Inspiration Courses Products Workshops Resources About

⟵ 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."

Learn more about Ask SikhRI

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

No items found.

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 →

⟵ Previous Video

What does “Sikh” mean?

In the Sikh faith, is God a man?

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

Friday

,

13

February

2026

Why is Amrit Vela an important time to contemplate the divine?

In this Ask SikhRI episode, we explore the literal meaning of Amrit (the immortal, beyond death) and Vela (time), and how this practice invites an intimate connection with the Divine.

Wednesday

,

28

January

2026

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom

This video presents a rich and 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.

Thursday

,

22

January

2026

Explore Mundavani

Within the Guru Granth Sahib, the term 'mudavani' or 'mundavani' appears in two saloks: one by Guru Amardas Sahib and one by Guru Arjan Sahib. Collectively, these saloks serve as a key to understanding the core message of the Guru Granth Sahib.

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.