- Nov 6, 2006
- 1
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Hi there all,
I run a website for Sikh Converts to Islam ( you can get the address off my profile, or visit Welcome to Sikhs2Islam.
Here is an article from the site :-
10 Questions to Sikhs The aim of this section is to illustrate the Sikh “belief” as baseless and without foundation. It asks Sikhs, whether they can provide answers to the below questions that led us to leave falsehood and follow the truth of Islam. Any one who wishes to discuss these questions further can contact us at SikhstoIslam@gmail.com.
1. Is Guru Nanak a False Prophet?
Guru Nanak Dev was born in Punjab, India, on 20 October 1469, to a Hindu family. By the time of his death on 22 September 1539, according to Sikh Scriptures ( more of which later ) , he had “millions” of followers.
Now, Guru Nanak never claimed to be a prophet in his lifetime. However, if the scriptures of the Sikh religion are to be believed, he believed himself to be inspired from God, and to bring teachings of God. For example :-
“There is no Muslim, there is no Hindu”
"One who recognizes the One Lord among all beings does not talk of ego.”
These are clear atonements, meant to inspire and motivate Sikhs and non-Sikhs to alter their lives and live according to Sikhism. Sikhs often claim that the Guru’s were merely teachers, or guides, and were not Prophets.
However, if we consult the linguistic definition of Prophet, we discover the following meanings of the term :-
“A person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed.”
“someone who speaks by divine inspiration; someone who is an interpreter of the will of God”
“a person regarded as, or claiming to be, an inspired teacher or leader”
Therefore, whenever anyone claims to speak on behalf of God, rationally and linguistically that person is considered to be claiming Prophethood.
When a person claims Prophethood, this claim must then be verified. Prophets throughout history have brought miracles to demonstrate to their people ( Moses, Abraham, David, and Others, may peace be upon them all ) . For example Moses spilt the Red Sea, David was able to melt metal in his hands, and Abraham was able to withstand fire. http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn7These miracles have been verified both through scriptures and through science.
There are also many false Prophets. These have included David Icke , Mirza Ghulam Ahmad , and many others.
By Sikhs refusing to acknowledge that Guru Nanak was claiming to be a Prophet, they sidestep this issue. This is in order to avoid any means of principles of falsification, in order to confirm or disprove the Guru’s “Prophethood”.
It is the contention of the author however that Guru Nanak was a False Prophet, or was falsely claimed to be a prophet by his followers. Any information regarding his “true” Prophethood can be sent to SikhstoIslam@gmail.com, for verification.
2. Are the Sikh Scriptures authentic?
In order for anyone to follow Gods teachings, one must be sure, with absolute certainty and without doubt, that the teachings they are following are authentic. Sikhism has a number of scriptures which they claim are written by Gurus ( and therefore divinely inspired ). However, these scriptures can be proven to have no historical or authentic basis.
A. the Janamsakhi
Sikhs claim that the Bhai Bala Janamsakhi was written by Bala Sandhu, a disciple of Guru Nanak. However, Guru Angad, the next Guru in succession, had never heard of Bala Sandhu. http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn10In addition to this, Bala Sandhu is not mentioned by Bhai Gurdas. How can Guru Nanaks closest confidants and disciples not know Bala Sandhu?
There are a number of other errors. For example, the rhythmic prose used in the verse was written by the third and fifth Guru’s, so how can this be present chronologically earlier? Also, the language used was not even present in society for over 100 years after the death of Guru Nanak. http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn11
How can it be that a divinely inspired work, detailing the life of the Guru, can be so inaccurate?
B.The Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sikhs claim that this book is the “Eleventh” and final Guru, and should be regarded and revered as a Guru. There is even a tale of this book, upon compilation, to be given its own bed whilst a Guru, Guru Arjan slept on the floor! http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn12
For this book to be the 11th Guru, the final way to God and scripture in its own right, surely it would have to be a perfect book, free from errors and contradictions? However, we find that this is not the case. Some errors include :-
In addition to this, the Book provides no details of the origins of the Earth or of Man, and provides no answers to “where did we come from” as a result. Surely any divinely inspired text would present Gods answer to these questions?
