Jump to content

Islam and Sikhism: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Reverted to revision 591165984 by Sikh-history (talk): Restoring version with refernces and issuing warning. (TW)
article vanalised ,
Line 1: Line 1:
{{under construction|date=December 2013}}
{{multiple issues|
{{multiple issues|
{{lead rewrite|date=October 2012|reason=No direct comparison of religions, simple summary of their teachings.}}
{{lead rewrite|date=October 2012|reason=No direct comparison of religions, simple summary of their teachings.}}
Line 6: Line 5:
}}
}}
{{Islam and other religions}}
{{Islam and other religions}}
[[Islam]] is an [[Abrahamic religion]] and [[Sikhism]] is a [[dharmic religion]]. Unlike the Abrahmic [[Monotheism]] of Islam, [[Panentheism]] i.e. one creator([[Ik Onkar]]) pervading the whole of creation and beyond, describes Sikh theology more precisely. The prophet Mohammad founded Islam, whereas Sikhism is attributed to Guru Nanak. The [[Quran]] and the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] are the main texts of Muslims and Sikhs respectively. <ref>Jahangir, Tuzuk, 2, pp. 91-93.</ref> In Islam, the legal system based on the Quran and the Sunnah is known as [[Sharia]]; there are no such legal system mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib.
[[Islam]] is a [[Abrahamic religions|Abrahamic religion]], believed to descend from [[Abraham]], whereas [[Sikhism]] is a [[Indian religions|Indian religion]] founded in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. Sikhism is sometimes classified as a ''dharmic religion'', as it features [[dharma]], a concept of divine duty.


==Basics of Islam ,Sikhism Theology==
The spread of Islam in [[South Asia]] was greatly aided by many [[Islamic empires in India|Islamic dynasties]] that ruled parts of the [[Indian subcontinent]] starting from the 12th century. The prominent ones include the [[Delhi Sultanate]] (1206–1526) and the [[Mughal Empire]] (1526–1857). The Sikh gurus frequently came into direct confrontation with some of the Mughal rulers due to the Sikh faith's opposition to forced conversions.{{verify source|date=December 2010}} The Sikhs eventually expelled the Mughal rulers. They also conquered parts of the then Afghan Empire (present day Peshawar),<ref name="J. S. Grewal 1998 79">{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/?id=2_nryFANsoYC&pg=PA79&lpg=PA79&dq=%22Aurangzeb%22%2B%22Wazir+Khan%22 |page=79|author= J. S. Grewal|title=The Sikhs of the Punjab|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year= 1998|isbn=0-521-63764-3}}</ref> which led to the creation of a [[Sikh Empire]] in the late 17th century. By the late 18th century, the [[British Empire]] had extended east towards the Punjab, which led to a British invasion of the Empire of the Sikhs. Soon after the British army began recruiting large number of Sikhs into the British Army, in which the Sikhs made up to 25% of the soldiers in [[World War I]] and [[World War II]]. The Sikhs were awarded 14 [[Victoria Cross]]es for their bravery and over 27 battle honours (a record).
Islam's most fundamental concept is a rigorous monotheism, called [[tawhīd]] (Arabic: توحيد). God is described in chapter 112 of the Qur'an as "Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him."(112:1-4)
Belief in the "[[Day of Resurrection]]/Judgement Day ", Yawm al-Qiyāmah (Arabic: يوم القيامة) is also crucial for Muslims. They believe the time of Qiyāmah is preordained by God but unknown to man. The trials and tribulations preceding and during the Qiyāmah are described in the [[Quran]] and the [[hadith]]. The Qur'an emphasizes bodily resurrection ie All Dead beings will be recreated by Allah on this day , a break from the pre-Islamic Arabian understanding of death.Beleivers will be ultimatemly awarded heavens and Non-Beleivers will suffer in Hell fire eternally .


For '''Sikhism''' very first verse of [[Guru Granth Sahib]] known as [[Mool Mantra]] or Root Mantra describe God as "
Sikhism is opposed to the concept of forced conversions and strongly believes in the brotherhood of man. Sikhs believe in one God and basic foundation elements of Sikh lifestyle involves five principles, which are [[Nām Japō]] or [[Simran]] "meditation on Waheguru", [[Kirat Karō]] "honest labor", [[Vaṇḍ Chakkō]] or [[Selfless Service|Sewa]] "charity to the community", [[Nihang|Bana]] "Sikh attire or Dress code", and [[Gatka|Shastar]] "physicality defend oneself and others". [[Guru Nanak Dev]] was the founder of Sikhism, the teachings of the first five Sikh Gurus were compiled by the fifth Guru, [[Guru Arjan Dev]] into the [[Adi Granth]]. These included teachings of saints of the Hindu and Muslim faith also. [[Jahangir]], the fourth [[Mughal Emperor]], was angered by the number of Muslims who converted to Sikhism, so he had Guru Arjan Dev imprisoned in Gwalior fort,<ref>Jahangir, Tuzuk, 2, pp. 91-93.</ref> and then later boiled alive. The Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, before his death, declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal guru of the Sikhs for all times to come, and copies were distributed by [[Baba Deep Singh]] and [[Bhai Mani Singh]] to Sikhs.
''One Universal Creator Immanent throughout His Creation . Thy Name Is Truth, Beyond Fear, Beyond Hatred,Beyond Time , Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru's Grace~ Chant : True In The Primal Beginning. True Throughout The Ages. True Here And Now. O Nanak, Forever And Ever True. ||1||''


Aim of a Sikh is to realise his or her own '''True-Self''' or '''Oneness''',Duality is just an illusion due to five vices 1)Kam ie Lust ,2)Krodh ie Anger ,3)Lobh ie Greed ,4)Moh ie attachment ,5)Ahankaar ie Ego.
==The [[Sikh Gurus]] and Muslim contemporaries==
[[File:Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Mecca.jpg|thumb|Sri [[Guru Nanak]] Dev Ji (centre) dressed in blue robes at [[Mecca]] with [[Bhai Mardana]] (right) Ji and [[Bhai Bala| Bhai Bala Ji]] (left)]]


"''Everything is within the home of the self; there is nothing beyond.
[[Guru Nanak]]'s preachings were directed to all humans regardless of their religion.<ref>N.D. Ahuja, ''The Great Guru Nanak and the Muslims.'' Kirti Publishing House, Chandigarh, page 144.</ref> While many historians and theologians argue that his philosophy was influenced by other faiths, Guru Nanak's focus was on recognizing the authority of a singular creator who is all pervading and has existed forever and will continue to exist for ever, away from the repetitive cycles of life and death<ref>N.D. Ahuja, page 147.</ref>
One who searches outside is deluded by doubt.
By Guru's Grace, one who has found the Lord within is happy, inwardly and outwardly. ||1||''"
"Guru Granth Sahib ang 102''.


==The [[Sikh Gurus]] and Muslim contemporaries==
According to Sikh tradition, while in [[Baghdad]] as part of his journey to [[Mecca]] and [[Medina]], Guru Nanak had extensive dialogue with Muslim scholars there.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/nanak1.html |title=Sikh Gurus |publisher=Sikh-history.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-09}}</ref> In one discourse with a [[Pir (Sufism)|pir]].
The relations between earlier Sikh Gurus and earlier Islamic Mughal Empire were not much strained , During his fourth journey [[Udasi]] Guru Nanak visited many middle eastern countries to preach his message of Truth .In an incident mentioned by a noted Sikh Scholar [[Bhai Gurdas]] ,it appeared to a Qazi that Kaaba followed the direction of Guru Nanak's feet ,when qazi objected and rotated the feet of Guru Nanak , who was sleeping with his feet facing Kaaba .<ref>N.D. Ahuja, page 147.</ref>

<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/nanak1.html |title=Sikh Gurus |publisher=Sikh-history.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-09}}</ref>
At Mecca, Guru Nanak was found sleeping<ref name="Singh2003">{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Prof. Kartar|title=Life Story Of Guru Nanak|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=nhKMUnfLZLEC&pg=PA88|accessdate=26 November 2010|date=2003-01-01|publisher=Hemkunt Press|isbn=978-81-7010-162-8|page=90}}</ref> with his feet towards the [[Kaaba]]<ref name="SinghKaur1997">{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Inderpal|last2=Kaur|first2=Madanjit|last3=University|first3=Guru Nanak Dev|title=Guru Nanak, a global vision|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=jLLXAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=26 November 2010|year=1997|publisher=Guru Nanak Dev University|isbn=ASIN: B0000CP9NT}}</ref> Kazi Rukan-ud-din,<ref name="Shah1999">{{cite book|last=Shah|first=Giriraj|title=Saints, gurus and mystics of India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=OAgRAQAAIAAJ|accessdate=26 November 2010|year=1999|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=81-7020-856-4|page=378}}</ref> who observed this, angrily objected. Nanak replied with a request to turn his feet in a direction in which God or the House of God is not." The [[Qadi]] took hold of the Guru's feet. Then he lifted his eyes seeing the Kaaba standing in the direction of the Guru's feet,<ref name="SinghKaur1997"/> wherever he turned them. Guru Nanak was pointing out that if he moves his feet elsewhere God is still in that direction as God is Omnipresent i.e. not confined by space (or time). The travels of Guru Nanak to Middle East included Baghdad and Mecca and Medina and stones exist in Iraq erected by the local rulers that record these visits.
Mughal Empror Akbar also visited third Sikh Guru,[[Guru Amardas]] at Goindwal and taken [[Langar]] ie free kitchen there and offered donations for Langar .

The Muslim rulers of the [[Lodhi dynasty]] and the first Mughals were too concerned with consolidating their respective rules, and [[Akbar the Great|Akbar]]'s liberalism led him to establish cordial relations with India's religions.<ref name=autogenerated2>N.D. Ahuja</ref> The influence of [[Sheikh]] [[Ahmad Sirhindi]] and the Sufi [[Naqshbandi]] order on [[Jahangir]] led to the subsequent execution of [[Guru Arjan Dev]] in 1606.<ref name=autogenerated2 />

== The [[Sikh]] rebellion against [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] rule ==
[[Guru Hargobind]], (sixth Guru of the Sikhs), after the Martyrdom [[Guru Arjan Dev]] saw that it would no longer be possible to protect the [[Sikh]] community without the aid of arms.<ref>V. D. Mahajan (1970). Muslim Rule In India. S. Chand, New Delhi, p.223.</ref> He had a stable of eight hundred horses; three hundred mounted followers were constantly in attendance upon him, and a guard of fifty-six [[matchlock]]-men secured his safety in person.

Jahangir imprisoned Guru Hargobind after charges were brought against him. The charges against him were proved to be false.
Guru Hargobind was released after several years of imprisonment alongside some Hindu Prince's (which the Hargobind insisted be released alongside him).


