Ask SikhRI

The most frequently asked questions will be answered in the Ask SikhRI series.
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Do you have a question about the Sikh faith?
Whether you’re a self-identified Sikh or just curious about the faith,
all questions are welcome.

About the Series

Ask SikhRI series fosters a culture of learning and understanding among both Sikhs and non-Sikhs like you. It plays a vital role in dispelling misconceptions, promoting acceptance, and encouraging open dialogue, ultimately leading to your greater awareness and knowledge about Sikhi.

Building a Sense of Community

This initiative not only answers questions but also connects individuals with a network of experts, scholars, and community members who can provide meaningful insights and guidance. This fosters a sense of belonging and community, as people feel supported in their quest for knowledge about Sikhi.

Creating a Safe Space for Inquiry

Maintaining anonymity in question submission ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be new to exploring Sikhi or dealing with personal challenges, can seek information and guidance without worrying about discrimination or bias. This inclusivity makes Sikhi more approachable to a broader audience, cultivating a sense of community and support.

Education without Judgment

Enjoy a safe and non-judgmental platform to ask questions about Sikhi, even those that you might be hesitant to ask openly.

Latest Questions

Featuring

Senior Fellow, Research & Policy

Harinder Singh is the Senior Fellow at the Sikh Research Institute. He holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University, an MS in Engineering Management from the University of Kansas, and an MPhil from Punjab University in the linguistics of the Guru Granth Sahib. 

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Videos

Monday
,
23
October
2023

Why does it seem that only men lead Sikh prayer services?

What has happened is there are cultural influences and personal biases; the larger hegemonic culture plays a role. This is not a product of Sikh ethos when women are either not allowed or are not being empowered to take certain leadership positions.

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Monday
,
9
October
2023

What is Nam Simran?

Nam Simran holds significant importance in Sikhi, extending far beyond mere identification with the Divine. ‘Nam’ goes beyond identification, and ‘Simran’ signifies remembrance.

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Monday
,
25
September
2023

Why do Sikhs recite the same daily prayers?

“The question really is in the spirit form: why do we recite them? Because this is how we learn to relate with IkOankar, the one divine Force, the one All-Pervasive and Creative force..."

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Podcasts

Wednesday
,
7
February
2024

Is Guru Nanak Sahib’s Prakash Purab in April or November?

The date of Guru Nanak Sahib's birth is immaterial. Our focus needs to be on the Infinite Wisdom; that’s Prakash Purab.

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Tuesday
,
23
January
2024

In the Sikh faith, is God a man?

In Sikh ideals, preference is not to use the term "God" as it often carries gendered imagery. Instead, we embrace ੴ pronounced as IkOankar, the genderless and transcendent Being. IkOankar is not just gender-neutral; it transcends gender.

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Tuesday
,
9
January
2024

Is the Sikh religion called Sikhi or Sikhism? Does it matter?

"I think it matters because what is our indigenous term? And what is the term which those who were studying us in the last hundred years started calling us? Our native term is Sikhi. Sikhism is something which was born out of the study of religions..."

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