A. Some think that Sikhism is mostly a combination or amalgamation of Hinduism and Islam. What are some arguments in support of that assertion? And more specifically, what are some seeming similarities between Sikhism and these two traditions?
Answer:
Sikhism by designation is a doctrine of a monotheistic religion that was discovered by Guru Nanak in 16th century and combines the fundamentals of Hinduism and Islam (Singh 8). It is an amalgamation of the two doctrines and this is supported by the religions absolute loathe of class differentiations and idolatry practices. It too does teach against somberness and it is characterized by the cycle belief that is based on reincarnation, and through which human being is able to set themselves free by the embracing of righteous lives and as participatory elements in the community. These characteristics are in Sikhism and they are applied largely in both Islam, and Hinduism that proves that the two traditions are related to Sikhism.
B. Many or most Sikhs maintain that Sikhism, while deriving ideas from both Hinduism and Islam, is NOT a combination of the two, but a universal and very distinct religion. What are the arguments in support of that proposition? How does Sikhism perhaps significantly differ with both Hinduism and Islam?
Answer:
Hinduism is scattered and they worship a wide variety of gods and goddesses. Muslims on the other hand have believed in one God “Allah.” Sikhism is austerely monotheistic and they believe that despite the various names that are used to refer to God, he is one for all religions. This is a different believe for the Sikhism religion and it shows it as an independent religion.
Hindus do have a strong believe in the social order system. Muslim does oppose the mistreatment of humanity through the disgrace of servitude and women oppression. Sikhism on the other hand does not tolerate the social order system of the untouchables. This is ground on a belief that same God created all humanity, he equally accorded to them fortunes, and as a result, all should be treated with the same magnitude. They do moreover believe on modesty and that women are equals to men in the community and are too supposed to take part in the religious governance as opposed to Islam and Hinduism. From such a point of view, it is true to say that Sikhism is an independent and a standalone religion as the Sikhs alleges.
There are variations between Sikhism and the other religions, which are significant, and supportive of the religions believes. Sikhism believes in one God for all, equality of human kind, and modesty, which is opposed by the other religions hence making it different from them (Singh 14).
Work cited
Singh, Gurinder. Sikhism. Manchester: Prentice Hall.2004.print.
