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The Sikh-Forum is an independent internet portal which provides comprehensive information about Sikhi (Sikhism, Sikh religion) and Sikhs. It was founded in 2000 by Sikhs who do not belong to any political or other organisation. Every year around 80.000 people visit this website. By now, the Sikh-Forum is one of the most popular European Sikhi resource websites.
The Sikh-Forum aims to provide sophisticated information about Sikhi, a way of life which is based on the spiritual wisdom of Guru Granth Sahib. The forum specifically addresses (young) people who are in search for an up-to-date approach to religion in a rapidly changing world. All religious interpretations are based on Guru Granth Sahib and linked with mundane and global challenges of the world we live in today. The topics covered pay considerable attention on what the founders actually had in mind and passed on in their original writings, and critically assess widespread religious practices and interpretations. The Sikh-Forum also provides information on Sikh history, current affairs and upcoming events.
So far, only this main page is available in English. If you follow a link from the top and left bar, you will be directed to the German version. If you want to add a portrait or a guest book entry, send us an email.
Do you like this website? Then please inform all people interested in Sikhi about this website. We appreciate your suggestions or questions concerning Sikhi or related topics. Please note that it may take a while until we are able to answer your questions. Please bear with us. Thank you.
Your Sikh-Forum Editors
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The founder of Sikhi, Nanak, was born 1469 in Talwandi, Panjab (today in Pakistan). To pay respect, Sikhs refer to him as “Guru Nanak”, meaning religious enlightener. Already in his teenage years, Guru Nanak questioned prevalent religious belief systems and the hierarchic social order. The father of two boys emphasised the need of a common human vision, beyond religious and social boundaries. During his extensive travels, Guru Nanak inspired many people through his spiritual wisdom, noble conduct and message of love, equality and social justice. To ensure a continuous progress of the young “Sikh” (pupils) community, Guru Nanak appointed a disciple as successor and composed several thousands verses expressing his insights. His original writings (pothi) and those of his successors were later on put together in an anthology called “Guru Granth Sahib” (GGS), containing 1430 pages in the printed version. Sikhs regard the GGS as their timeless Guru.
Today, Sikhism is a recognized independent world religion. With more than 20 million people world wide who regard themselves as Sikhs, it is the fifth largest religion in the world. The majority of Sikhs lives in Panjab and Delhi (India), UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. In the German speaking countries Germany, Swiss, and Austria there are more than 10.000 Sikhs. They mostly came in the late 70s and 80s. In major German cities like Frankfurt currently several hundred families reside.
Sikhi has is a universal and timeless message, incorporated in the writings of the GGS. The insights of the GGS are not limited to any nation, people or religion. It is a guide for every seeker of truth regardless of her or his background.
Sikhi is a unique way of life which is based on inner growth, contemplation and lived virtues in daily life. Sikhi aims at creating enlightened human beings who live a life free of blind faith, superstition, esotericism, rituals devoid of meaning, clerical dependency, and unquestionable dogmas. Sikhi’s wisdom provides timeless inspiration that helps to transform oneself into a holistic, spiritual being while living an active social life.
Sikhs are conscious, graceful people who are students of GGS. They pursue the vision of the founders to create an enlightened global community called “Khalsa”. Sikhs are prepared to engage for human progress, justice, and social equality. They aim at living to the highest in present life.
Sikhi rejects racism and other discriminating hierarchies. People who live according to the wisdom of GGS do not judge others in terms of their social background or so called caste (‘jaat’).
Gender and social equality are key features of Sikhism. To express this attitude, the conjoint family name of Sikh women is “Kaur” (princess) and men get the supplement “Singh” (lion). Old Indian prefixes like Saini, Gill, Dhillon or Brar that indicate a social class, are omitted by devout Sikhs.
Sikhs can easily be recognised by their outward appearance.  To express their respect for the laws of creation (hukam), Sikhs traditionally keep their hair uncut (kes). Men cover it with a turban, boys were a special piece of cloth (rumal or patka). Sikh women, who cover their hair, either use a loose head scarf or a turban. The turban symbolises a graceful and enlightened lifestyle.
The GGS is written in prose and is based on a sophisticated musical (Raag) and grammatical system. Its metaphoric language comprises words and expressions of various linguistic and religious traditions. Yet, it reappropriates notions such as hell, heaven, death, life, good, bad, and offers an independent message with a unique understanding and approach to life. The GGS contains verses of the first five masters, the ninth master (generally called Gurus), and of 15 Bhagts, holy men from different social backgrounds (among others Kabir, Namdev, Shekh Farid, Ravidas, Pipa, and Trilochan).
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within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all. O Nanak, only the true One is without a woman. That mouth which praises the One continually (means the conscious which is imbued with divine virtues) is blessed and beautiful. O Nanak, those faces shall be radiant in the court of the One (means will be full of inner contentment in present life). ||
