Sikhism

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INTRODUCTION TO SIKHISM
There are over 20 million followers of Sikhism. Born five centuries ago in the Punjab region of northern India. Between 1469 and 1708, ten Gurus preached a simple message of truth, devotion to God, and universal equality. Often mistaken as a combination of Hinduism and Islam, the Sikh religion can be characterized as a completely independent faith:
Sikhism rejects the idea of worshiping idols, the caste system and ritualism. It recognizes the equality between both genders and all religions, prohibits the intake of any intoxicants, and encourages an honest, truthful living. Sikhs have their own holy scripture called the Guru Granth Sahib. Written, composed, and compiled by the Sikh Gurus themselves, the Guru Granth Sahib serves as the ultimate source of spiritual guidance for Sikhs. While the Sikhs hold their Gurus in high reverence, they are not to be worshipped; Sikhs may only worship God.
BASICS OF SIKHISM
Ø Sikhism is the youngest of the World religions. Its history dates back to 1469.
Ø Its founder Guru Nanak Dev was born in a village called Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, in 1469.
Ø The Sikhs have ten Gurus. It is believed that they all had the same soul though they had different bodies, and that it was Guru Nanak Dev's spirit which passed on into his nine successors.
Ø The Sikhs call God as 'Waheguru', meaning that God is great. Their common salutation is "Sat Siri Akal" (God is supreme and is immortal).
Ø Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of the Sikhs. It is believed that the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh bestowed upon the Granth the title of the Guru.
Ø The Sikhs worship only one Almighty God in his abstract form. They are not allowed to worship any idols, images or photographs.
Ø According to the Sikh belief, God is the eternal truth. He himself is the creator, preserver and destroyer.
Ø The Sikhs believe that all existence is controlled by one Lord called by...