But with the rise of fundamentalists such as [[Ahmad Sirhindi]] also described as Mujaddid Alf Thānī, meaning the "reviver of the second millennium Islam" in the Mughal Empire ,began the persecution of Non Muslims in the empire . Fifth Guru ,[[Guru Arjan]] was executed by [[Jahangir]].
[[Guru Tegh Bahadur]] (ninth Guru of the Sikhs) was given the title ''Bahadur'' by his father [[Guru Hargobind]] (sixth Guru of the Sikhs) as he displayed such bravery with the sword in battle. Later upon return to eastern Punjab, he settled at [[Anandpur Sahib|Anandpur]], where his followers began to refer to him as the ''Sacha Badshah'' (''True King''). Mughal officials such as Nur Muhammad Khan of [[Rupnagar]], Dilawar Khan the Faujdar of Sirhind and [[Wazir Khan (Sirhind)|Wazir Khan]] had him arrested. He was taken to [[Delhi]] and put to death by Aurangzeb in 1675. However, when Aurangzeb was questioned by a group of [[Qadi]]s regarding the reasons for the execution, the [[Mughal Emperor]] could not clearly explain the causes for the order of the penalty.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=sTZuAAAAMAAJ&dq=aurangzeb&q=tegh#search_anchor</ref>
<ref name="Singh2003">{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Prof. Kartar|title=Life Story Of Guru Nanak|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=nhKMUnfLZLEC&pg=PA88|accessdate=26 November 2010|date=2003-01-01|publisher=Hemkunt Press|isbn=978-81-7010-162-8|page=90}}</ref><ref name="SinghKaur1997">{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Inderpal|last2=Kaur|first2=Madanjit|last3=University|first3=Guru Nanak Dev|title=Guru Nanak, a global vision|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=jLLXAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=26 November 2010|year=1997|publisher=Guru Nanak Dev University|isbn=ASIN: B0000CP9NT}}</ref><ref name="Shah1999">{{cite book|last=Shah|first=Giriraj|title=Saints, gurus and mystics of India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=OAgRAQAAIAAJ|accessdate=26 November 2010|year=1999|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=81-7020-856-4|page=378}}</ref>


[[Guru Hargobind]], (sixth Guru of the Sikhs), after the Martyrdom [[Guru Arjan Dev]] saw that it would no longer be possible to protect the [[Sikh]] community without the aid of arms.<ref>V. D. Mahajan (1970). Muslim Rule In India. S. Chand, New Delhi, p.223.</ref> He built [[Akal Takhat]] the Throne of the Immortal and it is the highest political institution of the Sikhs and he also wore two swords of [[Miri and piri]]
Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed for [[forced conversion|refusing to convert to Islam]], along with fellow devotees Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Sati Dass and Bhai Dayalaa.
<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=sTZuAAAAMAAJ&dq=aurangzeb&q=tegh#search_anchor</ref>


[[Guru Tegh Bahadur]](ninth Guru) was beheaded at chandini chowk Delhi for protection of Hindus of Kashmir who were forced to convert to Islam by [[Aurangzeb]] , along with fellow devotees [[Bhai Mati Dass]], [[Bhai Sati Dass]] and [[Bhai Dayalaa]].
[[File:Guru Granth Sahib.jpg|thumb|A large portion of [[Sufi]] hymns are included in the [[Guru Granth Sahib]].]]
Tenth Guru [[Guru Gobind Singh ]] formed [[Khalsa]] known as Army of Akal Purakh (Immortal) and Gave [[5 Ks]] to Khalsa .


The tenth Sikh Guru, [[Gobind Singh]] had further confrontations with the then Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Two of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh [Zoravar Singh and Fateh Singh] aged only 9 and 7 were bricked up alive within a wall by Wazir Khan in Sirhand (Punjab). The other two elder sons [Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh] as well as many other Sikhs fought the Mughal force and were killed during battle. It should be noted the muslim saint [[Pir Buddhu Shah]] sent several hundred of his followers to aid the Sikh guru.
Two of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh aged only 9 and 7 were bricked up alive by Wazir Khan in Sirhand (Punjab).


When Guru Gobind singh was in South India ,he sent [[Banda Singh Bahadur]] to chastise the tyrannical Mughal faiy`dar of Sirhind.Banda Singh captured Sirhind and laid the foundation of Sikh empire <ref name=pri>{{cite book
During the 18th century, [[Guru Gobind Singh]] sent his general, [[Banda Singh]] along with some hundred troops to punish those who had committed atrocities against Pir Buddhu Shah and avenge the murder of his youngest sons. Banda Singh with a large group of Sikhs advanced towards the city of Sirhind and occupied the city. In revenge of this occupation [[Wazir Khan (Sirhind)|Wazir Khan]] commissioned two [[Pashtun people|Pathan]]s, to [[assassinate]] the Guru. The ambushed the Guru at [[Nanded]].<ref name=pri>{{cite book
| last = Singh
| last = Singh
| first = Prithi Pal
| first = Prithi Pal
Line 51: Line 51:
| isbn = 81-8382-075-1}}</ref>
| isbn = 81-8382-075-1}}</ref>


.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sikhpoint.com/religion/sikhcommunity/bandasinghbahadur.htm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=8|title= Life of Banda Singh|first=Ernest|last=Abel}}</ref>
The assailants were killed but the Guru had a serious stab wound. A European surgeon sent by Bahadur Shah stitched the Guru's wound. However, the wound re-opened and caused profuse bleeding and he died a few days later.


After the death of Bandha, the [[Sikh Misls]](Sikh confedracies) came to power in a series of sweeping military and diplomatic victories.
On learning of the Guru's death Bandha Bahadhur intensified his rebellion against the Mughal Empire and established a kingdom in Punjab for a short while. Banda Singh was eventually defeated, captured and tortured to death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sikhpoint.com/religion/sikhcommunity/bandasinghbahadur.htm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=8|title= Life of Banda Singh|first=Ernest|last=Abel}}</ref>


After the death of Bandha, the [[Sikh Misls]](Sikh confedracies) came to power in a series of sweeping military and diplomatic victories. [[Ranjit Singh]] came united these confedaries into one large Empire. The empire comprised almost {{convert|200000|sqmi|km2|sigfig=2}} of what is old Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northern India.
[[Ranjit Singh]] united these confedaries into one large Empire. The empire comprised almost {{convert|200000|sqmi|km2|sigfig=2}} that included the following modern day political divisions made up:
Punjab (India and Pakistan)Jammu, Haryana,Himachal Pradesh(India), Kashmir, conquered in 1818( India/Pakistan/China) Gilgit, Northern Areas, Khyber Pass, Peshawar, Pakistan North-West Frontier Province and FATA(Pakistan ,Afghanistan ), Parts of Western Tibet (1841), (China)


The Empire remained united until the death of [[Ranjit Singh]] after which it fragmented and the British wrested control in the [[Anglo-Sikh wars]].
The Empire remained united until the death of [[Ranjit Singh]] after which it fragmented and the British wrested control in the [[Anglo-Sikh wars]].


==Differences between Islam and Sikhism==
==Differences between Islam and Sikhism==
Sikhs are prohibited from eating ''[[halal]]'' and ''[[kashrut|kosher]]'' food or any other ritually slaughtered (known as ''[[kutha meat]]'') meat or fish.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/4718511.stm In pictures: Sikhs in Britain]</ref> Sikhs eat non-halal meat ([[Jhatka]]), although [[Gurudwara]] [[Langar (Sikhism)|langar]] is largely [[lacto-vegetarian]], though this is understood to be a result of efforts to present a meal that is respectful of the diets of any person who would wish to dine, rather than out of dogma. Sikhs do not believe in pilgrimages; Muslims, in contrast, consider [[Hajj]] (pilgrimage to Mecca) a crucial part of the faith. Male Sikhs do not [[circumcise]] unlike Muslim males.


The [[Five Pillars of Islam]] ({{lang-ar|أركان الإسلام}}) is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every [[Muslim]]. These duties are [[Shahada]] (Profession of Faith), [[Salat]] (prayers), [[Zakat]] (Giving of Alms), [[Sawm]] ([[Fasting during Ramadan]]) and [[Hajj]] (pilgrimage to [[Mecca]]). These five practices are essential to [[Sunni Islam]]; [[Shia Islam|Shi'a Muslims]] subscribe to eight ritual practices which substantially overlap with the five Pillars.<ref>See: * Mumen (1987), p.178
The [[Five Pillars of Islam]] ({{lang-ar|أركان الإسلام}}) is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every [[Muslim]]. These duties are [[Shahada]] (Profession of Faith), [[Salat]] (prayers), [[Zakat]] (Giving of Alms), [[Sawm]] ([[Fasting during Ramadan]]) and [[Hajj]] (pilgrimage to [[Mecca]]). These five practices are essential to [[Sunni Islam]]; [[Shia Islam|Shi'a Muslims]] subscribe to eight ritual practices which substantially overlap with the five Pillars.<ref>See: * Mumen (1987), p.178
{{cite encyclopedia | title=Pillars of Islam | encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-05-02}}</ref>
{{cite encyclopedia | title=Pillars of Islam | encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia Britannica Online | accessdate=2007-05-02}}</ref>
.<ref>{{cite book|last=Knight|first=Ian |coauthors=Scollins|editor=Richard|title=Queen Victoria's Enemies: India No.3 |url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0850459435|accessdate=17 January 2011|edition=Paperback |series=Men-at-arms|date=23 March 1990|publisher=Osprey Publishing; illustrated edition|isbn=0-85045-943-5 |page=15}}</ref>


The Three Pillars of Sikhism
[[The Five Ks]] of Sikhism, [[Kesh (Sikhism)|Kesh]] is uncut clean hair, [[Kangha]] a wooden comb, [[Kachera]] are clean white shorts, [[Kara (Sikhism)|Kara]] is a steel or iron bracelet worn on the wrist, in battle they may be used as [[brass knuckles]] and larger ones worn on the turban are thrown, and the [[Kirpan]] is a long sharp sword worn to protect innocent and defenseless people in violent clashes and uphold justice and rights.<ref>{{cite book|last=Knight|first=Ian |coauthors=Scollins|editor=Richard|title=Queen Victoria's Enemies: India No.3 |url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0850459435|accessdate=17 January 2011|edition=Paperback |series=Men-at-arms|date=23 March 1990|publisher=Osprey Publishing; illustrated edition|isbn=0-85045-943-5 |page=15}}</ref>
Guru Nanak formalised three basic guidlines for Sikhs: [[Naam Japna]] (focus of God), [[Kirat Karni]] (honest living) and [[Vand Chakna]] (sharing with others).


Sikhs are prohibited from eating ''[[halal]]'' and ''[[kashrut|kosher]]'' food or any other ritually slaughtered (known as ''[[kutha meat]]'') meat or fish.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/4718511.stm In pictures: Sikhs in Britain]</ref> Sikhs eat ([[Jhatka]]) meat , although [[Gurudwara]] [[Langar (Sikhism)|langar]] is largely [[lacto-vegetarian]], though this is understood to be a result of efforts to present a meal that is respectful of the diets of any person who would wish to dine, rather than out of dogma. Sikhs do not believe in pilgrimages; Muslims, in contrast, consider [[Hajj]] (pilgrimage to Mecca) a crucial part of the faith. Male Sikhs do not [[circumcise]] unlike Muslim males.
The foundation elements of Sikh lifestyle involves these five principles. Which is [[Nihang|Bana]], [[Gurbani|Bani]], [[Selfless Service|Sewa]], [[Simran]] and [[Gatka|Shastar]]. A foundation of a Sikh life sits on these four basic principles and the fifth one is to protect it all.


