Q&A for How to Be a Sikh

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  • Question
    Would there be a way to become a Sikh living in Germany? This religion sounds beautiful!
    Community Answer
    Of course there is! Anybody can become a Sikh. If you want to follow this path Waheguru will surely bless you to guide you into the right way no matter where you live. An important way to understand more about Sikhism is to arm yourself with knowledge. Watch the Basics of Sikhi channel on Youtube. It is very useful as they explain everything.
  • Question
    Why is it necessary to have a beard to be a Sikh?
    Community Answer
    It is intended to show respect for God's creation. God created men with the ability to grow beards, and we do not question God's intentions.
  • Question
    Can Hindus (non-Sikhs) attend Gurudwara prayer regularly?
    Community Answer
    Yes, any and all religions are welcome to attend Gurudwara. We welcome people from all walks of life to come and join us and learn about who we are as well as to share a home-cooked Indian meal that follows each of our services.
  • Question
    Sikh men wear beards and turbans. What do Sikh women wear?
    Community Answer
    Many devout Sikh women wear turbans as well, but nowadays a headscarf or chunni works as well. Some Sikh women wear patkas or bandanas on their heads as well.
  • Question
    Do Sikh believe in circumcision?
    Community Answer
    No, they do not. Circumcision is primarily found in Islam and Judaism. Dharmic religions (Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc) do not believe in circumcision because it is believed to be harmful and causes unnecessary pain. Sikhs also refuse to believe in circumcision because it is altering a creation of the divine. In Sikhism, circumcision (or any other bodily modification) is viewed just as badly as cutting one's hair.
  • Question
    How can I practice Sikhism under a very Christian household, and can Sikhs trim their beards or make it a stubble?
    Community Answer
    As a Sikh, you must keep your beard and make sure no scissor or razor goes to cut any of your hair on any part of your body. Yes, you can practice being a Sikh anywhere.
  • Question
    Can I convert to Sikhism?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    What is the best way to become a Sikh?
    Community Answer
    You should pray daily, avoid the 5 distractions, and most importantly of all, understand the sacrifices our Guruji's made.
  • Question
    Can one become a Sikh with cut hair, then never cut it again?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can become a Sikh with cut hair, but after becoming a Sikh you cannot cut any hair on your whole body. If you cut your hair in the past it doesn't matter, but after becoming a Sikh you can't cut hair ever again.
  • Question
    Is there any provision related to shaving my head to become a Sikh, as in some sort Hindu rituals?
    Community Answer
    No, in fact Sikhism looks down on cutting hair. There is no initiation required.
  • Question
    What is the process to become a Sikh if I am a Hindu?
    Community Answer
    No matter what your religion is, the process will be the same as described in the article. When you take the Amrit, you become a pure Sikh.
  • Question
    Can I be a Sikh if I am gay?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Sikhs do not discriminate. We welcome everyone.
  • Question
    How do I become a Sikh if I live in India?
    Community Answer
    Become aware of Sikh history, and try to learn basic prayers. Go to Gurudwara everyday. Once you can sing path independently and have good knowledge about Sikhism, then you are ready to be a Khalsa by taking 'Amrit'.
  • Question
    Do Sikh people hate Muslims?
    Community Answer
    Sikhism is a religion of love. Sikhism recognizes all of humanity as one. “I speak the truth, listen everyone: Only the one who is absorbed in True Love shall attain the Lord” - Guru Gobind Singh Ji
  • Question
    How can Sikhs with Kirpan on their body travel on an airplane? Do they remove their Kirpan? But you can't remove it, right?
    Community Answer
    The Kirpan can be taken through security as it is part of the Sikh religion.
  • Question
    Are there any restrictions for women when it comes to cutting hair? Are women allowed to shave their arm pits or legs?
    Varleen Kaur
    Community Answer
    Yes there are restrictions which apply not only to women but men as well. No one is allowed to shave, wax, cut or take out hair in any way as it represents being under to order of almighty and not altering any part of the body.
  • Question
    What happens if a Sikh's hair is cut? What steps need to be done to redeem oneself?
    Gagandeep Singh Bedi
    Community Answer
    Nothing to be worried about, just pray (Ardass) for forgiveness. Do as much social service as you please or until you feel within your heart is necessary.
  • Question
    Do initiated Sikh people have problems with their jobs because of their outward appearances? If so, how can I prevent that from happening in order for my career to really work out?
    Akash Singh Bhurjee
    Community Answer
    The Sikh appearance should not create a problem with jobs. There is a large number of examples to prove that: Mr. Ajaypal Singh Banga, CEO of Mastercard; Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of planning commission; Dr. Manmohan Singh, former PM of India; Mr. Jagmeet Singh, renowned politician in Canada and many more have all kept their Sikh appearance. Also, the Canadian government, US government and the UK governments have allowed their Sikh defence personnels to wear turbans. So, the glorious Sikh appearance is not a hindrance to any job, rather you can very proudly say that this allows the Sikhs to stand apart in any crowd.
  • Question
    Can I practice sikhism under another religion's household? What should I do to be a Sikh woman?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, Sikhism doesn't have any restrictions on who can follow Sikhism. To be a Sikh women, just do all the things stated above and maybe do some more research to see some more relevant things you can do, being a Sikh man doesn't differ from being a sikh women spiritually. Sikh women can wear a Kara, chunney (or women styled turban), do basically everything a sikh man can do, etc.
  • Question
    Can Amritdhari eat non-veg food?
    jashan dharni
    Community Answer
    They can eat only vegetarian food. That means no meat, and some types of eggs are allowed, the ones that weren’t forcefully taken.
  • Question
    I am a Baptised Catholic can I go to a Gurdwara?
    jashan dharni
    Community Answer
    Of course! The gurudwara is for everyone, and langar is for everyone. You must cover your head though.
  • Question
    What if I want to follow Sikhism, but do not want to take Amrit?
    jashan dharni
    Community Answer
    It’s completely acceptable. You can wear a turban, dastar, or patka without Amrit as well.
  • Question
    Is Sikhism a monothestic or a polytheistic religion?
    Community Answer
    Sikhism is a strictly monotheistic religion, meaning that there is only one god and all other gods are false.
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