GCSE RS: Sikhism Beliefs and Teachings Guide

The nature of God

Sikhs believe in one God, who is formless, eternal and present throughout creation, as described in the Mool Mantar, the opening verse of Sikh scripture.

The Ten Gurus

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak and developed through nine further human Gurus, who taught and guided the Sikh community, ending with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru.

The Guru Granth Sahib

After the tenth Guru, Sikhs believe spiritual authority passed to the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy scripture, which is treated with the same respect as a living Guru.

Equality

Sikhism places strong emphasis on equality, rejecting the Hindu caste system, and this is reflected in practices like the langar, a free community kitchen open to absolutely everyone regardless of background.

Common mistakes

• Getting the number or order of the Ten Gurus confused.
• Forgetting the Guru Granth Sahib is treated as a living Guru, not simply a book.
• Underestimating how central equality is to Sikh belief and practice.