Author: Muhajer Azizi
Sikhism; Its Origins and Fundamental Beliefs (Part 11)
Beliefs of Sikhism and a Critical Evaluation
One of the most important areas in the study of religions is the examination of their core beliefs and doctrines. In general, religions are divided into two categories: Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic. Abrahamic religions are those whose foundations are based on monotheism (Tawhid), while non-Abrahamic religions are generally founded on polytheism, idolatry, or concepts far removed from true monotheism.
Sikhism, although considered one of the living and active religions in the world and one that emphasizes belief in one God, does not fall under the category of Abrahamic or fully monotheistic religions. The reason is that the concept of monotheism in Sikhism is fundamentally different from the concept of Tawhid (Islamic monotheism). In fact, merely claiming belief in the oneness of God is not sufficient for entering the realm of true faith. Just as Jews and certain Christian sects believe in God’s oneness, they are still, according to Islamic standards, not considered true monotheists, nor are their religions deemed legitimate or divinely approved.
Thus, in this section, we aim to examine and critique the invalid and erroneous beliefs of Sikhism based on the principles and teachings of Islam.
1. Tawhid (Monotheism)
Linguistic definition: The word Tawhid comes from the Arabic root “وَحَّدَ، يُوَحِّدُ”, meaning to make one, to consider as one, or to declare as unique.
Terminological definition: Tawhid means believing in the oneness of God in His essence, attributes, and actions. [1] It means believing that: Allah’s Essence is unique and has no partners, His Attributes are exclusive and unmatched, all actions and governance of the universe are solely by Him. Worship is due only to Him, and no one else is worthy of worship.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, a renowned Islamic scholar, beautifully and clearly explains Tawhid, saying: Tawhid is not simply acknowledging that “there is no creator but Allah” or “Allah is the Lord and Owner of all things,” because even the idolaters confessed to this. Yet they were still considered polytheists. True Tawhid includes love for Allah, humility and submission before Him, expressing one’s lowliness, complete obedience, sincerity in worship, and seeking Allah’s pleasure in all words and deeds, in giving and withholding, and in love and hatred—so much so that these meanings prevent one from committing sins and persisting in them.
Whoever understands this reality will better comprehend the saying of the Prophet (PBUH): “إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَرَّمَ عَلَى النَّارِ مَنْ قَالَ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ يَبْتَغِي بِذَلِكَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ” Translation: “Indeed, Allah has forbidden the Hellfire for the one who says ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ seeking thereby the Face of Allah.” [2]
Such a person will also understand similar hadiths that many find difficult—some imagine they have been abrogated, others think they were spoken before the establishment of religious duties, and some claim they are specific to the Hell of disbelievers or interpret them in far-fetched ways.
But the Lawgiver (Allah) never based this promise solely on verbal utterance, for this would contradict what is definitively known in Islam. Hypocrites also utter “La ilaha illa Allah” yet will dwell in the lowest depths of Hell. Rather, both verbal and heartfelt affirmation are conditions. [3]
Tawhid is the foundation of all prophetic missions, the first station in the journey to God (suluk ila-Allah), and the first spiritual rank every seeker must attain. Allah says: “لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَى قَوْمِهِ فَقَالَ يَا
1. قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَهٍ غَيْرُهُ” Translation: “We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said: O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.”
2. “قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَهٍ غَيْرُهُ” Translation: (Hud said:) “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.” [4]
3. “قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَهٍ غَيْرُهُ” Translation: (Salih said:) “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.” [5]
4. “قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَهٍ غَيْرُهُ” Translation: (Shoaib said:) “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.” [6]
5. “وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسُولًا أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ” Translation: “Indeed, we sent a messenger to every nation, saying: Worship Allah and avoid false gods.” [7]
A. Effects and Benefits of Tawhid According to the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah
Tawhid is one of the most fundamental principles of Islam. Without it, true servitude to Allah cannot be achieved. Success in this world and happiness in the Hereafter are wholly dependent on Tawhid.
Based on the Qur’an and the Prophet’s teachings, the benefits of Tawhid include:
1. Tawhid is the source of salvation and success
Islam teaches that only through Tawhid can a person be saved from misguidance and attain true success. The Prophet (PBUH) used to say: “قولوا لا إله إلا الله تفلحوا” Translation: “Say: La ilaha illa Allah, and you will be successful.” [8]
2. Tawhid is the ultimate condition for entering Paradise
Whoever utters the statement of Tawhid as their final words before death will attain eternal salvation. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “من كان آخر كلامه لا إله إلا الله دخل الجنة” “Whoever’s last words are ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ will enter Paradise.” [9]
3. Tawhid is the source of true spiritual life
A life without Tawhid is devoid of meaning and true joy. One who lacks faith in God is like the dead and enjoys no real spiritual vitality. Hence, Allah refers to disbelievers as “dead”: “يُنذِرَ مَن كَانَ حَيًّا وَيَحِقَّ الْقَوْلُ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ” Translation: “To warn those who are alive, and so the word (of punishment) may be justified against the disbelievers.” [10]
4. Tawhid is the common foundation of all divine religions
All prophets called people to worship one God and reject all forms of idolatry. As Allah says: “قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍۢ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا” Translation: “Say: O People of the Book! Let us come to a common word between us and you: that we shall not worship anyone but Allah, and we shall not associate anything with Him.” [11]
5. Tawhid prevents eternal entry into Hellfire
When Tawhid is deeply rooted in one’s heart, its bearer is shielded from Hell. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “فإن الله حرّم على النار من قال لا إله إلا الله يبتغي بذلك وجه الله” Translation: “Indeed, Allah has forbidden the Fire for the one who says ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ seeking the Face of Allah.” [12]
6. Tawhid brings dignity and true freedom
The monotheist is free from servitude to creation, fear of others, and reliance on them. He relies only on Allah and seeks only His pleasure in all matters. This is the essence of true honor and noble humanity.
7. Tawhid makes good deeds easier and helps in avoiding sins
When Tawhid is firm in one’s heart, the person finds motivation for doing good and refraining from sin. All their actions take on a divine purpose, and their goal becomes seeking Allah’s approval.
Continues…
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[1]. Al-Qol al-Mufid Ali Kitab al-Tawheed, vol. 1, p. 11.
[2]. Kanzal-Amal, vol. 1, p. 415.
[3]. Al-Araf: 59.
[4]. Al-Araf: 65.
[5]. Al-Araf: 73.
[6]. Al-Araf: 85.
[7]. Al-Nahl: 36.
[8]. Musnad Ahmad, vol. 25, p. 405.
[9]. Mustadzak Hakim, vol. 1, p. 503.
[10]. Yes: 70.
[11]. Al Imran: 64.
[12]. Sahih Bukhari, No. 425.