3. How can Re-Incarnation be Accurate?
In Sikhism, it is the belief that through righteous deeds one achieves salvation, and a “oneness” with God. The main method of this is through “karma”, or the reward of your efforts in this life being rewarded in the next, and so on and so on until spiritual union with God is achieved.
Though this sounds like a nirvana of sorts, it is completely non-sensical. Reincarnation cannot possibly be true as :-
4. How can God be Omnipotent and within Evil?
For Sikhs to state that God is “all pervading and is in all directions. God is omniscient, omnipotent and loves all”, http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn16what does that mean?
Firstly how can God be in everything? Would God be in Impure things such as Excreta?
Secondly, how can God be within everyone? What is the point, according to Sikhism, of trying to attain Union with God, when God is already within us according to their scriptures? How can God be within people and objects which are intrinsically evil?
5. How can Sikhs claim to have a complete way of Life?
Sikhism is claimed to be a complete way of life, but Sikhism does not have the answers from their scriptures for the following questions :-
Sikhism is not alone in this. There is no belief in the entire world, except Islam, that has the answers to problems that mankind encounter on a day to day basis. In Islam, the Qu’ranic verses on Society outnumber verses on individual worship many times over. In the hadith books, only 3 or 4 chapters relate to ibadaat ( individual worship ), whilst over 100 chapters in Bukhari relate to muamalaat ( societal transactions).
Islam contains a complete ruling, economic, social and ritual system, applicable to all times and places because it is from the Creator, Allah (SWT), your God and my God.
6. What is a Just War in Sikhism?
Sikhism is often presented as a peaceful, non-violent religion. However, it has a concept of Dharam Yudh, which is loosely translated as “Just War”. In this, Sikhs believe that war can be initiated as a last option, and the motivation cannot be revenge.
When we see this in practice however, we can see that very rarely has a Sikh War been any different to any other war fought on behalf of misguided religions : For Land, Nation and Resources.
Examples of this include :-
If the Gurus are false Prophets, the Scriptures inaccurate, and the concepts and precepts erroneous, then how can Sikhism be used to take life unjustly?
7. How can God Create himself?
According to Guru Nanak Dev, he claims that “God himself told me that he is self-created”.
How can God be subject to laws and constraints of his own creation? Concepts such as time, form, shape, etc, are constructs of God. As an unlimited entity, how can God be subject to limited constraints, such as “creating”.
Surely, as God, he is outwith all such concepts. To ask how God is “made” is to misunderstand what God is.
8. Why can Sikh women not Divorce?
Sikhism still does not give the right of divorce to its adherents except in extreme circumstances, and even then since it is not legislated within Sikhism this is decided by Western or Hindu Courts.
This is mentioned in many sources, and some quotes from Sikhs are as follows :-
“In the case of broken marriage, divorce is not possible according to the Sikh religious tradition. The couple can, however, obtain a divorce under the Civil law of the land.”
Of more concern is how Sikhs refuse to even consider divorce, leaving the spouse trapped in a loveless marriage. Take this example from the Sikh Spectrum Magazine :-
When two souls become one, there is no duality between the way a husband and a wife think. Whatever they do, they do it together. A divorce, in such a case, is inconceivable.
It is incredulous that anything calling itself “the modern religion” still does not emancipate women and give them independence.
9. How can Sikhs Claim that there are “many paths to God”, then he Punishes those whom do not adhere to Sikhism ?
It is claimed Sikhism is non-discriminatory, and that everyone should love each other as human beings, with no-one having a variable status, no-one being “high or low”. His statement is as follows :-
“In Sikhism everyone is equal. All people of different colour, religion, caste, creed, race and sex are equal in the eyes of God. No one is high or low. All are children of God created by God and God loves them all.”