===Role and Equality of Women===
===Role and Equality of Women===
The Quran dedicates numerous verses to Muslim women, their role, duties and rights, in addition to Sura 4 with 176 verses named An-Nisa (women). Some verses are considered as key in defining gender roles in Islam, one being verse 4.34:
The Qur'an states in 4:34, that "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband's absence what Allah orders them to guard." Although the Quran does say this, the superiority of men is interpreted in terms of strength by the context - men maintain women.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Holy Quran -Text, Translation and Commentary (volume 1) by Ayatullah Makarem Shirazi}}</ref>
''[[Sharia]]'' (Islamic law) provides for [[complementarianism]],<ref name = "Complementarianism">{{cite book| url = http://books.google.com/?id=Z9WF1fRGOsQC&pg=PA200&lpg=PA200&dq=complementarian+women+islam#v=onepage&q&f=false|title=Women Embracing Islam: Gender and Conversion in the West|author=Karin van Nieuwkerk|quote=Secular feminists in Muslim societies demanded full equality in the public sphere, calling for access to education, work, and political participation as part of women's self-development and the empowering of the society in the decolonizing process. Within this feminist framework women accepted the notion of complementarity in the private sphere, upholding the notion of male predominance, regarded as benevolent predominance in the family. They called upon men to fulfill their duties, protecting and providing in ways that upheld the rights and dignity of women.|publisher=[[University of Texas Press]]|accessdate =2007-12-31| isbn = 978-0-292-71302-4| date = 2006-08-01}}</ref> differences between [[Gender roles in Islam|women's and men's roles]], rights, and obligations. However neither the Quran nor [[Hadith]] mention women have to be housewives.<ref>http://askamufti.com/Answers/ViewQuestion.aspx?QuestionId=1631&CategoryId=35&CategoryName=Women Issues (احكام النساء)</ref><ref>http://askamufti.com/Answers/ViewQuestion.aspx?QuestionId=1632&CategoryId=35&CategoryName=Women Issues (احكام النساء)</ref><ref>http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/financial-issues/earning-livelihood/175434.html</ref> [[Majority Muslim countries]] give women varying degrees of rights with regards to [[marriage]], [[divorce]], [[civil rights]], legal status, [[dress code]], and [[education]] based on different interpretations. Scholars and other commentators vary as to whether they are just and whether they are a correct interpretation of religious imperatives.


''
[[File:MaiBhago.jpg|thumb|[[Mai Bhago]] (top right) fighting against the Muslim [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]]s in 1705]]
''Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great''''.


In Qur'an, surah 2:182 equates two women as substitute for one man, in matters requiring witnesses.
It is outlined in the [[Sikh scriptures]] that the [[Sikh]] woman is to be regarded as [[gender equality|equal]] to the Sikh man. Women are considered to have the same [[souls]] as men and an equal right to grow [[spiritualism|spiritually]]. They are allowed to lead religious congregations, take part in the [[Akhand Path]] (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), perform ''[[Kirtan]]'' (congregational singing of hymns), work as a [[Granthi]], and participate in all religious, cultural, social, and secular activities. As such, Sikhism was the first major world religion to state that women were equal in every single respect.


Qurn differentiates on the Gender basis and its states that "the men are a degree above them" ,Women are expected to be obidient to their husbands . Muslim woman can marry a Muslim only , Divorce parameters are also different for both genders .Polygamy is allowed in Islam .The right to own slave women, seized during military campaigns and jihad against non-believing pagans and infidels from Southern Europe to Africa to India to Central Asia, was considered a natural right of a Muslim
To ensure equal status for women, the Sikh Gurus<ref>http://www.sikhs.org/women.htm</ref> made no distinction between the sexes in matters of initiation, instruction or participation in ''[[Sangat (term)|sangat]]'' (holy fellowship) and ''[[pangat]]'' (eating together). According to Sarup Das Bhalla, Mahima Prakash, [[Guru Amar Das]] disfavoured the use of the veil by women. He assigned women to supervise some communities of disciples and preached against the custom of ''[[Sati (practice)|sati]]''. Sikh history records the names of many women, such as [[Mata Gujri]], [[Mai Bhago]], [[Rani Sahib Kaur]], [[Rani Sada Kaur]], [[Maharani Jind Kaur]] and even the wife of Guru Gobind Singh, [[Mata Sundari|Jeeto Kaur]], who played an important role in the events of their time.
.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Holy Quran -Text, Translation and Commentary (volume 1) by Ayatullah Makarem Shirazi}}</ref>
''[[Sharia]]'' ,.<ref name = "Complementarianism">{{cite book| url = http://books.google.com/?id=Z9WF1fRGOsQC&pg=PA200&lpg=PA200&dq=complementarian+women+islam#v=onepage&q&f=false|title=Women Embracing t|author=Karin van Nieuwkerk|publisher=[[University of Texas Press]]|accessdate =2007-12-31| isbn = 978-0-292-71302-4| date = 2006-08-01}}</ref><ref>http://askamufti.com/Answers/ViewQuestion.aspx?QuestionId=1631&CategoryId=35&CategoryName=Women Issues (احكام النساء)</ref><ref>http://askamufti.com/Answers/ViewQuestion.aspx?QuestionId=1632&CategoryId=35&CategoryName=Women Issues (احكام النساء)</ref><ref>http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/financial-issues/earning-livelihood/175434.html</ref>

In Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib stated that the Sikh woman has all the rights and privileges enjoyed by a man. She is considered to have the same soul as man and has equal right to grow spiritually. The Sikh woman is allowed to lead religious congregations, to take part in Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), to perform Kirtan, to work as Granthi (priest) or a preacher and to participate freely in all religious, cultural, social, political and secular activities.

''
''From woman, man is born,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.
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.''''
Guru Nanak, Raag Aasaa Mehal 1, Page 473


===Islamic predestination===
===Islamic predestination===
Line 85: Line 99:
* D. Cohen-Mor (2001), p.4: "The idea of predestination is reinforced by the frequent mention of events 'being written' or 'being in a book' before they happen: 'Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us…"&nbsp;'&nbsp;"
* D. Cohen-Mor (2001), p.4: "The idea of predestination is reinforced by the frequent mention of events 'being written' or 'being in a book' before they happen: 'Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us…"&nbsp;'&nbsp;"
* {{cite encyclopedia | title=Fate | encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an Online | author=Ahmet T. Karamustafa | accessdate=2007-05-02}}: The verb ''qadara'' literally means "to measure, to determine". Here it is used to mean that "God measures and orders his creation".</ref> For Muslims, everything in the world that occurs, good or evil, has been preordained and nothing can happen unless permitted by God. In Islamic theology, divine preordainment does not suggest an absence of God's indignation against evil, because any evils that do occur are thought to result in future benefits men may not be able to see. According to Muslim theologians, although events are pre-ordained, man possesses free will in that he has the faculty to choose between right and wrong, and is thus responsible for his actions. According to Islamic tradition, all that has been decreed by God is written in ''al-Lawh al-Mahfūz'', the "Preserved Tablet".<ref>See: * Farah (2003), pp.119–122
* {{cite encyclopedia | title=Fate | encyclopedia=Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an Online | author=Ahmet T. Karamustafa | accessdate=2007-05-02}}: The verb ''qadara'' literally means "to measure, to determine". Here it is used to mean that "God measures and orders his creation".</ref> For Muslims, everything in the world that occurs, good or evil, has been preordained and nothing can happen unless permitted by God. In Islamic theology, divine preordainment does not suggest an absence of God's indignation against evil, because any evils that do occur are thought to result in future benefits men may not be able to see. According to Muslim theologians, although events are pre-ordained, man possesses free will in that he has the faculty to choose between right and wrong, and is thus responsible for his actions. According to Islamic tradition, all that has been decreed by God is written in ''al-Lawh al-Mahfūz'', the "Preserved Tablet".<ref>See: * Farah (2003), pp.119–122
* Patton (1900), p.130</ref>
* Patton (1900), p.130</ref><ref>Momen (1987), pp.177,178</ref>
,.<ref name=Godlas>Dr. Alan Godlas, University of Georgia, ''[http://www.uga.edu/islam/Sufism.html Sufism's Many Paths]'', 2000, University of Georgia</ref><ref>[[Nuh Ha Mim Keller]], [http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/nuh/sufism.htm How would you respond to the claim that Sufism is Bid'a?], 1995.</ref><ref>Dr. Zubair Fattani, [http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Articles/English/Tasawwuf.htm The meaning of Tasawwuf], Islamic Academy.</ref>


.<ref>[http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/x-Schede/CSNs/CSNs_G_Giud.html The Last Judgement]</ref><ref>[http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Search&Param=english Sri Granth: Search Results]</ref><ref>[http://www.cephas-library.com/allnations/allnations_heaven_and_hell_in_the_quran_and_gospel.html Heaven and Hell in the Qur'an and Gospel]</ref><ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=O84eYLVHvB0C&pg=PA591 A Dictionary of Islam]: By Thomas Patrick Hughes ISBN 81-206-0672-8 Page 591</ref><ref>Death and Religion in a Changing World by Kathleen Garces-Foley. Page 188. ISBN 0-7656-1221-6.</ref><ref>Surinder Singh Kohli, ''Sikhism and Major World Religions'' Singh Brothers, Amritsar, 1995, page 96. ISBN 81-7205-134-4</ref><ref name=autogenerated2>N.D. Ahuja</ref><ref>Daljeet Singh, page 227.</ref>
Islamic predestination concerns in reality less the life after the current life but the regulation of cases within the current life, like for instance the life of a warrior in ''jihad'' or struggle in the way of God, which renders him a place in [[Paradise]]. Concerning eternal life, it is positively acquired through the absolute declaration of faith in [[Allah]] and Muhammad. The key concepts mentioned in the Qu'ran are ''jabar'' (determination) and ''qadar'' (predestination).

The Shia understanding of predestination is called "divine justice" (''adalah''). This doctrine, developed in Sunnism as well by the [[Mu'tazili]], stresses the importance of man's responsibility for his own actions. In contrast, the Sunni de-emphasize the role of individual free will in the context of God's creation and foreknowledge of all things.<ref>Momen (1987), pp.177,178</ref>

Sufism as a whole is primarily concerned with a direct personal experience and is considered one of the mystical dimensions of Islam,<ref name=Godlas>Dr. Alan Godlas, University of Georgia, ''[http://www.uga.edu/islam/Sufism.html Sufism's Many Paths]'', 2000, University of Georgia</ref><ref>[[Nuh Ha Mim Keller]], [http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/nuh/sufism.htm How would you respond to the claim that Sufism is Bid'a?], 1995.</ref><ref>Dr. Zubair Fattani, [http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Articles/English/Tasawwuf.htm The meaning of Tasawwuf], Islamic Academy.</ref> and as such may be compared to various forms of [[mysticism]] such as [[Bhakti]] form of Hinduism, [[Hesychasm]] form of [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Greek Orthodox]], [[Zen]] form of Buddhism, [[Kabbalah]] from [[Judaism]] and [[Gnosticism]] from [[Christian mysticism]].

