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Summary of Question:	Comparing Sikhism And Islam
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Sunday, 1/19/2003 7:06 AM MST

Dear Moderators,

I was wondering whether it is right to compare sikhism with other religions such as Islam and Hinduism etc. I have a lot of discussions with friends that are muslim about the religions and sometimes i am dissapointed that sikhs today do not know as much about their religion as do muslim people of the same age.
I am dissapointed in myself since i have not been given the opportunity in my childhood to have studied my religion as well as all muslim children do theirs at a very young age. Is Islam better in that it 'forces' its youth to read the Koran and learn their religion when so young?

I face a lot of critisism from people from other religions about Sikhism such that, it is a 'man made' religion since the Guru Granth Sahib was written by man while the Koran was allegedly too complicated to be 'man-written'.

I have also heard that beacise Sikhism is the last and most modern religion it is supposed to be the most refined and correct, and give the best sense of equality....if that is the case, what does Sikhism think of marrying outside its religion if we are all indeed children fron the same one God?

Please could you answer my questions, I would be most grateful.
Thank you
(REPLY) Sat Nam. I'd like to address one particular point in your question, and that is for anyone to say that it is a "man made" religion is absurd! Yes, Guru Nanak was a "man" - but not an ordinary man. Guru Nanak was an enlighted, divinely inspired being, who experienced God as his true identity. The words that he spoke (and the words of all those whose marvelous words are contained in our Siri Guru Granth Sahib)came from God, and anyone who has recited the shabds that thankfully have been preserved for us to experience, knows that our Guru is a living Guru, it is a Shabd Guru, and is not just a bible not just a "book." Arguing about religion, I believe, is a waste of time. One of the beautiful teachings that we have been given by our First Guru is to respect all other religions, so we don't try to convert anyone. However, that does not mean that we do not value our Sikh religion, nor does it mean that we should take that as a reason to marry outside our own faith. Each person has a destiny and has chosen (or been chosen!) to follow a particular path. As Sikhs we are exceptionally blessed, as far as I'm concerned, to have a rich heritage of living examples of Gurus who brought God into living reality through the example of their lives, teaching us the virtues of kindness, compassion, dignity, courage, service, selflessness, etc. I agree that it is sad that you have not studied much about your own religion -- but it is not too late! As for being "forced" to read the Koran, or Catholic children "forced" to learn their catechism, well, that is their way. I agree it would be desirable and ideal to have more organized education for Sikh children, ( and adults!) and here in the west we are gradually creating such programs. Sikh Dharma is a religion of inspiration and aspiration. Basically, Guru Nanak laid it out so clearly in Japji Sahib, starting with the Mul Mantra, when he stated the fact that there is One God, One Creator, who created this creation. People may choose to worship God in different ways, and my experience is that worshipping as a Sikh provides the most fulfilling, inspiring and satisfying way. It is the best way, for me. I would not try to convince anyone that it is best for them, let God and Guru lead them. I can only try to share information if someone asks, and do my best to set an example of Khalsa. Going back to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, do you realize that it is (in the original) 1430 pages of poetry! Inspired, divine revelation actually, reminding us of what constitutes reality, and encouraging us to chant God's Name, and realize that this life is temporary. Rather than use your energy discussing religion, I would encourage you to spend time reading (in English so that you can understand the message and the meaning) from Siri Guru Granth Sahib. As well as reading in Gurumukhi to have the experience directly of speaking the exact same syllables that our Gurus spoke when they were in Divine Union with God. See what it does for your life! We've had so many postings about intermarriage on this site, I really don't think we have to repeat all the reasons agains marrying outside your religion! Life is a spiritual journey, and it's best to share that journey with a spouse who can truly support and blend in with your soul: two bodies with one soul. May God and Guru bless you and illumine your mind, and the Holy Nam resound in your heart with every breath. SP