However, the Guru’s own teachings portray a different version of events. :-
Favouring of those in Khalsa
Khalsa is the baptizing of Sikhs, who take an Oath to promote and preserve the five Ks of Sikhism. These Sikhs are to be considered to hold a higher status over that of ordinary persons, and thereby this exposes a hierarchical system. Quotations regarding this brotherhood include :-
“he who recognises the One God and no pilgrimages, alms-giving, non-destruction of life, penances, or austerities; and in whose heart the light of the Perfect One shines, - he is to be recognised as a pure member of the Khalsa” http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn26
Thereby, if we are to believe this Guru, and by proxy the beliefs of Sikhism itself, then God, through the Gurus, considered those persons inferior whom :-
In addition to this, those who eat meat, those that cut their hair, and many other tenets of Sikh faith that are violated, God will punish them through re-incarnation, even though these people are also following a path (as they perceive it ) to God.
In Sikhs claims that there are “no chosen people”, why must people adhere to Sikhism to be saved? Why must they take the Khalsa ?
10. Why is Sikhism Not Evangelical?
If Sikhism is Gods religion, which is the destiny of all if they are to be saved, and the only way to enlightenment ( as Sikhs perceive it ) is to follow the “Way of the Gurus”, then why do Sikhs not debate and discuss their faith in the World and try to convert others to it?
Is this fair, if it is the truth ( which it is not ), then why do Sikhs not ask others to join it?
Conclusion
No doubt this article has encouraged and enraged Sikhs in equal measure, however the lines of dialogue for both are open. Please contact Sikhstoislam@gmail.com if you wish to discuss any of the points raised in this.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
I run a website for Sikh Converts to Islam ( you can get the address off my profile, or visit Welcome to Sikhs2Islam.
Here is an article from the site :-
10 Questions to Sikhs The aim of this section is to illustrate the Sikh “belief” as baseless and without foundation. It asks Sikhs, whether they can provide answers to the below questions that led us to leave falsehood and follow the truth of Islam. Any one who wishes to discuss these questions further can contact us at SikhstoIslam@gmail.com.
1. Is Guru Nanak a False Prophet?
Guru Nanak Dev was born in Punjab, India, on 20 October 1469, to a Hindu family. By the time of his death on 22 September 1539, according to Sikh Scriptures ( more of which later ) , he had “millions” of followers.
Now, Guru Nanak never claimed to be a prophet in his lifetime. However, if the scriptures of the Sikh religion are to be believed, he believed himself to be inspired from God, and to bring teachings of God. For example :-
“There is no Muslim, there is no Hindu”
"One who recognizes the One Lord among all beings does not talk of ego.”
These are clear atonements, meant to inspire and motivate Sikhs and non-Sikhs to alter their lives and live according to Sikhism. Sikhs often claim that the Guru’s were merely teachers, or guides, and were not Prophets.
However, if we consult the linguistic definition of Prophet, we discover the following meanings of the term :-
“A person who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed.”
“someone who speaks by divine inspiration; someone who is an interpreter of the will of God”
“a person regarded as, or claiming to be, an inspired teacher or leader”
Therefore, whenever anyone claims to speak on behalf of God, rationally and linguistically that person is considered to be claiming Prophethood.
When a person claims Prophethood, this claim must then be verified. Prophets throughout history have brought miracles to demonstrate to their people ( Moses, Abraham, David, and Others, may peace be upon them all ) . For example Moses spilt the Red Sea, David was able to melt metal in his hands, and Abraham was able to withstand fire. http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn7These miracles have been verified both through scriptures and through science.
There are also many false Prophets. These have included David Icke , Mirza Ghulam Ahmad , and many others.
By Sikhs refusing to acknowledge that Guru Nanak was claiming to be a Prophet, they sidestep this issue. This is in order to avoid any means of principles of falsification, in order to confirm or disprove the Guru’s “Prophethood”.
It is the contention of the author however that Guru Nanak was a False Prophet, or was falsely claimed to be a prophet by his followers. Any information regarding his “true” Prophethood can be sent to SikhstoIslam@gmail.com, for verification.
2. Are the Sikh Scriptures authentic?
In order for anyone to follow Gods teachings, one must be sure, with absolute certainty and without doubt, that the teachings they are following are authentic. Sikhism has a number of scriptures which they claim are written by Gurus ( and therefore divinely inspired ). However, these scriptures can be proven to have no historical or authentic basis.
