6) Non-Sikhs are allowed to visit and enter the most sacred shrine of the religion, The Golden Temple.

- Non-muslims can go into any mosque except the Kaaba.

7) Attitude towards women. Sikh women are allowed to lead congregations of men at the temple or administer all religious ceremonies involving either men or women.

- Sikh form of worship and muslim form of worship are quite different. In Islam women pray behind the men or above them at the upper level of the mosque. the reason for this is so that people can concentrate on God. Women will not be dstracted by men and most of all men wont be distracted by women. Some men are easily distracted by a womans body and if she is bowing and bending over in front of him then his thoughts may go to places it shouldnt be while he is standing before God in prayer. This is only a restriction for formal ritual prayers. This is not necessarily a restriction in other forms of worship like zikr (simran) and giving talks on religious and spiritual matters.

8)Sikhism does not believe in women wearing veils.

- Neither do most sects in Islam. Infact women who wear veils must take them off when they are praying. Many learned muslims speak out against the veil. According to the understanding of most muslim scholars the veil is a choice and not something that is forced. Women may wear the veil if they feel men in a foreign area would be a threat to them.

9)Sikhism does not believe in fasting or pilgrimages.

- Islam teaches that empty rituals are useless. Fasting and pilgrimage done without proper intent and devotion are empty.

10) Sikhism rejects the killing of any animal evoking a prayer or by slow death. Muslim Halal meat is forbidden for Sikhs.

- Islam is against the torture of animals. There is a hadith (saying of the prophet) that tells of a woman who was punished by God for starving a cat to death and a prostitute that was given the reward of heaven for giving a thirsty dog some water. Animals that are to be slaughtered must be slaughtered with a sharp knife. Must be calmed before they are slaughtered and the killing cannot happen infront of other animals. The jugular vein must be cut so that the blood is drained from the animal. These are the guidelines for slaughter according to Islam. Jhatka would be quicker but muslims have a restriction against consuming blood which carries impurities... especially in hot countries.

11) Sikhism rejects the idea of circumcision.

- Circumcision was a tradition started by Abraham so Muslims and Jews follow it. There is a religious and medical reason for it. In places where water was not that available and living outside the whole time it was very important to keep oneself clean. Not only was circumcision the sign of the covenant between Abraham and God but it was also done to prevent infections etc. Circumcision is not necessary for converts who enter Islam but only mandatory for newborns. We all alter our body in some way to show which religion we belong to too.

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Good post Baz, but i don't believe we all alter our bodies to show which religion we belong too, for example, for a Sikh, keeping the hair is considered natural, it was given to us by god, this is why we keep our hair, not just for identity but to show this is how god wanted us to look like. Therefore, Sikhs do not alter their bodies, what do you think?

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I guess "alter" was the wrong word to use but I do think that physically we do let our religion determine the way we look... nothing wrong with that either. A Sikh grows his hair and beard as a symbol of his submission to the will of God. A Muslim male gets circumcised as a symbol of his submission to the will of God. Sikhs keep the kanga to keep the long hair clean as cleanliness is also an act of devotion. Muslims shave or trim the hair from under their arms and privates to keep themselves clean as possible. 2 opposite actions with the same intention in mind... God looks at our intentions.

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  • 1 month later...

1)Sikhism does not believe that any Holy Book takes precedence over all others or any religions prophet is the final messenger of God.

- The Quran is considered the final revelation of God in His own words. It was send to clear up previous messages that had been distorted by men for their own benefit. It is also consodered to be the final chapter in revelation. If you look at the word "Rasul" in arabic then the word prophet doesnt give justice to its meaning. Muhammad was considered the final Rasul in that he was the last person to recieve Gods direct and exact words through the angel Gabriel. This is not to say that great teachers and saints did not and would not come after him. This is the belief of muslims according to Islam..