The concept of a [[Last Judgment]]<ref>[http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/x-Schede/CSNs/CSNs_G_Giud.html The Last Judgement]</ref> is found in all of the Abrahamic religions whereas the Sikh Gurus taught [[reincarnation]] and [[karma]], which are also Hindu beliefs,<ref>[http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Search&Param=english Sri Granth: Search Results]</ref> and Muhammad preached of a Qiyamah.<ref>Ahuja, page 148.</ref> Muslims, as do Christians, accept from their scriptures, the concepts of [[Heaven]] or ''[[Jannah]]'' and [[Hell]] or ''[[Jahannam]]'',<ref>[http://www.cephas-library.com/allnations/allnations_heaven_and_hell_in_the_quran_and_gospel.html Heaven and Hell in the Qur'an and Gospel]</ref> whereas in the Dharmic faiths one reaps the fruit of their own [[Karma]] to attain [[Nirvana]].<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=O84eYLVHvB0C&pg=PA591 A Dictionary of Islam]: By Thomas Patrick Hughes ISBN 81-206-0672-8 Page 591</ref><ref>Death and Religion in a Changing World by Kathleen Garces-Foley. Page 188. ISBN 0-7656-1221-6.</ref><ref>Surinder Singh Kohli, ''Sikhism and Major World Religions'' Singh Brothers, Amritsar, 1995, page 96. ISBN 81-7205-134-4</ref> Sikhs are instructed to transcend and merge one's soul directly with God. The Sikh has to rise above ego in order to escape repetitive reincarnation<ref name=autogenerated2 /> and attain permanent union with the creative immanence of God.<ref>Daljeet Singh, ''Sikhism: A Comparative Study of its Theology and Mysticism.'' Singh Brothers, Amritsar, 1998, page 224.</ref> Having done so, the soul retains its identity; man and God are never ontologically identical.<ref>Daljeet Singh, page 227.</ref>


==Harmandir Sahib and Mecca==
==Harmandir Sahib and Mecca==
{{wide image|Golden temple pano.jpg|760px|The Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple).}}
{{wide image|Golden temple pano.jpg|760px|The Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple).}}
The [[Golden Temple]] Amritsar India ([[Sri Harimandir Sahib]] Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs.
[[Harmandir Sahib]], also known as "The Golden Temple" is a prominent [[Sikh]] ''[[gurdwara]]'' located in the city of [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (India)]]. Harmandir Sahib is considered holy by Sikhs because the eternal guru of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside it and its construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to come and worship God equally.<ref name="sikhs.org">[http://www.sikhs.org/granth.htm The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib]</ref> In keeping with the rule observed at all Sikh temples worldwide, the Harmandir Sahib is open to all persons regardless of their religion, colour, creed, or gender.


As advised by Sri [[Guru Amar Dass]] (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri [[Guru Ram Dass]] (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri [[Guru Arjan Dev]] (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.
The temple is surrounded by a large pool of water, known as the Sarovar, which consists of ''Amrit'' ("holy water" or "immortal nectar"). There are four entrances to the temple, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness. Inside the temple complex there are many shrines to past Sikh gurus, saints and martyrs (''see map''). There are three holy trees (''bers''), each signifying a historical event. Inside the temple there are many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and a display of Sikh artifacts belonging to Sikh gurus and martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in World Wars I and II.


The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.In the Golden Temple Community Kitchen,[[Langar]] at an average 75,000 devotees or tourists take langar in the Community Kitchen daily; but the number becomes almost double on special occasions.<ref name="sikhs.org">[http://www.sikhs.org/granth.htm The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib]</ref>
The third of the six grand Mughals, Emperor [[Akbar]], who visited the third Sikh guru, [[Guru Amar Das]], in the neighbouring town of [[Goindval]], was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gave a ''[[jagir]]'' (the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity) to the guru's daughter Bhani (as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh guru, [[Guru Ram Das]]). Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town was named after Guru Ram Das as ''Guru Ka Chak', ''Chak Ram Das'' or ''Ram Das Pura''.
The temple was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev, installed the Guru Granth Sahib in it and appointed [[Baba Buddha]] as the first [[Granthi]] (reader) of it on August 1604. In the mid-18th century it was attacked by the Afghans, by one of [[Ahmed Shah Abdali]]'s generals, Jahan Khan, and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s.


[[File:Masjid al-Haram panorama.JPG|thumb|center|850px|<div class="center">[[Masjid al-Haram]] Mecca.</div>]]
[[File:Masjid al-Haram panorama.JPG|thumb|center|850px|<div class="center">[[Masjid al-Haram]] Mecca.</div>]]
[[Mecca]] is a city in the [[Hijaz]] and the capital of [[Makkah province]] in [[Saudi Arabia]]. As the birthplace of Muhammad and a site of the composition of the Quran,<ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ZcMHD5WWL7AC&pg=PA26&dq=quran+revealed+medina+mecca&hl=en&ei=n9wFTvG7F8q68gPK2IHfDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false Historical value of the Qur'ân and the Ḥadith] A.M. Khan</ref><ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5ShMqiiJbNYC&pg=PA61&dq=qur'an+revealed+medina+mecca+surah&hl=en&ei=oOAFTry8H4as8gOv5-XpDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q&f=false What Everyone Should Know About the Qur'an] Ahmed Al-Laithy</ref> Mecca is regarded as the [[holy city|holiest city]] in Islam,<ref>Nasr, Seyyed. Mecca, The Blessed, Medina, The Radiant: The Holiest Cities of Islam. Aperture. 2005</ref> and a [[pilgrimage]] to it, known as the [[Hajj]], is [[Pillars of Islam|obligatory]] upon all able Muslims.
[[Mecca]] is a city in the [[Hijaz]] and the capital of [[Makkah province]] in [[Saudi Arabia]]. As the birthplace of Muhammad and a site of the composition of the Quran,<ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ZcMHD5WWL7AC&pg=PA26&dq=quran+revealed+medina+mecca&hl=en&ei=n9wFTvG7F8q68gPK2IHfDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false Historical value of the Qur'ân and the Ḥadith] A.M. Khan</ref><ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5ShMqiiJbNYC&pg=PA61&dq=qur'an+revealed+medina+mecca+surah&hl=en&ei=oOAFTry8H4as8gOv5-XpDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q&f=false What Everyone Should Know About the Qur'an] Ahmed Al-Laithy</ref> Mecca is regarded as the [[holy city|holiest city]] in Islam,<ref>Nasr, Seyyed. Mecca, The Blessed, Medina, The Radiant: The Holiest Cities of Islam. Aperture. 2005</ref> and a [[pilgrimage]] to it, known as the [[Hajj]], is [[Pillars of Islam|obligatory]] upon all able Muslims.

According to Islamic tradition, the history of Mecca goes back to [[Abraham]] ([[Islamic view of Abraham|Ibrahim]]) who built the [[Kaaba]] with the help of his elder son [[Ishmael]] in around 2000 BCE when the inhabitants of what was then known as [[Bakkah]] had fallen away from the original [[monotheism]] of Abraham through the influence of the [[Amalek|Amelkites]].<ref>{{CathEncy|wstitle=Mecca}}</ref> However, outside of Islamic tradition, little is known about the Kaaba before the 5th century CE. Islamic tradition attributes the beginning of Mecca to Ishmael's descendants. [[Ptolemy]] may have called the city "Macoraba", though this identification is controversial.<ref>P. Crone, ''Meccan Trade and the Rise of Islam'', p134-135.</ref> Archaeology found no inscriptions or mentions of Mecca from before that time, although other cities and kingdoms in that region are well documented in historical records. Around the 5th century CE, the Kaaba was a place of worship for the deities of [[Arabian mythology|Arabia's pagan tribes]]. Mecca's most important [[Paganism|pagan]] [[deity]] was [[Hubal]], which had been placed there by the ruling [[Quraysh (tribe)|Quraysh]] tribe<ref>Hawting, p. 44</ref><ref>''Islamic World'', p. 20</ref> and remained until the 7th century CE.