A. the Janamsakhi
Sikhs claim that the Bhai Bala Janamsakhi was written by Bala Sandhu, a disciple of Guru Nanak. However, Guru Angad, the next Guru in succession, had never heard of Bala Sandhu. http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn10In addition to this, Bala Sandhu is not mentioned by Bhai Gurdas. How can Guru Nanaks closest confidants and disciples not know Bala Sandhu?
There are a number of other errors. For example, the rhythmic prose used in the verse was written by the third and fifth Guru’s, so how can this be present chronologically earlier? Also, the language used was not even present in society for over 100 years after the death of Guru Nanak. http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn11
How can it be that a divinely inspired work, detailing the life of the Guru, can be so inaccurate?
B.The Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sikhs claim that this book is the “Eleventh” and final Guru, and should be regarded and revered as a Guru. There is even a tale of this book, upon compilation, to be given its own bed whilst a Guru, Guru Arjan slept on the floor! http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn12
For this book to be the 11th Guru, the final way to God and scripture in its own right, surely it would have to be a perfect book, free from errors and contradictions? However, we find that this is not the case. Some errors include :-
- Teaching God to be “Sargun” (Possessing Attributes) and “Nargun” ( Possessing no Attributes).
- Claims there is only one way to God, then says many ways
- Reincarnation is taught in one section, yet is rejected elsewhere
In addition to this, the Book provides no details of the origins of the Earth or of Man, and provides no answers to “where did we come from” as a result. Surely any divinely inspired text would present Gods answer to these questions?
3. How can Re-Incarnation be Accurate?
In Sikhism, it is the belief that through righteous deeds one achieves salvation, and a “oneness” with God. The main method of this is through “karma”, or the reward of your efforts in this life being rewarded in the next, and so on and so on until spiritual union with God is achieved.
Though this sounds like a nirvana of sorts, it is completely non-sensical. Reincarnation cannot possibly be true as :-
- How can the world be in decline, when spiritual karma is meant to increase and improve the world? What is the source for evil originally? Who was the original evildoer according to Sikhism, and which sent a perpetual evil through the earth, increasing its trials?
- There is no justice in re-incarnation, as you become a new entity, with no recollection of a past life. Therefore, it is the entity that is being unfairly punished, and not you.
- Why are there more bodies on earth now, than there was before? Where do these new Souls emerge from?
4. How can God be Omnipotent and within Evil?
For Sikhs to state that God is “all pervading and is in all directions. God is omniscient, omnipotent and loves all”, http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn16what does that mean?
Firstly how can God be in everything? Would God be in Impure things such as Excreta?
Secondly, how can God be within everyone? What is the point, according to Sikhism, of trying to attain Union with God, when God is already within us according to their scriptures? How can God be within people and objects which are intrinsically evil?
5. How can Sikhs claim to have a complete way of Life?
Sikhism is claimed to be a complete way of life, but Sikhism does not have the answers from their scriptures for the following questions :-
- How much tax should I pay in a Sikh State, as a Non-Sikh?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding testimony in a court?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding the sentence for stealing?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding the age of maturity?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding my relations with my neighbour?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding how I should treat an animal?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding lawful earnings?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding killing a non-Sikh and the punishment for that?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism regarding riding a horse?
- What is the ruling in Sikhism if I use a nuclear weapon?
Sikhism is not alone in this. There is no belief in the entire world, except Islam, that has the answers to problems that mankind encounter on a day to day basis. In Islam, the Qu’ranic verses on Society outnumber verses on individual worship many times over. In the hadith books, only 3 or 4 chapters relate to ibadaat ( individual worship ), whilst over 100 chapters in Bukhari relate to muamalaat ( societal transactions).
Islam contains a complete ruling, economic, social and ritual system, applicable to all times and places because it is from the Creator, Allah (SWT), your God and my God.
6. What is a Just War in Sikhism?
Sikhism is often presented as a peaceful, non-violent religion. However, it has a concept of Dharam Yudh, which is loosely translated as “Just War”. In this, Sikhs believe that war can be initiated as a last option, and the motivation cannot be revenge.
