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Sikhism is by far the youngest religion in the world; it is barely five hundred years old primarily developed in 16^th and 17^th century India. However, surprisingly, it is the fifth largest in the number of followers. The followers of Sikhism call themselves Sikhs. The word Sikh means a disciple, and it is a good fit. Sikhs believe in one God and the teachings of the ten Gurus, which are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. It was founded by, Guru Nanak who was born in 1469 and has the simple message of "Ek Ong Kar" meaning we are all one, which could also be summed up by saying “created by the One Creator of all Creation”. When established India was at a time when it was being torn apart by castes, sectarianism, religious factions, and fanaticism. He aligned with no religion, and respected all religions. He expressed the reality that there is one God and many paths, and the Name of God is Truth, "Sat Nam".

Guru Nanak taught his Hindu and Muslim followers to bow only before god and to link themselves to the Guru, the Light of Truth who lives always in direct consciousness of God, experiencing no separation. These followed were called Sikhs (learners). Through words and example, the Guru demonstrates to followers how to experience God within themselves, bringing them from darkness into light. Guru Nanak was a humble bearer of this Light of Truth. He opposed superstition, rituals, social inequality and injustice, renunciation and hypocrisy and inspired seekers by singing divine songs which touched the hearts of the most callous listeners. These songs were recorded, and formed the beginnings of the Sikhs' sacred writings, later to become the "Siri Guru Granth Sahib".

Guru Nanak taught his way of life:
Nam Japna - To get up each day before sunrise, to clean the body, meditate on God’s Name and recite the Guru’s hymns to clean the mind. Throughout the day, continuously remember God’s Name with every breath.
Dharam di Kirat Karni - To work and earn by the sweat of the brow, to live a family way of life, and practice truthfulness and honesty in all dealings.
Vand Ke Chakna - To share the fruits of one’s labor with others before considering oneself. Thus, to live as an inspiration and a support to the entire community. 

The Ten Gurus of Sikhism

Sikhism was established by ten Gurus — teachers or masters — over the period 1469 to 1708. The word "Guru" is derived from the root words "Gu", which means darkness or ignorance, and "Ru", which means light or knowledge The Guru is the experience of Truth (God).
These teachers were enlightened souls whose main purpose in life was the spiritual and moral well-being of the masses. Each master added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting to the creation of the religion of Sikhism. Guru Nanak was the first Guru and Guru Gobind Singh the final Guru in human form. When Guru Gobind Singh left this world, he made the Sri Guru Granth Sahib the ultimate and final Sikh Guru.

The Sri Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is the eleventh and final Guru of the Sikhs, is held in the highest regard by the Sikhs and is treated as the Eternal Guru, as instructed by Guru Gobind Singh.

It is perhaps the only scripture of its kind which not only contains the teachings of its own religious founders but also writings of people from other faiths. Besides the Banis of the Gurus, it also contains the writings of saints like Kabir, Namdev, Ravidas, Sheikh Farid, Trilochan, Dhanna, Beni, Sheikh Bhikan, Jaidev, Surdas, Parmanad, Pipa and Ramanand.

The Granth forms the central part of the Sikh place of worship called a gurdwara. The Holy Scripture placed on the dominant platform in the main hall of the gurdwara during the day. It is placed with great respect and dignity upon a throne with beautiful and colourful fabric.

Each one of the ten Gurus represents a divine attribute:

Guru Nanak - Humility
Guru Angad - Obedience
Guru Amar Das — Equality
Guru Ram Das - Servicess
Guru Arjan - Self-Sacrifice
Guru Hargobind - Justice
Guru Har Rai - Mercy
Guru Harkrishan - Purity
Guru Tegh Bahadur - Tranquility
Guru Gobind Singh - Royal Courage

The Making of the Khalsa
Guru Gobind Singh was the last Guru of the Sikhs in human form. He created the Khalsa, a spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood devoted to purity of thought and action. He gave the Khalsa a distinctive external form to remind them of their commitment, and to help them maintain an elevated state of consciousness

Kes - uncut hair, as given by God, to sustain him or her in higher consciousness; and a turban, the crown of spirituality.

Kangha - a wooden comb to properly groom the hair as a symbol of cleanliness.

Kachehra - specially made cotton underwear as a reminder of the commitment to purity.

Kara - an iron bracelet, worn on the wrist, signifying bondage to Truth and freedom from every other entanglement.

 Kirpan - the sword, with which the Khalsa is committed to righteously defend the fine line of the Truth.

The Sikhs must believe in the following values:

1. Equality: All humans are equal before God.
2. God's spirit: All creatures have God's spirits and must be properly respected.
3. Personal right: Every person has a right to life but this right is restricted.
4. Actions count: Salvation is obtained by one's actions, including good deeds, remembrance of God, etc.
5. Living a family life: Must live as a family unit to provide and nurture children.
6. Sharing: It is encouraged to share and give to charity 10 percent of one's net earnings.
7. Accept God's will: Develop your personality so that you recognize happy events and miserable events as one.
8. The four fruits of life: Truth, contentment, contemplation and Naam, (in the name of God).

Prohibited behavior

1. Non-logical behavior: Superstitions and rituals are not meaningful to Sikhs (pilgrimages, fasting, bathing in rivers, circumcision, worship of graves, idols or pictures, compulsory wearing of the veil for women, etc.).
2. Material obsession: ("Maya") Accumulation of materials has no meaning in Sikhism. Wealth such as gold, portfolio, stocks, commodities, and properties will all be left here on Earth when you depart. Do not get attached to them.
3. Suicide: (Sati). Widows throwing themselves in the funeral pyre of their husbands, lamb and calf slaughter to celebrate holy occasions, etc. are forbidden.
4. Non-family oriented living: A Sikh is not allowed to live as a recluse, beggar, yogi, monk, nun, or celibate.
5. Worthless talk: Bragging, gossip, lying, etc. are not permitted.
6. Intoxication: Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and consumption of other intoxicants is not permitted.
7. Priestly class: Sikhs do not have to depend on a priest for performing any religious functions. They are not supposed to follow a class/caste system where the priestly class reigns highest. Everyone is equal.