According to Islamic tradition, the history of Mecca goes back to [[Abraham]] ([[Islamic view of Abraham|Ibrahim]]) who built the [[Kaaba]] with the help of his elder son [[Ishmael]] in around 2000 BCE when the inhabitants of what was then known as [[Bakkah]] had fallen away from the original [[monotheism]] of Abraham through the influence of the [[Amalek|Amelkites]].<ref>{{CathEncy|wstitle=Mecca}}</ref> However, outside of Islamic tradition, little is known about the Kaaba before the 5th century CE. Islamic tradition attributes the beginning of Mecca to Ishmael's descendants...<ref>P. Crone, ''Meccan Trade and the Rise of Islam'', p134-135.</ref> Around the 5th century CE, the Kaaba was a place of worship for the deities of [[Arabian mythology|Arabia's pagan tribes]]. tribe<ref>Hawting, p. 44</ref><ref>''Islamic World'', p. 20</ref> and remained until the 7th century CE.
The ancient or early name for the site of Mecca is Bakkah (also transliterated Baca, Baka, Bakah, Bakka, Becca, Bekka, etc.).<ref name=Kipferp342>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=XneTstDbcC0C&pg=PA342&dq=mecca+bakkah#v=onepage&q=mecca%20bakkah&f=false|page=342|title=Encyclopedic dictionary of archaeology|author=Barbara Ann Kipfer|edition=Illustrated|publisher=Springer|year=2000|isbn=0-306-46158-7, 9780306461583}}</ref><ref name=Glassep302>{{cite book|page=302|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=focLrox-frUC&pg=PA302&dq=mecca+bakkah#v=onepage&q=mecca%20bakkah&f=false|title=The new encyclopedia of Islam|author=Cyril Glassé and Huston Smith|edition=Revised, illustrated|publisher=Rowman Altamira|year=2003|isbn=0-7591-0190-6, 9780759101906}}</ref><ref name=Phippsp85>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=uRGoSE8AFAAC&pg=PA85&dq=mecca+becca#v=onepage&q=mecca%20becca&f=false|page=85|title=Muhammad and Jesus: a comparison of the prophets and their teachings|author=William E. Phipps|edition=Illustrated|publisher=Continuum International Publishing Group|year=1999|isbn=0-8264-1207-6, 9780826412072}}</ref> An [[Arabic language]] word, its [[etymology]], like that of Mecca, is obscure.<ref name=Versteeghp513>{{cite book|page=513|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=OWQOAQAAMAAJ&q=bakka+%22etymologically+obscure%22&dq=bakka+%22etymologically+obscure%22|title=Encyclopedia of Arabic language and linguistics, Volume 4|author=Kees Versteegh|editor=C. H. M. Versteegh and Kees Versteegh|edition=Illustrated|publisher=Brill|year=2008|isbn=90-04-14476-5, 9789004144767}}</ref> Widely believed to be a synonym for Mecca, it is said to be more specifically the early name for the valley located therein, while Muslim scholars generally use it to refer to the sacred area of the city that immediately surrounds and includes the Kaaba.<ref name=Petersonp22>{{cite book|pages=22–25|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=9zpbEj0xA_sC&pg=PA47&dq=mecca+becca#v=onepage&q=becca&f=false|title=Muhammad, prophet of God|author=Daniel C. Peterson|publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing|year=2007|isbn=0-8028-0754-2, 9780802807540}}</ref><ref name=Maulawip753>{{cite book|title=The Holy Quran with English Translation|author=Sher Ali Maulawi, Mirza Tahir, Ahmad Hadhrat|publisher=Islam International|year=2004|isbn=1-85372-779-2, 9781853727795|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=8hCktJb64WIC&pg=PA753&dq=mecca+becca#v=onepage&q=mecca%20becca&f=false|page=753}}</ref>
<ref name=Kipferp342>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=XneTstDbcC0C&pg=PA342&dq=mecca+bakkah#v=onepage&q=mecca%20bakkah&f=false|page=342|title=Encyclopedic dictionary of archaeology|author=Barbara Ann Kipfer|edition=Illustrated|publisher=Springer|year=2000|isbn=0-306-46158-7, 9780306461583}}</ref><ref name=Glassep302>{{cite book|page=302|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=focLrox-frUC&pg=PA302&dq=mecca+bakkah#v=onepage&q=mecca%20bakkah&f=false|title=The new encyclopedia of Islam|author=Cyril Glassé and Huston Smith|edition=Revised, illustrated|publisher=Rowman Altamira|year=2003|isbn=0-7591-0190-6, 9780759101906}}</ref><ref name=Phippsp85>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=uRGoSE8AFAAC&pg=PA85&dq=mecca+becca#v=onepage&q=mecca%20becca&f=false|page=85|title=Muhammad and Jesus: a comparison of the prophets and their teachings|author=William E. Phipps|edition=Illustrated|publisher=Continuum International Publishing Group|year=1999|isbn=0-8264-1207-6, 9780826412072}}</ref> An [[Arabic language]] word, its [[etymology]], like that of Mecca, is obscure.<ref name=Versteeghp513>{{cite book|page=513|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=OWQOAQAAMAAJ&q=bakka+%22etymologically+obscure%22&dq=bakka+%22etymologically+obscure%22|title=Encyclopedia of Arabic language and linguistics, Volume 4|author=Kees Versteegh|editor=C. H. M. Versteegh and Kees Versteegh|edition=Illustrated|publisher=Brill|year=2008|isbn=90-04-14476-5, 9789004144767}}</ref> Widely believed to be a synonym for Mecca, it is said to be more specifically the early name for the valley located therein, while Muslim scholars generally use it to refer to the sacred area of the city that immediately surrounds and includes the Kaaba.<ref name=Petersonp22>{{cite book|pages=22–25|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=9zpbEj0xA_sC&pg=PA47&dq=mecca+becca#v=onepage&q=becca&f=false|title=Muhammad, prophet of God|author=Daniel C. Peterson|publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing|year=2007|isbn=0-8028-0754-2, 9780802807540}}</ref><ref name=Maulawip753>{{cite book|title=The Holy Quran with English Translation|author=Sher Ali Maulawi, Mirza Tahir, Ahmad Hadhrat|publisher=Islam International|year=2004|isbn=<!--1-85372-779-2, -->9781853727795|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=8hCktJb64WIC&pg=PA753&dq=mecca+becca#v=onepage&q=mecca%20becca&f=false|page=753}}</ref>


The pilgrimage to Mecca involves millions of Muslims from all over the world to pray, women are to pray behind the men.
The pilgrimage to Mecca involves millions of Muslims from all over the world to pray, women are to pray behind the men.
There are two pilgrimages, the ''[[Hajj]]'' and the ''[[Umrah]]''. Once a year, the Hajj, the greater pilgrimage, takes place in Mecca and nearby sites. During the Hajj, several million people of varying nationalities worship in unison. Every adult, healthy, sane Muslim who has the financial and physical capacity to travel to Mecca and can make arrangements for the care of his/her dependents during the trip, must perform the Hajj once in a lifetime. ''Umrah'', the lesser pilgrimage, is not obligatory, but is recommended in the Qur'an.<ref>{{cite article|title=What is Umrah?|url=http://islamonline.com/news/articles/21/What_is_Umrah_.html}}</ref> Often, they perform the ''Umrah'' while visiting the [[Masjid al-Haram]].
There are two pilgrimages, the ''[[Hajj]]'' and the ''[[Umrah]]''. Once a year, the Hajj, the greater pilgrimage, takes place in Mecca and nearby sites. During the Hajj, several million people of varying nationalities worship in unison. Every adult, healthy, sane Muslim who has the financial and physical capacity to travel to Mecca and can make arrangements for the care of his/her dependents during the trip, must perform the Hajj once in a lifetime. ''Umrah'', the lesser pilgrimage, is not obligatory, but is recommended in the Qur'an.<ref>{{cite news|title=What is Umrah?|url=http://islamonline.com/news/articles/21/What_is_Umrah_.html}}</ref> Often, they perform the ''Umrah'' while visiting the [[Masjid al-Haram]].


==Sufis and Sikhs ==
==Sufi saints in the Guru Granth Sahib==
The Sikh Gurus had coordial relations with many Sufi Saints .The words of [[Baba Farid]] that resonates with panenthiestic Sikh Philosophy were included in Guru Granth Sahib by fifth Guru [[Guru Arjan Dev]] for example
* [[Bhagat Beni]]<ref>[http://gurbani.net/religion/bhagats&othersaints/beni.htm Bhagat Beni Ji]</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Sikhism|author=Harban Singh|coauthors=Punjabi University |year=1998|publisher=[http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/pages/index.htm Punjabi University]|isbn=81-7380-530-X}}</ref>

* [[Bhagat Bhikhan]]<ref name=autogenerated1 />
''"Fareed, the Creator is in the Creation, and the Creation abides in God. Whom can we call bad? There is none without Him. ||75||'' "(Guru Granth Sahib)
* [[Fariduddin Ganjshakar]] (Baba Farid)<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref>[http://allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41 A Gateway to Sikhism | Sikh Bhagats : Baba Sheikh Farid Ji – A Gateway to Sikhism]</ref>
* [[Bhagat Sadhana]]<ref name=autogenerated1 />


In December 1588, a Sufi saint of [[Lahore]], [[Mian Mir]],<ref name=autogenerated1/><ref>[http://allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11 A Gateway to Sikhism | The Sikh Saints:Mian Mir – A Gateway to Sikhism]</ref> who was a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev, initiated the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) by laying the first foundation stone.<ref>[http://sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asp Harmandir Sahib Amritsar, Swarn Mandir India, Golden Temple India, Swarna Mandir Amritsar, Swarn Mandir In Punjab]</ref>
==Sufi saint: Hazrat Mian Mir construction of Golden Temple==
In December 1588, the Sufi saint of [[Lahore]], [[Mian Mir]],<ref name=autogenerated1/><ref>[http://allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11 A Gateway to Sikhism | The Sikh Saints:Mian Mir – A Gateway to Sikhism]</ref> who was a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev, initiated the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) by laying the first foundation stone.<ref>[http://sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asp Harmandir Sahib Amritsar, Swarn Mandir India, Golden Temple India, Swarna Mandir Amritsar, Swarn Mandir In Punjab]</ref>


However in 1762, [[Ahmad Shah Durrani|Ahmad Shah]], founder of the modern state of Afghanistan (a Hanafi Sunni Islamist) attacked the [[Harmandir Sahib|Golden Temple]] in [[Amritsar]]. He blew up the building with gunpowder <ref name="sikhee.com">http://www.sikhee.com/Shaheed-Ganj-Lahore.htm</ref> and filled its sacred pool with the blood of slaughtered cows. Durrani captured Amritsar in 1757, and sacked the [[Harmandir Sahib]] at which point the famous [[Baba Deep Singh]] and some of his loyalists were killed by the Afghans.<ref name=deol>{{cite book
Peer Buddhu Shah and Shah Bhikhan were very close to tenth Guru [[Guru Gobind]] Singh . <ref name="sikhee.com">http://www.sikhee.com/Shaheed-Ganj-Lahore.htm</ref> .<ref name=deol>{{cite book
| last = Deol
| last = Deol
| first = Harnik
| first = Harnik
Line 132: Line 137:
| isbn = 978-0-415-20108-7
| isbn = 978-0-415-20108-7
| nopp = true
| nopp = true
| page = The case of Punjab; 189 }}</ref> This final act was to be the start of long lasting bitterness between Sikhs and Afghans.<ref>A Punjabi saying of those times was "khada peeta laahey daa, te rehnda Ahmad Shahey daa" which translates to, "what we eat and drink is our property; the rest belongs to Ahmad Shah."
| page = The case of Punjab; 189 }}</ref> <ref>A Punjabi saying of those times was "khada peeta laahey daa, te rehnda Ahmad Shahey daa" which translates to, "what we eat and drink is our property; the rest belongs to Ahmad Shah."
</ref><ref name="news.webindia123.com">[http://news.webindia123.com/news/ar_showdetails.asp?id=702050232&cat=&n_date=20070205 Pak delegation arrives to celebrate Bhai Mardana's 550 birth anniversary]</ref> ,<ref>[http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/mardana.html Sikh Personalities]</ref><ref>[http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29 A Gateway to Sikhism | Early Gursikhs: Bhai Mardana – A Gateway to Sikhism]</ref> <ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref name="news.webindia123.com"/> <ref name="allaboutsikhs.com">[http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/sikh-bhagats/sikh-bhagats-bhagat-bhikhan-ji.html Sikh Bhagats :Bhagat Bhikhan Ji]</ref> <ref name="allaboutsikhs.com"/>
</ref>


==Bhai Mardana : Muslim follower of Guru Nanak==
[[Bhai Mardana]] (1459–1534) was a Muslim<ref name="news.webindia123.com">[http://news.webindia123.com/news/ar_showdetails.asp?id=702050232&cat=&n_date=20070205 Pak delegation arrives to celebrate Bhai Mardana's 550 birth anniversary]</ref> and one of the first followers alongside [[Bhai Bala]],<ref>[http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/gurus/mardana.html Sikh Personalities]</ref><ref>[http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29 A Gateway to Sikhism | Early Gursikhs: Bhai Mardana – A Gateway to Sikhism]</ref> who travelled with Nanak in his early journeys across India and Asia. On his later journeys, Nanak was accompanied by Saido and Greho, and Mardana remained with his family.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> Mardana was born a Muslim<ref name="news.webindia123.com"/> to a Mirasi couple, Badra and Lakkho, of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (modern [[Nankana Sahib]], capital of [[Nankana Sahib District]] of [[Pakistan]]).