'Jaisi Mai Avai Khasam Ki Bani

Taisri Kari Gyan Ve Lalo' Guru Nanak

Just as the message comes from the Lord so do I make it known to others O Lalo

Guru Nanak was not just some teacher or saint he was a Guru, a light (jot) which was the same essence as the light of the creator. He did not have fits or seizures when in communication with Waheguru such as Mohammed did but since his light was the same light as Waheguru he had more of a connection with Waheguru than a 'Rasul'. Yes Islam does believe that some other teachers or saints may come but none greater than Mohammed and none that will contradict his message. Guru Nanak was ( in my view ) greater and he did contradict Mohammed's message

2) Purpose of the Holy Book

"Thus We have revealed the Koran in the Arabic tongue and proclaimed in it warnings and threats so that they may take heed and guard themselves against evil." (20:114 Quran)

- Yes but each chapter also begins with the words "In the name of Allah MOST GRACIOUS MOST MERCIFUL" and muslims are also told by God that "My mercy is greater than my anger". Anger at what? Anger at us doing harm to our own souls by wronging ourselves, wronging others and wronging God...

The purpose of the Guru Granth sahib is to act as a guide, to be the Bani of the Gurus so that their message is there for all ythe know and reflect upon. There is no such thing as an angry God in Sikhism. Anger is a human emotion.

3)Sikhism believes that people of different religions are equally capable of achieving salvation while still following their own religion.

"Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends. They are friends with one another. Whoever of you seeks their friendship shall become one of their number. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers." (5:49, Quran)

- this quote refers to a time of war when muslims were being persecuted by Jews and Christians. Some where former family and friends. It reminds me of the story of Arjun when he had to fight against his own family in the Mahabharat.

"Mohammed is Allah's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the unbelievers but merciful to one another." (48:29, Quran)

- another quote revealed in a time of war when muslims were fighting oppression. Ruthless to those unbelievers they were at war with.. those who would persecute the muslims and did.

"When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and pay the alms-tax, let them go their way. Allah is forgiving and merciful." (9:4, Quran)

- another quote in the time of war. if their enemy became muslim then he was no longer their enemy because he was not fighting against them or persecuting them for what they believed in...

It is easy to rationalise such quotes by claiming the context excuse. Surely Allah would have made sure that he refered to 'certain' Jews and Christians and not just refer to Jews and Christians?

4) Sri Guru Granth Sahib places greater emphasis on love of God as the main motivation for man rather than fear of God.

- Each chapter begins with the words "In the Name of Allah, Most Compasionate Most Merciful" There is a reason for this. There has to be a balance of fear and love. Fear of displeasing your Creator and Love for wanting to please Him. In the begining a child is afraid when their parent shouts at them or talks firmly to them.. fear keeps a young child in line. As the child begins to grow and understand then this child realizes that their parent only had their best interest in mind and begins to do things out of love for the parent and not out of fear. This is the same thing with ones love and fear for God...

I think the basic difference between Islam and Sikhism is that teaches that one has to strive to reach one's potential. Islam on the other hand offers a set of guidelines and if you follow them then hey presto your entitles to a seat in heaven. This is also the difference between semitic and indic religions.

5) Sikhism does not believe in the idea of Gods name being only those authorized in a religious tradition or Holy Book.

- Neither does Islam. We are told that 124,000 prophets have been sent to the earth and to every people and nation in it since the beginning of time. So therefore God has been called upon by many names and even names that have been forgotten...

Yes but islam believes that all the follwoers of the 124,000 prophets corrupted their message and tht is why Mohammed had to come and give is message. This isn't the same as all religions can lead to God.

6) Non-Sikhs are allowed to visit and enter the most sacred shrine of the religion, The Golden Temple.

- Non-muslims can go into any mosque except the Kaaba...

Non-Muslims are not allowed in Mecca and there is a ban on any non-Muslim worship in the whole of saudi arabia. These laws were enacted because Mohammed has said that there would be no religion other than Islam in Arabia.

7) Attitude towards women. Sikh women are allowed to lead congregations of men at the temple or administer all religious ceremonies involving either men or women.

- Sikh form of worship and muslim form of worship are quite different. In Islam women pray behind the men or above them at the upper level of the mosque. the reason for this is so that people can concentrate on God. Women will not be dstracted by men and most of all men wont be distracted by women. Some men are easily distracted by a womans body and if she is bowing and bending over in front of him then his thoughts may go to places it shouldnt be while he is standing before God in prayer. This is only a restriction for formal ritual prayers. This is not necessarily a restriction in other forms of worship like zikr (simran) and giving talks on religious and spiritual matters...

