Information for the Media

Common Misconceptions Regarding Sikhism
Source: The Sikh Network

Identity Stereotypes

Truth 3: Sikhism is a religion. Indian is a nationality. Those Sikhs born in the United States, Canada, UK or any other place adopt the nationality of that country. Sikhism as a religion spans any such geo-political boundaries.

Sikhism's history began in Punjab, India in the 15th century. Most Sikhs in the world are still concentrated in India, making up 2% of the country's population. However, there are also Sikhs from Indonesia, Japan, France, UK, Kenya, Canada, the United States and countless other countries. Sikhism has become a world religion and has become part of many cultures. In some countries, Sikhs are new immigrants while in other countries Sikhs have been present for decades. As Sikhs in North American are primarily new immigrants or first generation, one will find a lot of Sikhs still claiming Indian as their nationality. For the second and third generation Sikhs, their nationality belongs to the country in which they reside. Their ethnic identity will always remain Sikh.

Truth 4: Sikhism is a unique faith and is not derived from Hinduism. Sikhism challenges and rejects many precepts of the Hindu religion. It is only due to a shared geographic culture that some ideas or methods may be similar.

As Sikhism's history began in Punjab, India, there are some culture similarities to the Sikh people and the Hindu people. The language is similar, the dress is similar, and the living style is similar. Since Hindus make up 83% of the Indian population, Hinduism is often mistaken as a culture and ethnic identity and not a religion. However, there is another 17% of the Indian population that deeply resents being called Hindu and having their own identity overlooked. Sikhs have a unique physical identity with their 5 articles of faith, the 5 Ks. Spiritually, the concepts of the caste system, rituals, and other main components of Hinduism have been rejected by Sikhism.

Truth 5: Not all turban-wearers are Sikhs, but all Sikhs must cover their heads at all times (most often done with a turban.) Sikhs are required to keep unshorn hair, but others may have long hair, unshaved legs, or beards out of personal choice.

While the turban is not one of the five external symbols required by a Sikh, the turban is used to cover the kes (unshorn hair). The turban is worn in many countries as a cultural dress; however, to Sikhs the turban is a powerful symbol of Sikh faith.