* [[Bhagat Beni]]<ref>[http://gurbani.net/religion/bhagats&othersaints/beni.htm Bhagat Beni Ji]</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Sikhism|author=Harban Singh|coauthors=Punjabi University |year=1998|publisher=[http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/pages/index.htm Punjabi University]|isbn=81-7380-530-X}}</ref>
==Shah Bhikhan==
* [[Bhagat Bhikhan]]<ref name=autogenerated1 />
[[Pir (Sufism)|Pir]] Bhikhan Shah, a 17th-century Sufi saint, was born the son of [[Sayyid]] Muhammad Yusaf of Siana Sayyidari, a village {{convert|5|km|abbr=on}} from [[Pehowa]] (in modern [[Kurukshetra|Kurukshetra district]] of [[Haryana]]). For a time, he lived at Ghuram in present day [[Patiala district]] of the [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] and finally settled at Thaska, again in Kurukshetra district. He was the disciple of Abu l-Muali Shah, a Sufi divine residing at Ambhita, near [[Saharanpur]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], and soon became a saint of much repute and piety in his own right.
* [[Fariduddin Ganjshakar]] (Baba Farid)<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref>[http://allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41 A Gateway to Sikhism | Sikh Bhagats : Baba Sheikh Farid Ji – A Gateway to Sikhism]</ref>

* [[Bhagat Sadhana]]<ref name=autogenerated1 />
According to a tradition preserved in Bhai Santokh Singh, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth, Pir Bhikhan Shah, as he learnt through intuition of the birth of Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708) at [[Patna]], made obeisance that day to the east instead of to the west. At this, his disciples demurred, for no Muslim should make such respectful gestures except towards the Kaaba in Mecca.

The pir explained that in a city in the east, God had revealed Himself through a newborn baby, to whom he had bowed and to no ordinary mortal. Bhikhan Shah with his disciples then traveled all the way to Patna to have a glimpse of the infant Gobind Rai, barely three months old. Desiring to know what would be his attitude to the two major religious peoples of India, he placed two small pots in front of the child, one representing in his own mind Hindus and the other Muslims. As the child covered both the pots simultaneously with his tiny hands, Bhikhan Shah felt happy concluding that the new seer would treat both Hindus and Muslims alike and show equal respect to both.

Sikh chronicles<ref name="allaboutsikhs.com">[http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/sikh-bhagats/sikh-bhagats-bhagat-bhikhan-ji.html Sikh Bhagats :Bhagat Bhikhan Ji]</ref> record another meeting between Guru Gobind Singh and Pir Bhikhan Shah, which took place in 1672 when the latter went to see him at Lakhnaur, near [[Ambala]], where he was halting for some time on his way from Patna to [[Kiratpur]].<ref name="allaboutsikhs.com"/>


== Recent relations ==
== Recent relations ==
Line 156: Line 155:
Today in the Indian subcontinent, relations between Indians and Pakistanis are very positive since relations between India and Pakistan have improved overall in the last 10 years, both countries have experienced increased levels of tourism by Pakistani Muslims wishing to visit Indian Islamic shrines or sport events in India, or Sikhs wishing to visit the few historical gurudwaras in neighboring [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] in Pakistan.<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=43667 India to ease visa rules for Pakistanis]</ref><ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/07/14/india.raedler/index.html On the scene: Musharraf tribute at Gandhi shrine]</ref>
Today in the Indian subcontinent, relations between Indians and Pakistanis are very positive since relations between India and Pakistan have improved overall in the last 10 years, both countries have experienced increased levels of tourism by Pakistani Muslims wishing to visit Indian Islamic shrines or sport events in India, or Sikhs wishing to visit the few historical gurudwaras in neighboring [[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]] in Pakistan.<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=43667 India to ease visa rules for Pakistanis]</ref><ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/07/14/india.raedler/index.html On the scene: Musharraf tribute at Gandhi shrine]</ref>


There are, however, tensions that remain in [[United Kingdom|UK]] between Sikhs and Muslims regarding some allegations that some Sikhs have been forced to convert to Islam.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/documentaries/forcedconversions.shtml "Forced" Conversions: An Investigation]</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6738455.stm Protest march over 'conversions']</ref>
There are, however, tensions that remain in [[United Kingdom|UK]] between Sikhs and Muslims regarding some allegations that some Sikhs have been [[forced to convert to Islam]].<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/documentaries/forcedconversions.shtml "Forced" Conversions: An Investigation]</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6738455.stm Protest march over 'conversions']</ref>


In 2009, the [[Taliban]] in [[Pakistan]] demanded that Sikhs in the region pay them the ''[[jizya]]'' (poll tax levied by Muslims on non-Muslim minorities).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090417/world.htm#6 |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – World |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-09}}</ref>
In 2009, the [[Taliban]] in [[Pakistan]] demanded that Sikhs in the region pay them the ''[[jizya]]'' (poll tax levied by Muslims on non-Muslim minorities).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090417/world.htm#6 |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – World |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-09}}</ref>
Line 164: Line 163:
== Ahmadiyya Muslims and Sikhism ==
== Ahmadiyya Muslims and Sikhism ==
Sikhs and [[Ahmadi Muslims]] have historically had very good relations. A lot of Sikh religious representatives are often invited to the Ahmadiyya National Jalsa in Qadian, India.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Put_wXeueoM Ahmadiyya as viewed by others – Kashmira Singh (Punjabi)]. YouTube (2008-01-25). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref> Even today Sikhs have very good relations with the Ahmadi Muslims.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KLoBg17mZw&feature=related Ahmadiyya as viewed by others – Mr. Inderjeet Opal]. YouTube (2008-01-25). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref> The Fourth Calif of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community referred to Sikhs as his own brothers. In 2005 the fifth Calif of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community visited Qadian India where he met several Sikh leaders who showed him great love and affection due to their historical strong ties with Ahmadies.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8FoCgYoYdg Hazrat Khalifa Tul Massih V in Qadian]. YouTube (2007-04-21). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref>
Sikhs and [[Ahmadi Muslims]] have historically had very good relations. A lot of Sikh religious representatives are often invited to the Ahmadiyya National Jalsa in Qadian, India.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Put_wXeueoM Ahmadiyya as viewed by others – Kashmira Singh (Punjabi)]. YouTube (2008-01-25). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref> Even today Sikhs have very good relations with the Ahmadi Muslims.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KLoBg17mZw&feature=related Ahmadiyya as viewed by others – Mr. Inderjeet Opal]. YouTube (2008-01-25). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref> The Fourth Calif of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community referred to Sikhs as his own brothers. In 2005 the fifth Calif of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community visited Qadian India where he met several Sikh leaders who showed him great love and affection due to their historical strong ties with Ahmadies.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8FoCgYoYdg Hazrat Khalifa Tul Massih V in Qadian]. YouTube (2007-04-21). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref>
Ahmadies view Guru Nanak as a very holy person and a great Saint. Thus Guru Nanak serves as a great uniting factor between Ahmadi Muslims and Sikhs. In fact Sikhism as known today was started around 200 years after the Gurus death. Guru Nanak did not teach the 5 k's of Sikhism. These were introduced by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who also introduced the element of militancy into Sikhism. They claim that Guru Gobind Singh had political problems with the Moghuls (who were Muslims) some of whom at times unfairly persecuted non-Muslims. As a result of these political wars some people of the Punjab region started resenting the Moghuls and all that they stood for; which of course included their religion Islam. Overtime the movement against Moghuls became stronger and stronger and the hatred towards Moghuls also turned into hatred towards Islam by some Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh played a key role in organising a military against the Moghuls and introduced the 5 k's to them as well.<ref name="alislam.org">[http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000181.html Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]. Alislam.org. Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref>

At the time of Guru Nanak's death there were no Sikhs as known today. At his funeral only Muslims and Hindus were present and both demanded the body of Guru Nanak. Hindus wanted to burn it as they claimed that he was born into a Hindu family. Muslims wanted to bury the body .<ref>[http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000180.html Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]. Alislam.org. Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref> The founder of the Ahmadiyya, [[Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]], also wrote a book called ''Sat Bachan'' in the late 19th century in which he defended Guru Nanak against attacks by a prominent Hindu leader of the time. In his book, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad demonstrates that Guru Nanak was not a person of bad character as claimed by some Hindus at the time but was a very pious holy saint.<ref name="alislam.org"/><ref name="alislam.org"/><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnPQNY_9-DI&feature=related Urdu Question – Is there anything common between Sikhs and Muslims? Guru Baba Nanak]. YouTube (2009-09-29). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref>
Ahmadies view Guru Nanak as a very holy person and a great Saint. Thus Guru Nanak serves as a great uniting factor between Ahmadi Muslims and Sikhs. However like some other Muslims, Ahmadies also regard Guru Nanak as a Muslim Saint. Ahmadies hold the view that Guru Nanak did not come to start a new religion as he mentions in several of his speeches. In fact Sikhism as known today was started around 200 years after the Gurus death. Guru Nanak did not teach the 5 k's of Sikhism. These were introduced by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who also introduced the element of militancy into Sikhism. They claim that Guru Gobind Singh had political problems with the Moghuls (who were Muslims) some of whom at times unfairly persecuted non-Muslims. As a result of these political wars some people of the Punjab region started resenting the Moghuls and all that they stood for; which of course included their religion Islam. Overtime the movement against Moghuls became stronger and stronger and the hatred towards Moghuls also turned into hatred towards Islam by some Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh played a key role in organising a military against the Moghuls and introduced the 5 k's to them as well.<ref name="alislam.org">[http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000181.html Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]. Alislam.org. Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref>

At the time of Guru Nanak's death there were no Sikhs as known today. At his funeral only Muslims and Hindus were present and both demanded the body of Guru Nanak. Hindus wanted to burn it as they claimed that he was born into a Hindu family. Muslims wanted to bury the body because they claimed he had converted to Islam and hence should be buried in an Islamic fashion and an Islamic funeral prayer should be carried out. Today Muslims present this as one of the arguments in favour of the claim that Guru Nanak was a Muslim as Muslims do not offer the Islamic funeral prayer for anyone who is not a Muslim regardless of his worldly position.<ref>[http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000180.html Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]. Alislam.org. Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref>

The founder of the Ahmadiyya, [[Mirza Ghulam Ahmad]], also wrote a book called ''Sat Bachan'' in the late 19th century in which he defended Guru Nanak against attacks by a prominent Hindu leader of the time. In his book, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad demonstrates that Guru Nanak was not a person of bad character as claimed by some Hindus at the time but was a very pious holy saint. Later in the book, attention is drawn to several belongings of Guru Nanak such as his ''chola'' (a long garment that Guru Nanak used to wear) which had Quranic verses written on it.<ref name="alislam.org"/><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnPQNY_9-DI&feature=related Urdu Question – Is there anything common between Sikhs and Muslims? Guru Baba Nanak]. YouTube (2009-09-29). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.</ref> Along with this historical fact the author presents several other arguments which attempt to show that Guru Nanak was a Muslim.<ref name="alislam.org"/>


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 09:07, 20 January 2014

Islam is an Abrahamic religion and Sikhism is a dharmic religion. Unlike the Abrahmic Monotheism of Islam, Panentheism i.e. one creator(Ik Onkar) pervading the whole of creation and beyond, describes Sikh theology more precisely. The prophet Mohammad founded Islam, whereas Sikhism is attributed to Guru Nanak. The Quran and the Guru Granth Sahib are the main texts of Muslims and Sikhs respectively. [1] In Islam, the legal system based on the Quran and the Sunnah is known as Sharia; there are no such legal system mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib.

