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Summary of Question:	Explaining What A Kirpan Is To A Non-Sikh.....
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 5/05/2004 10:11 AM MDT

EXPLAINING WHAT THE KIRPAN IS TO A NON-SIKH by Manvir Singh Khalsa

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WHAT IS A KIRPAN(pronounced Kir-paan)?
 It is a small sword held by a material strap which goes across the body.
 It is not an offensive weapon but a protective tool
 Kirpan means ‘hand of kindness/mercy’, which highlights how the Kirpan is not to be used to attack anyone but merely to defend oneself or another as a last resort.

WHO CARRIES A KIRPAN?
Initiated Sikh men and women, irrespective of age.

WHY CARRY A KIRPAN?
It is part of the Sikh uniform which consists of 5 articles:
1. Kes: uncut hair (tied up and the head and crowned with a turban)
- The Kes is an identity of a Sikh.
- The Kes is a stamp or seal that a Sikh’s head is God’s.

2. Kanga: small wooden comb (placed in the hair knot under the turban)
- The Kanga is used to keep the hair clean.
- Just a Sikh combs their hair daily; he or she should also comb their mind with the Guru’s wisdom.

3. Kara: Iron bangle (worn on the wrist)
- The Kara is a gift of a Guru which acts as a reminder to do the right action (with our hands).
- The Kara is made of iron which symbolises how a Sikh should have strength and courage.

4. Kirpan: small sword (made of steal/iron)
- The Kirpan is to be used to upkeep righteousness
- The Kirpan exemplifies the warrior character of a Sikh.

5. Kachhera: Long shorts (which is above the knees, and worn as an undergarment)
- The Kachhera is worn to be respectable and dignified at all times.
- The Kachhera reminds a Sikh to practice self-control and to have a high moral character.

The 5 articles have the same value as the uniform of a policeman or a soldier and something more subtle than that. This means equality, uniformity, unity and identity of the wearers. Every member of a team is required to put on a certain prescribed uniform for this very purpose. In the same way a Sikh has to wear the 5 Articles (known commonly as the 5 Ks) as part of being a ‘Saint-Soldier’, a ‘Khalsa’.

IS IT OPTIONAL TO WEAR THE KIRPAN?
No! It is mandatory for initiated Sikhs to carry a Kirpan (this is recognised by the British Law).

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE KIRPAN?
 Defence (as a last resort, to upkeep righteousness and justice)
 Used to bless Sikh Holy Communion, called ‘parshaad’, at the end of religious functions.

WHAT ARE OFFENSIVE OR MISLEADING SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE KIRPAN?
 To suggest that is a ‘dagger’, ‘knife’ or ‘offensive weapon’.
 To suggest it is a merely cultural symbol.
 To suggest that the Kirpan can be replaced by wearing a miniature Kirpan.

IS IT LEGAL TO CARRY A KIRPAN IN BRITAIN?
Yes it is! Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, Section 139 allows anyone to carry a blade exceeding the length of 3 inches for religious, cultural or work related reasons. This safeguards the Sikhs to carry the Kirpan.

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Thank you for your contribution. Keep in mind this is only legal in the UK. Not every country allows the kirpan to be carried by Sikhs. GTKK