Misconceptions about Sikhism

Misconception 1: "The Sikh religion is a blend of Islam and Hinduism or it is a sect of Hinduism."

Truth 1: Sikhism is a unique revealed religion. It is not a blend of religions nor is it derived from any other religion. Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji started a new faith.

Misconception 2: "Anyone who has a turban and a beard is a Muslim from the Middle East."

Truth 2: Sikhs are required to keep their head covered at all times. The turban, which is used most often to cover one's head, is considered a gift from God.

Misconception 3: "Contrary to the peaceful message taught by the first nine Sikh Gurus, the tenth Guru led the Sikhs to become a militant community."

Truth 3: All the Sikh Gurus taught the same message. There was no change. A Sikh must fight oppression and injustice. And if all peaceful means to redress an injustice fail, then it is just to pick up the sword.

Misconception 4: "Amritdhari Sikhs are fundamentalists and terrorists."

Truth 4: Amritdhari Sikhs are devout in their faith and strive to balance spirituality and community service. They believe in the message as originally taught by the Gurus. They are neither extremists nor terrorists.

Misconception 5: "Sikhism supports the existence of a caste system."

Truth 5: Sikhism rejects the caste system. The equality of all people regardless of race, gender creed and ethnicity is a very strong belief in Sikhism.

Misconception 6: "In Sikhism, women have different rules than men."

Truth 6: The tenets of Sikhism apply to all Sikhs, regardless of whether one is a Sikh man or a Sikh woman. Sikhism demands the equal treatment and involvement of men and women.

Misconception 7: "Sikhs go on pilgrimages."

Truth 7: In Sikhism, no geographic location or place is more blessed or holy than any other. God exists everywhere. Thus, there is no concept of pilgrimages in Sikhism.

Misconception 8: "All Sikhs are Indian."

Truth 8: Sikhism is a religion. Indian is a nationality. Those Sikhs born in the United States, Canada, UK or any other place adopt the nationality of that country. Sikhism, as a religion, spans any such geo-political boundaries.