Basics of Islam ,Sikhism Theology

Islam's most fundamental concept is a rigorous monotheism, called tawhīd (Arabic: توحيد). God is described in chapter 112 of the Qur'an as "Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him."(112:1-4) Belief in the "Day of Resurrection/Judgement Day ", Yawm al-Qiyāmah (Arabic: يوم القيامة) is also crucial for Muslims. They believe the time of Qiyāmah is preordained by God but unknown to man. The trials and tribulations preceding and during the Qiyāmah are described in the Quran and the hadith. The Qur'an emphasizes bodily resurrection ie All Dead beings will be recreated by Allah on this day , a break from the pre-Islamic Arabian understanding of death.Beleivers will be ultimatemly awarded heavens and Non-Beleivers will suffer in Hell fire eternally .

For Sikhism very first verse of Guru Granth Sahib known as Mool Mantra or Root Mantra describe God as " One Universal Creator Immanent throughout His Creation . Thy Name Is Truth, Beyond Fear, Beyond Hatred,Beyond Time , Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru's Grace~ Chant : True In The Primal Beginning. True Throughout The Ages. True Here And Now. O Nanak, Forever And Ever True. ||1||

Aim of a Sikh is to realise his or her own True-Self or Oneness,Duality is just an illusion due to five vices 1)Kam ie Lust ,2)Krodh ie Anger ,3)Lobh ie Greed ,4)Moh ie attachment ,5)Ahankaar ie Ego.

"Everything is within the home of the self; there is nothing beyond. One who searches outside is deluded by doubt. By Guru's Grace, one who has found the Lord within is happy, inwardly and outwardly. ||1||" "Guru Granth Sahib ang 102.

The Sikh Gurus and Muslim contemporaries

The relations between earlier Sikh Gurus and earlier Islamic Mughal Empire were not much strained , During his fourth journey Udasi Guru Nanak visited many middle eastern countries to preach his message of Truth .In an incident mentioned by a noted Sikh Scholar Bhai Gurdas ,it appeared to a Qazi that Kaaba followed the direction of Guru Nanak's feet ,when qazi objected and rotated the feet of Guru Nanak , who was sleeping with his feet facing Kaaba .[2] [3] Mughal Empror Akbar also visited third Sikh Guru,Guru Amardas at Goindwal and taken Langar ie free kitchen there and offered donations for Langar .

But with the rise of fundamentalists such as Ahmad Sirhindi also described as Mujaddid Alf Thānī, meaning the "reviver of the second millennium Islam" in the Mughal Empire ,began the persecution of Non Muslims in the empire . Fifth Guru ,Guru Arjan was executed by Jahangir. [4][5][6]

Guru Hargobind, (sixth Guru of the Sikhs), after the Martyrdom Guru Arjan Dev saw that it would no longer be possible to protect the Sikh community without the aid of arms.[7] He built Akal Takhat the Throne of the Immortal and it is the highest political institution of the Sikhs and he also wore two swords of Miri and piri [8]

Guru Tegh Bahadur(ninth Guru) was beheaded at chandini chowk Delhi for protection of Hindus of Kashmir who were forced to convert to Islam by Aurangzeb , along with fellow devotees Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Sati Dass and Bhai Dayalaa. Tenth Guru Guru Gobind Singh formed Khalsa known as Army of Akal Purakh (Immortal) and Gave 5 Ks to Khalsa .

Two of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh aged only 9 and 7 were bricked up alive by Wazir Khan in Sirhand (Punjab).

When Guru Gobind singh was in South India ,he sent Banda Singh Bahadur to chastise the tyrannical Mughal faiy`dar of Sirhind.Banda Singh captured Sirhind and laid the foundation of Sikh empire [9]

.[10]

After the death of Bandha, the Sikh Misls(Sikh confedracies) came to power in a series of sweeping military and diplomatic victories.

Ranjit Singh united these confedaries into one large Empire. The empire comprised almost 200,000 square miles (520,000 km2) that included the following modern day political divisions made up: Punjab (India and Pakistan)Jammu, Haryana,Himachal Pradesh(India), Kashmir, conquered in 1818( India/Pakistan/China) Gilgit, Northern Areas, Khyber Pass, Peshawar, Pakistan North-West Frontier Province and FATA(Pakistan ,Afghanistan ), Parts of Western Tibet (1841), (China)

The Empire remained united until the death of Ranjit Singh after which it fragmented and the British wrested control in the Anglo-Sikh wars.

Differences between Islam and Sikhism

The Five Pillars of Islam (Template:Lang-ar) is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. These duties are Shahada (Profession of Faith), Salat (prayers), Zakat (Giving of Alms), Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These five practices are essential to Sunni Islam; Shi'a Muslims subscribe to eight ritual practices which substantially overlap with the five Pillars.[11] .[12]

The Three Pillars of Sikhism Guru Nanak formalised three basic guidlines for Sikhs: Naam Japna (focus of God), Kirat Karni (honest living) and Vand Chakna (sharing with others).

Sikhs are prohibited from eating halal and kosher food or any other ritually slaughtered (known as kutha meat) meat or fish.[13] Sikhs eat (Jhatka) meat , although Gurudwara langar is largely lacto-vegetarian, though this is understood to be a result of efforts to present a meal that is respectful of the diets of any person who would wish to dine, rather than out of dogma. Sikhs do not believe in pilgrimages; Muslims, in contrast, consider Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) a crucial part of the faith. Male Sikhs do not circumcise unlike Muslim males.

Role and Equality of Women

The Quran dedicates numerous verses to Muslim women, their role, duties and rights, in addition to Sura 4 with 176 verses named An-Nisa (women). Some verses are considered as key in defining gender roles in Islam, one being verse 4.34:

Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great''.

In Qur'an, surah 2:182 equates two women as substitute for one man, in matters requiring witnesses.

Qurn differentiates on the Gender basis and its states that "the men are a degree above them" ,Women are expected to be obidient to their husbands . Muslim woman can marry a Muslim only , Divorce parameters are also different for both genders .Polygamy is allowed in Islam .The right to own slave women, seized during military campaigns and jihad against non-believing pagans and infidels from Southern Europe to Africa to India to Central Asia, was considered a natural right of a Muslim .[14] Sharia ,.[15][16][17][18]

In Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib stated that the Sikh woman has all the rights and privileges enjoyed by a man. She is considered to have the same soul as man and has equal right to grow spiritually. The Sikh woman is allowed to lead religious congregations, to take part in Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), to perform Kirtan, to work as Granthi (priest) or a preacher and to participate freely in all religious, cultural, social, political and secular activities.

From woman, man is born,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. So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.' Guru Nanak, Raag Aasaa Mehal 1, Page 473

Islamic predestination

In accordance with the Islamic belief in predestination, or divine preordainment (al-qadā wa l-qadar), God has full knowledge and control over all that occurs. This is explained in Qur'anic verses such as "Say: 'Nothing will happen to us except what God has decreed for us: He is our protector'…"[19] For Muslims, everything in the world that occurs, good or evil, has been preordained and nothing can happen unless permitted by God. In Islamic theology, divine preordainment does not suggest an absence of God's indignation against evil, because any evils that do occur are thought to result in future benefits men may not be able to see. According to Muslim theologians, although events are pre-ordained, man possesses free will in that he has the faculty to choose between right and wrong, and is thus responsible for his actions. According to Islamic tradition, all that has been decreed by God is written in al-Lawh al-Mahfūz, the "Preserved Tablet".[20][21] ,.[22][23][24]

.[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]

Harmandir Sahib and Mecca

The Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple).

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs.

As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.In the Golden Temple Community Kitchen,Langar at an average 75,000 devotees or tourists take langar in the Community Kitchen daily; but the number becomes almost double on special occasions.[33]

Mecca is a city in the Hijaz and the capital of Makkah province in Saudi Arabia. As the birthplace of Muhammad and a site of the composition of the Quran,[34][35] Mecca is regarded as the holiest city in Islam,[36] and a pilgrimage to it, known as the Hajj, is obligatory upon all able Muslims.

According to Islamic tradition, the history of Mecca goes back to Abraham (Ibrahim) who built the Kaaba with the help of his elder son Ishmael in around 2000 BCE when the inhabitants of what was then known as Bakkah had fallen away from the original monotheism of Abraham through the influence of the Amelkites.[37] However, outside of Islamic tradition, little is known about the Kaaba before the 5th century CE. Islamic tradition attributes the beginning of Mecca to Ishmael's descendants...[38] Around the 5th century CE, the Kaaba was a place of worship for the deities of Arabia's pagan tribes. tribe[39][40] and remained until the 7th century CE. [41][42][43] An Arabic language word, its etymology, like that of Mecca, is obscure.[44] Widely believed to be a synonym for Mecca, it is said to be more specifically the early name for the valley located therein, while Muslim scholars generally use it to refer to the sacred area of the city that immediately surrounds and includes the Kaaba.[45][46]

The pilgrimage to Mecca involves millions of Muslims from all over the world to pray, women are to pray behind the men. There are two pilgrimages, the Hajj and the Umrah. Once a year, the Hajj, the greater pilgrimage, takes place in Mecca and nearby sites. During the Hajj, several million people of varying nationalities worship in unison. Every adult, healthy, sane Muslim who has the financial and physical capacity to travel to Mecca and can make arrangements for the care of his/her dependents during the trip, must perform the Hajj once in a lifetime. Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, is not obligatory, but is recommended in the Qur'an.[47] Often, they perform the Umrah while visiting the Masjid al-Haram.

Sufis and Sikhs

The Sikh Gurus had coordial relations with many Sufi Saints .The words of Baba Farid that resonates with panenthiestic Sikh Philosophy were included in Guru Granth Sahib by fifth Guru Guru Arjan Dev for example

"Fareed, the Creator is in the Creation, and the Creation abides in God. Whom can we call bad? There is none without Him. ||75|| "(Guru Granth Sahib)

In December 1588, a Sufi saint of Lahore, Mian Mir,[48][49] who was a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev, initiated the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) by laying the first foundation stone.[50]

Peer Buddhu Shah and Shah Bhikhan were very close to tenth Guru Guru Gobind Singh . [51] .[52] [53][54] ,[55][56] [48][54] [57] [57]


Recent relations

During the partition of India in 1947, there was much bloodshed between Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims, there was mass migration of people from all walks of life to leave their homes and belongings and travel by foot across the new border, on trains and on land people were killed in what was felt to be revenge attacks.