If a Muslim can get so easily distracted by a women fully clothed in a Jilbab bending down then perhaps he should consider whether he really has any self control over his senses. All other religions it seems apart from Islam teach their followers SELF RESTRAINT.

8)Sikhism does not believe in women wearing veils.

- Neither do most sects in Islam. Infact women who wear veils must take them off when they are praying. Many learned muslims speak out against the veil. According to the understanding of most muslim scholars the veil is a choice and not something that is forced. Women may wear the veil if they feel men in a foreign area would be a threat to them...

Most sects..lol. Which ones are those?

9)Sikhism does not believe in fasting or pilgrimages.

- Islam teaches that empty rituals are useless. Fasting and pilgrimage done without proper intent and devotion are empty. ..

The difference being that Sikhism teaches that fasting and pilgrimages are in themselves empty rituals and devoid of any merit.

10) Sikhism rejects the killing of any animal evoking a prayer or by slow death. Muslim Halal meat is forbidden for Sikhs.

- Islam is against the torture of animals. There is a hadith (saying of the prophet) that tells of a woman who was punished by God for starving a cat to death and a prostitute that was given the reward of heaven for giving a thirsty dog some water. Animals that are to be slaughtered must be slaughtered with a sharp knife. Must be calmed before they are slaughtered and the killing cannot happen infront of other animals. The jugular vein must be cut so that the blood is drained from the animal. These are the guidelines for slaughter according to Islam. Jhatka would be quicker but muslims have a restriction against consuming blood which carries impurities... especially in hot countries...

Not drinking blood of an animal is nothing to do with the 'carrying impurities'.. it is to do with the myth of ancient cultures that the blood was the source of life.

11) Sikhism rejects the idea of circumcision.

- Circumcision was a tradition started by Abraham so Muslims and Jews follow it. There is a religious and medical reason for it. In places where water was not that available and living outside the whole time it was very important to keep oneself clean. Not only was circumcision the sign of the covenant between Abraham and God but it was also done to prevent infections etc. Circumcision is not necessary for converts who enter Islam but only mandatory for newborns. We all alter our body in some way to show which religion we belong to too.

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Bobbyboy what you seem to believe about Islam is not true. I can accept the fact that you would think that Guru Nanak was greater than Prophet Muhammad. If you believe that then fine.. that is your belief and you are entitled to it.

"There is no such thing as an angry God in Sikhism. Anger is a human emotion." Fine then maybe anger is not something God is capable of in Sikhism but in Islam God is capable of anger and of love. Maybe other Sikhs would disagree with you on this.. I dont know.

"It is easy to rationalise such quotes by claiming the context excuse. Surely Allah would have made sure that he refered to 'certain' Jews and Christians and not just refer to Jews and Christians? "

There is no such "context excuse". It isnt an excuse it is common sense to look at context when it comes to interpreting verses. Context must be looked at because each verse of the Quran was revealed under certain circumstances. Also the Quran needs to be looked at as a whole instead of taking one line from it and taking that line out of context to bash the religion.

"Yes but islam believes that all the follwoers of the 124,000 prophets corrupted their message and tht is why Mohammed had to come and give is message. This isn't the same as all religions can lead to God. "

Yes Islam does believe that people did corrupt the message over time. I would go as far as to say that their are people who are corrupting the message of Sikhism today and the message of Islam today also. You say that "This isn't the same as all religions can lead to God"... well this wasnt even being discussed but as you have brought it up lets talk about it. If all religions lead to God (meaning that all practices in a particular religion were acceptable) then Guru Nanak would not have spoken out against certain practices and Prophet Muhammad would not have spoken out against certain practices.

"Islam on the other hand offers a set of guidelines and if you follow them then hey presto your entitles to a seat in heaven. This is also the difference between semitic and indic religions. "

Rubbish! Islam sets out guidlines but a seat in heaven is only there for a believer by the grace and mercy of God. You just said yourself that "The purpose of the Guru Granth sahib is to act as a guide"... that is what the Quran is.. it is a guide.