When we see this in practice however, we can see that very rarely has a Sikh War been any different to any other war fought on behalf of misguided religions : For Land, Nation and Resources.
Examples of this include :-
- The forceful passing of a resolution to cede Water and Electricity Boards to Punjab Control in the region http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn18
- The murder of Indian Police officers in 1982 – 1983, in revenge http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn19
- Bhindrandales Murder of two nirinkari Gurus in 1981 http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn20
- Bombing of Cinemas in Delhi in 2005
- Bombing of Air India Flight 182
If the Gurus are false Prophets, the Scriptures inaccurate, and the concepts and precepts erroneous, then how can Sikhism be used to take life unjustly?
7. How can God Create himself?
According to Guru Nanak Dev, he claims that “God himself told me that he is self-created”.
How can God be subject to laws and constraints of his own creation? Concepts such as time, form, shape, etc, are constructs of God. As an unlimited entity, how can God be subject to limited constraints, such as “creating”.
Surely, as God, he is outwith all such concepts. To ask how God is “made” is to misunderstand what God is.
8. Why can Sikh women not Divorce?
Sikhism still does not give the right of divorce to its adherents except in extreme circumstances, and even then since it is not legislated within Sikhism this is decided by Western or Hindu Courts.
This is mentioned in many sources, and some quotes from Sikhs are as follows :-
“In the case of broken marriage, divorce is not possible according to the Sikh religious tradition. The couple can, however, obtain a divorce under the Civil law of the land.”
Of more concern is how Sikhs refuse to even consider divorce, leaving the spouse trapped in a loveless marriage. Take this example from the Sikh Spectrum Magazine :-
When two souls become one, there is no duality between the way a husband and a wife think. Whatever they do, they do it together. A divorce, in such a case, is inconceivable.
It is incredulous that anything calling itself “the modern religion” still does not emancipate women and give them independence.
9. How can Sikhs Claim that there are “many paths to God”, then he Punishes those whom do not adhere to Sikhism ?
It is claimed Sikhism is non-discriminatory, and that everyone should love each other as human beings, with no-one having a variable status, no-one being “high or low”. His statement is as follows :-
“In Sikhism everyone is equal. All people of different colour, religion, caste, creed, race and sex are equal in the eyes of God. No one is high or low. All are children of God created by God and God loves them all.”
However, the Guru’s own teachings portray a different version of events. :-
Favouring of those in Khalsa
Khalsa is the baptizing of Sikhs, who take an Oath to promote and preserve the five Ks of Sikhism. These Sikhs are to be considered to hold a higher status over that of ordinary persons, and thereby this exposes a hierarchical system. Quotations regarding this brotherhood include :-
“he who recognises the One God and no pilgrimages, alms-giving, non-destruction of life, penances, or austerities; and in whose heart the light of the Perfect One shines, - he is to be recognised as a pure member of the Khalsa” http://www.ar-raya.org.uk/sikhs2islam/index.php?cat=questions#_ftn26
Thereby, if we are to believe this Guru, and by proxy the beliefs of Sikhism itself, then God, through the Gurus, considered those persons inferior whom :-
- Engage in Pilgrimages
- Fasts
- Worships Idols
In addition to this, those who eat meat, those that cut their hair, and many other tenets of Sikh faith that are violated, God will punish them through re-incarnation, even though these people are also following a path (as they perceive it ) to God.
In Sikhs claims that there are “no chosen people”, why must people adhere to Sikhism to be saved? Why must they take the Khalsa ?
10. Why is Sikhism Not Evangelical?
If Sikhism is Gods religion, which is the destiny of all if they are to be saved, and the only way to enlightenment ( as Sikhs perceive it ) is to follow the “Way of the Gurus”, then why do Sikhs not debate and discuss their faith in the World and try to convert others to it?
Is this fair, if it is the truth ( which it is not ), then why do Sikhs not ask others to join it?
Conclusion
No doubt this article has encouraged and enraged Sikhs in equal measure, however the lines of dialogue for both are open. Please contact Sikhstoislam@gmail.com if you wish to discuss any of the points raised in this.
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