Journal of Seven Heavens

Journal of Seven Heavens

Sikh Sects

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammad Rohani 1
Mohammad Mahdi AliMardi 2
1 Phd Student Islamic Theology
2 Assistant non Abrehamic
Abstract
Sikhism consists of three major denominations; these sects in the order of importance are: Khālsā, Nāmdhari, Nirankāri. They take different positions on the nature of Guru or spiritual teacher. Khālsā sect - to which the majority of Sikhs adhere - itself consists of three groups, which become distinguished from each other by their certain kind of clothes, life style, and some religious principles. These three groups are called Nihang (Akāli), Nirmalā, and Sewāpanthi. Furthermore, in some scriptures, references have been made to one of the Sikh sects called Udāsi, which was established by Guru Nanak's oldest son, Sri Chand. By considering the beliefs and religious ceremonies, this sect is by no means similar to the mainstream Sikhism, because it neither acknowledges the series of ten Gurus, nor is Monotheistic. Nevertheless, since Udāsi identifies itself as the follower of Guru Nanak and has played an important role in Sikh history, it would be regarded as one of the Sikh sects in this paper. Furthermore, in other resources some references have been made to the other sects, which either have no follower currently or their followers are in the extreme minority. Such cases are classified as subgroups of one of the aforementioned sects. This paper is concerned with a general overview of these sects and their major beliefs and practices.
Keywords
Rahit Maryada
Five Ks
Shabad Guru
Amritdhari
Sahajdhāri
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  • Receive Date 16 March 2011
  • Revise Date 05 August 2012
  • Accept Date 17 October 2012