2.4.3

The Guru Granth Sahib

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The Guru Granth Sahib

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Holy scripture

  • The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of the Sikh faith.
    • It is their eternal Guru and ultimate spiritual authority.
  • The Guru Granth Sahib contains the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus.
  • These teachings focus on truth, equality, devotion, and service to others.
  • The Guru Granth Sahib is the living voice of God’s wisdom.
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The eternal Guru

  • Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, said there would be no more human Gurus.
  • He gave the title of “Guru” to the Guru Granth Sahib, making it the eternal guide for all Sikhs.
  • Sikhs do not need a living teacher. The teachings within the scripture are their guide for life.
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Contents

  • The scripture is written mainly in Gurmukhi. Its first line is 'Ik Onkar' (there is only One God).
  • It includes hymns (shabads) and poems written not only by Sikh Gurus but also by Hindu and Muslim saints. This shows the Sikh belief in universal truth.
  • The book has 1,430 pages. It was completed in 1604.
  • Sikhs read from it in Gurdwaras (places of worship). They often sing the verses as kirtan (devotional music).
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Reverence

  • The Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a raised platform (takht) under a canopy. This symbolises honour.
  • Weddings and other important ceremonies begin with readings from the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Sikhs remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the room.
  • When not in use, the Guru Granth Sahib is covered with cloths (rumalla).

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.2Hindu Dharma (Hinduism)

2.3Buddhism

2.4Sikhi

2.5Atheism

2.6Philosophy of Religion

2.7Disciplinary Knowledge

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

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