⟵ Back to videos

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

Ask SikhRI

Monday
,
8
January
2024

"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..."

"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. “-ism” also implies that there is not a unity of doctrine, that there is too much multiplicity."

The Sikh Research Institute recognizes its ethical responsibility to promptly correct any factual small or large errors. Please get in touch with us via email to request a correction if you have identified a mistake.

Suggest a correction →

In This Video

Harinder Singh

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. 

View profile ⟶

Latest Videos

Wednesday
,
21
January
2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

This video features a deeply reflective book conversation on Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom, authored by Harinder Singh, marking the 350th anniversary of the Gurgaddi (Coronation) of the Tenth Guru.

watch now ⟶
Wednesday
,
14
January
2026

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib: Beyond Popular Narratives

This webinar invites us to have a glimpse of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib as a dynamic persona.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
25
December
2025

Explore Salok Sheikh Farid Ji (Salok 93-130)

In saloks ninety-three through one hundred thirty, Sheikh Farid Ji reminds us that the entire world remains under the sway of death. Even the most well-nourished bodies cannot escape it; when old age arrives, even the once strong become weak.

watch now ⟶

Share on Social Media

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay informed with our weekly updates, important events and more at SikhRI.

Thank you! Your submission has been received.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.