Since 9/11 Sikhs in America have been mistaken for Muslims and endured countless hate crimes, denied employment, bullied in schools and profiled in airports.[60]

Today in the Indian subcontinent, relations between Indians and Pakistanis are very positive since relations between India and Pakistan have improved overall in the last 10 years, both countries have experienced increased levels of tourism by Pakistani Muslims wishing to visit Indian Islamic shrines or sport events in India, or Sikhs wishing to visit the few historical gurudwaras in neighboring Punjab in Pakistan.[61][62]

There are, however, tensions that remain in UK between Sikhs and Muslims regarding some allegations that some Sikhs have been forced to convert to Islam.[63][64]

In 2009, the Taliban in Pakistan demanded that Sikhs in the region pay them the jizya (poll tax levied by Muslims on non-Muslim minorities).[65]

In 2010 the Taliban attacked many minorities including Sikhs resulting in two beheadings.[66]

Ahmadiyya Muslims and Sikhism

Sikhs and Ahmadi Muslims have historically had very good relations. A lot of Sikh religious representatives are often invited to the Ahmadiyya National Jalsa in Qadian, India.[67] Even today Sikhs have very good relations with the Ahmadi Muslims.[68] The Fourth Calif of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community referred to Sikhs as his own brothers. In 2005 the fifth Calif of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community visited Qadian India where he met several Sikh leaders who showed him great love and affection due to their historical strong ties with Ahmadies.[69] Ahmadies view Guru Nanak as a very holy person and a great Saint. Thus Guru Nanak serves as a great uniting factor between Ahmadi Muslims and Sikhs. In fact Sikhism as known today was started around 200 years after the Gurus death. Guru Nanak did not teach the 5 k's of Sikhism. These were introduced by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who also introduced the element of militancy into Sikhism. They claim that Guru Gobind Singh had political problems with the Moghuls (who were Muslims) some of whom at times unfairly persecuted non-Muslims. As a result of these political wars some people of the Punjab region started resenting the Moghuls and all that they stood for; which of course included their religion Islam. Overtime the movement against Moghuls became stronger and stronger and the hatred towards Moghuls also turned into hatred towards Islam by some Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh played a key role in organising a military against the Moghuls and introduced the 5 k's to them as well.[70] At the time of Guru Nanak's death there were no Sikhs as known today. At his funeral only Muslims and Hindus were present and both demanded the body of Guru Nanak. Hindus wanted to burn it as they claimed that he was born into a Hindu family. Muslims wanted to bury the body .[71] The founder of the Ahmadiyya, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, also wrote a book called Sat Bachan in the late 19th century in which he defended Guru Nanak against attacks by a prominent Hindu leader of the time. In his book, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad demonstrates that Guru Nanak was not a person of bad character as claimed by some Hindus at the time but was a very pious holy saint.[70][70][72]

See also

References

  1. ^ Jahangir, Tuzuk, 2, pp. 91-93.
  2. ^ N.D. Ahuja, page 147.
  3. ^ "Sikh Gurus". Sikh-history.com. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  4. ^ Singh, Prof. Kartar (2003-01-01). Life Story Of Guru Nanak. Hemkunt Press. p. 90. ISBN 978-81-7010-162-8. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  5. ^ Singh, Inderpal; Kaur, Madanjit; University, Guru Nanak Dev (1997). Guru Nanak, a global vision. Guru Nanak Dev University. ISBN ASIN: B0000CP9NT. Retrieved 26 November 2010. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  6. ^ Shah, Giriraj (1999). Saints, gurus and mystics of India. Cosmo Publications. p. 378. ISBN 81-7020-856-4. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  7. ^ V. D. Mahajan (1970). Muslim Rule In India. S. Chand, New Delhi, p.223.
  8. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=sTZuAAAAMAAJ&dq=aurangzeb&q=tegh#search_anchor
  9. ^ Singh, Prithi Pal. The history of Sikh Gurus. Lotus Press. p. 158. ISBN 81-8382-075-1. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  10. ^ Abel, Ernest. "Life of Banda Singh".
  11. ^ See: * Mumen (1987), p.178 "Pillars of Islam". Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. {{cite encyclopedia}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  12. ^ Knight, Ian (23 March 1990). Richard (ed.). Queen Victoria's Enemies: India No.3. Men-at-arms (Paperback ed.). Osprey Publishing; illustrated edition. p. 15. ISBN 0-85045-943-5. Retrieved 17 January 2011. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ In pictures: Sikhs in Britain
  14. ^ The Holy Quran -Text, Translation and Commentary (volume 1) by Ayatullah Makarem Shirazi.
  15. ^ Karin van Nieuwkerk (2006-08-01). Women Embracing t. University of Texas Press. ISBN 978-0-292-71302-4. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  16. ^ http://askamufti.com/Answers/ViewQuestion.aspx?QuestionId=1631&CategoryId=35&CategoryName=Women Issues (احكام النساء)
  17. ^ http://askamufti.com/Answers/ViewQuestion.aspx?QuestionId=1632&CategoryId=35&CategoryName=Women Issues (احكام النساء)
  18. ^ http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/financial-issues/earning-livelihood/175434.html
  19. ^ See:
    • Quran 9:51
    • D. Cohen-Mor (2001), p.4: "The idea of predestination is reinforced by the frequent mention of events 'being written' or 'being in a book' before they happen: 'Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us…" ' "
    • Ahmet T. Karamustafa. "Fate". Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an Online. {{cite encyclopedia}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help): The verb qadara literally means "to measure, to determine". Here it is used to mean that "God measures and orders his creation".
  20. ^ See: * Farah (2003), pp.119–122
    • Patton (1900), p.130
  21. ^ Momen (1987), pp.177,178
  22. ^ Dr. Alan Godlas, University of Georgia, Sufism's Many Paths, 2000, University of Georgia
  23. ^ Nuh Ha Mim Keller, How would you respond to the claim that Sufism is Bid'a?, 1995.
  24. ^ Dr. Zubair Fattani, The meaning of Tasawwuf, Islamic Academy.
  25. ^ The Last Judgement
  26. ^ Sri Granth: Search Results
  27. ^ Heaven and Hell in the Qur'an and Gospel
  28. ^ A Dictionary of Islam: By Thomas Patrick Hughes ISBN 81-206-0672-8 Page 591
  29. ^ Death and Religion in a Changing World by Kathleen Garces-Foley. Page 188. ISBN 0-7656-1221-6.
  30. ^ Surinder Singh Kohli, Sikhism and Major World Religions Singh Brothers, Amritsar, 1995, page 96. ISBN 81-7205-134-4
  31. ^ N.D. Ahuja
  32. ^ Daljeet Singh, page 227.
  33. ^ The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib
  34. ^ Historical value of the Qur'ân and the Ḥadith A.M. Khan
  35. ^ What Everyone Should Know About the Qur'an Ahmed Al-Laithy
  36. ^ Nasr, Seyyed. Mecca, The Blessed, Medina, The Radiant: The Holiest Cities of Islam. Aperture. 2005
  37. ^ Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Mecca" . Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
  38. ^ P. Crone, Meccan Trade and the Rise of Islam, p134-135.
  39. ^ Hawting, p. 44
  40. ^ Islamic World, p. 20
  41. ^ Barbara Ann Kipfer (2000). Encyclopedic dictionary of archaeology (Illustrated ed.). Springer. p. 342. ISBN 0-306-46158-7, 9780306461583. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  42. ^ Cyril Glassé and Huston Smith (2003). The new encyclopedia of Islam (Revised, illustrated ed.). Rowman Altamira. p. 302. ISBN 0-7591-0190-6, 9780759101906. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  43. ^ William E. Phipps (1999). Muhammad and Jesus: a comparison of the prophets and their teachings (Illustrated ed.). Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 85. ISBN 0-8264-1207-6, 9780826412072. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  44. ^ Kees Versteegh (2008). C. H. M. Versteegh and Kees Versteegh (ed.). Encyclopedia of Arabic language and linguistics, Volume 4 (Illustrated ed.). Brill. p. 513. ISBN 90-04-14476-5, 9789004144767. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  45. ^ Daniel C. Peterson (2007). Muhammad, prophet of God. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. pp. 22–25. ISBN 0-8028-0754-2, 9780802807540. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  46. ^ Sher Ali Maulawi, Mirza Tahir, Ahmad Hadhrat (2004). The Holy Quran with English Translation. Islam International. p. 753. ISBN 9781853727795.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  47. ^ "What is Umrah?".
  48. ^ a b c d e f Harban Singh (1998). Encyclopedia of Sikhism. Punjabi University. ISBN 81-7380-530-X. {{cite book}}: External link in |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ A Gateway to Sikhism | The Sikh Saints:Mian Mir – A Gateway to Sikhism
  50. ^ Harmandir Sahib Amritsar, Swarn Mandir India, Golden Temple India, Swarna Mandir Amritsar, Swarn Mandir In Punjab
  51. ^ http://www.sikhee.com/Shaheed-Ganj-Lahore.htm
  52. ^ Deol, Harnik (2000). Religion and Nationalism in India. London and New York: Routledge. The case of Punjab; 189. ISBN 978-0-415-20108-7. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |nopp= ignored (|no-pp= suggested) (help)
  53. ^ A Punjabi saying of those times was "khada peeta laahey daa, te rehnda Ahmad Shahey daa" which translates to, "what we eat and drink is our property; the rest belongs to Ahmad Shah."
  54. ^ a b Pak delegation arrives to celebrate Bhai Mardana's 550 birth anniversary
  55. ^ Sikh Personalities
  56. ^ A Gateway to Sikhism | Early Gursikhs: Bhai Mardana – A Gateway to Sikhism
  57. ^ a b Sikh Bhagats :Bhagat Bhikhan Ji
  58. ^ Bhagat Beni Ji
  59. ^ A Gateway to Sikhism | Sikh Bhagats : Baba Sheikh Farid Ji – A Gateway to Sikhism
  60. ^ http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/268650/pinoyabroad/worldfeatures/sikhs-often-mistaken-for-muslims-call-for-better-understanding-of-their-religion
  61. ^ India to ease visa rules for Pakistanis
  62. ^ On the scene: Musharraf tribute at Gandhi shrine
  63. ^ "Forced" Conversions: An Investigation
  64. ^ Protest march over 'conversions'
  65. ^ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – World". Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  66. ^ "Pak Sikhs seeks security, Indian citizenship". PunjabNewsline.com. 2010-02-23. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  67. ^ Ahmadiyya as viewed by others – Kashmira Singh (Punjabi). YouTube (2008-01-25). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.
  68. ^ Ahmadiyya as viewed by others – Mr. Inderjeet Opal. YouTube (2008-01-25). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.
  69. ^ Hazrat Khalifa Tul Massih V in Qadian. YouTube (2007-04-21). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.
  70. ^ a b c Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Alislam.org. Retrieved on 2011-05-14.
  71. ^ Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Alislam.org. Retrieved on 2011-05-14.
  72. ^ Urdu Question – Is there anything common between Sikhs and Muslims? Guru Baba Nanak. YouTube (2009-09-29). Retrieved on 2011-05-14.

Further reading