"Non-Muslims are not allowed in Mecca and there is a ban on any non-Muslim worship in the whole of saudi arabia. These laws were enacted because Mohammed has said that there would be no religion other than Islam in Arabia. "

There is a ban on any non muslims worshipping their way in Arabia because of the extremist wahabi control over religion in Saudi Arabia. You are judging Islam and all muslims by the actions of the extremists... would you want your religion to be judged because of the extremists in it? It is true that only muslims are allowed into mecca and there are reasons for that but according to Islamic teachings and Islamic spirit non-muslims are allowed into any other mosque in the world. Now my Islamic interpretation and Islamic spirit will be quite different to that of an extremist and/or a wahabbi... the same way that one Sikhs view of Sikhi will be very different to that of another Sikh.

"If a Muslim can get so easily distracted by a women fully clothed in a Jilbab bending down then perhaps he should consider whether he really has any self control over his senses. All other religions it seems apart from Islam teach their followers SELF RESTRAINT. "

This is just a cheap bash against Islam. If you had any desire to actually learn the truth about the matter you would understand that Islam is all about self restraint but it is also about minimizing the external influences of temptation. Shariah guidlines are there to make worship and remembrance of God easier for followers without distractions or the wandering of the mind.

Now we come to the controversial subject of the veil. Read this because what i type is going to be basically the same anyway:

http://www.islamfortoday.com/niqaab.htm

"The difference being that Sikhism teaches that fasting and pilgrimages are in themselves empty rituals and devoid of any merit. "

.. well as a muslim I obviously dont believe that and unless you have fasted yourself with the right intention you will have no idea of what im talking about.

"Not drinking blood of an animal is nothing to do with the 'carrying impurities'".. umm yes it does.

----------------------------------

Ofcourse their will be disagreements on certain things between muslims and Sikhs regarding matters of faith and spirituality. The path of Sikhism has its own guidlines as does the path of Islam and we wont see eye to eye on certain things. What I have an issue with is someone blasting anothers religion without proper knowledge. What I have a problem with is someone criticising someone elses religion to make their own look superior. I have the same conflict with muslims who do this to make Islam look superior to other beliefs. If you have issues with a certain thing in a religion the at least learn about it with an open mind before you attack it and when you do attack it then look at your intention.

I believe that if differences in opinion are conducted respectfully we can just agree to disagree on certain things. All Sikhs cant agree on the same things and neither can all muslims.

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Waheguru ji ka khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh

This is a forum for discussion, it isn't gospel.

Each person on this forum has a reason for why they do or do not follow their faith and to which extreme.

What I find interesting is that those who have connected to god are very strong in their faith and see god in everything but sincerely respect their path because it has been tread. The majority of us fall into this second category

yet those who are still walking or etching their path seem to find everything wrong with their path and others....

Great gursikhs came, they established their connection with god and they became jivan mukat and are one with god. Great muslims probably did the same and reached their destinations. (Meaning, they have achieved their jivan mukti or their destination, I used probably because apart from names like baba bulleh shah, jalal ul din rumi, and others who I have heard of are my only source of claim. I wanted to avoid making a blanket statement in ignorance because I wouldn't be able to back it up).

do you think they cared about what taoists, monks, pagans and others did??? The path of those treading towards god is etched by god, the purity of heart and the intention to love god and accept god's hukam is part of what is weighed. baaki da, rab jaanay.

now....I've clearly made a seperation....you have those who are walking and those who are planning to walk....those who are TRULY walking will help those who are planning to walk appropriately and accordingly, yet will see their fellow humans who are walking (but on a different path, in the same direction) as their parallel brothers......

I say we start that from the word go.

BAZ clearly gave his opinion and his knowledge on islam to help clear up doubts, bobbyboy did the same by relating how satguru nanak sahib ji clearly said that what he was relaying was the word of god......everything beyond that bobbyboy was pretty much attacking islam....the circle started and ended at the same spot.

lets get ourselves sorted out, and let everyone worry about their own paths. a sikh is a sikh and a muslim is a muslim depending on how much they put their faith into practice.......

waheguru ji ka khalsa, waheguru ji ki fateh

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