Who is a Sikh? – Report

State of the Panth, Report 1

As the global Sikh population expands in size and complexion, the definition of a Sikh becomes increasingly important to support and shape the community. This study sets out to establish an understanding of how to conceptualize who is a Sikh.

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State of the Panth
Tuesday
,
24
October
2017

Explore the State of the Panth Report

As the global Sikh population expands in size and complexion, the definition of a Sikh becomes increasingly important to support and shape the community. This study sets out to establish an understanding of how to conceptualize who is a Sikh.

The Sikh identity continues to be interpreted in many ways and each understanding is as unique as the individual making the interpretation. It is naive to think that any group of people hold only the practices and traditions that link them but it is equally misguided to say that those unifying linkers are not of great significance.

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Explore the State of the Panth Report

The Sikh identity continues to be interpreted in many ways and each understanding is as unique as the individual making the interpretation. It is naive to think that any group of people hold only the practices and traditions that link them but it is equally misguided to say that those unifying linkers are not of great significance.

Watch the Video

Listen to the Podcasts

Report Breakdown

Gurmat

Gurmat (“The Guru’s Way” which forms the Sikh paradigm) paints a picture of an individual who accepts the path of the Guru with humility and a sense of passion, devotedly contemplates on and implements those teachings as well as remains in their natural state of physical appearance.

The Sikh Identity

Defining a Sikh has less to do with the religiosity of the individuals but rather the self and panthic (community) accountability. We aim to display the unique identity of who a Sikh is from the range of beliefs within the Sikh community as well as what is seen in the primary, Guru Granth Sahib, and secondary sources.

Self-Identification

Self-identification is important as it allows for a more robust understanding of the people themselves rather than an insight into society’s perception of the group. However, the practice of defining a Sikh is more of a 19th century ideology than one inherent to the Sikh faith itself.

Reflect

Why is it important for Sikhs, today, to remember Maharani Jind Kaur?
What oppression did Rani Jind Kaur have to overcome in order to lead the Sikh Kingdom?
You decide… Was Rani Jind Kaur on the side of the Sikhs or the British?
How did Rani Jind Kaur cross boundaries to resist British control?
What influence did Rani Jind Kaur have on those who came after her?

Explore the Getting to Know Series

This educational series provides learners with historical insights that strengthen their connection to Sikhi.

Explore the State of the Panth Series

This educational series provides learners with historical insights that strengthen their connection to Sikhi.