I have read portions of a translated Quran as well as the bible and enjoy reading Sikh religious texts although I cannot claim to be religiously disciplined.
I found little in the Quran that appealed to me. There was a lot that was particularly harsh to Jews and other nonMuslims. This, I refuse to believe is the word of God. I still believe that Guru Nanak got it right when he said that Waheguru was "nirvair" or without hate. Also that it was actions that count in the court of God.
To my mind the true essence of Sikhism is much more compatible with modern life than Islam by miles. It basically tried to answer the knotty issues that multiculturalism can bring about in the most positive way. It gives all humans hope, not just Sikhs. Plus generally the conduct of the Khalsa was infinitely more humane and compassionate towards fellow humans than jihadis, who raped and pillaged like savages. That much is simple historical fact. Just look at early Persian accounts of the people who fought the Khalsa. They are surprisingly full of indirect praise of these warriors.
Singhs freed many child and women slaves when Nadir Shah and his jihadis kidnapped loads during his invasion of Delhi (most of these slaves were not Sikh).
Although today it is not hard to find undesirable practices amongst Sikhs, still in England at least they can hold their heads up high. They are still a pioneering race ready to face the challenges of immigrating to a new and often hostile land and through grit, determinism and hardwork making a go of things. That is why despite calling themselves Punjabis, Pakistanis pack out free council accomodation whilst Sikhs in the U.K. have the highest rate of home ownership than all other religious groups
"Sikhs most successful religious group in UK"
by Vijay Dutt ("Hindustan Times," October 12, 2004)
The Sikhs in Britain are now enjoying most rewards of their work ethic compared to any other religious group.
Eight out of 10 Sikhs are likely to own a house, considered the basic symbol of prosperity. Their success is a tribute to the hard work of the first generation and then the ever-growing economic success and educational achievement of subsequent generations.
The figure of 82 per cent home ownership among Sikhs compares to 70 per cent (seven out of 10) homeowners among the Christian majority. Sikhs are also, it has been found, as likely as Christians to hold a university degree."
Not bad for a people who only 260/270 years ago were forced to live in jungles and fight against all odds against ruthless adverseries.
Plus Sikhism doesn't require you to switch off your brain completely and just accept certain texts as the inviolable word of God, despite the fact that modern science expouses it as a load of bullcrap.
Look at Islamic and Christian theories of the genesis of the earth.....Adam and Eve etc.
How can this be believed when thousands of dinosaur skeletons have been found that provide indisputable evidence that this was not the case?
Stick to Sikh philosophy folks, it recognises that life isn't always clearly black and white and allows the creative use of the brain. But maybe if your not strong enough mentally to handle this and need every little thing spelt out to you like someone who is incapable of thinking for themselves, you can go the other way.
Just my two cents worth.
Raj karega Khalsa