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Summary of Question:	Attitude To Work
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Thursday, 6/07/2001 2:56 AM MDT

I am doing a research project on Sikhism and I would like to find out about a typical Sikh's attitude to work and which types of jobs would be suitable and unsuitable for a religious Sikh?

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REPLY
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Dear One:
Sat Siri Akaal.

Sikhs take handouts from no one. We are taught to work honestly by our own efforts, and not to gamble, beg, or mooch off of others by our own laziness.

Sikhs can be found in every profession. For religious Sikhs, any profession that involves gambling, drinking/selling alcohol or tobacco, removal of turban (e.g., acting), the sex industry/porn, would likely be avoided. Sikh barbers are also not common, since we do not cut our hair.

However, I personally know religious Sikhs who do not smoke or drink themselves but operate convenience stores that sell tobacco and alcohol. There are many Sikhs who operate restaurants that sell alcohol, for example. So it depends on the personal line one wishes to draw for oneself. Some Sikhs draw the line at not doing (one of the above) themselves but allowing others/their customers to do it.

God bless you,
--DKK