Chapter 8: Sikhism
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter, the student should be able to:
• Discuss the historical antecedents in 15th century India that influenced Sikhism’s founder,
Nanak, and the doctrinal syncretism that linked Hindu and Muslim beliefs in a new religion.
Chapter Summary
Sikhism is a nuanced blend of Muslim monotheism and devotional and doctrinal aspects
of Hinduism. The historical antecedents of its founder Nanak are to be found in the attempted
reforms of both Muslim and Hindu doctrines and practice occurring in India several centuries
before his appearance.
As often occurs, the successors changed the complexion, if not the message of the
religion. At the very least the Sikhs’ reaction to distrust and persecution of their faith by the
Muslim powers was affected. The fifth successor, Guru Arjan, compiled the Sikh bible (Granth)
and provided the trigger for this change. After he was executed his successor and son began the
consolidation of Sikh military strength. The last Guru to rule, Govind Singh, announced that
after his death, the Granth or holy book would be the sole provider of leadership.
Chapter Outline
I. Introduction
II. The Life and Work of Nanak
A. The Historical Antecedents of Nanak
III. Nanak’s Teaching
A. Basic Concepts
B. Distrust of Ritual
C. Social Mission
IV. The Political History of Sikhism
A. Guru Arjan
Discussion Questions
1. The poet Kabir is revered as a saint by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, as well as by his own
devotees, the Kabir-panthis. His version of ethical monotheism, with his rejection of external
religious forms and combination of Hindu and Muslim elements, is very similar to Nanak’s
doctrinal positions for Sikhism. Compare and contrast the basic tenets of each sect. What
historical antecedents in India influenced the rise of both groups?