Social Impact of the Sikh Religious Book “Guru Granth Sahib”

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 16 July 2025 Guru Granth Sahib promotes love, unity, equality, and spiritual wisdom. It transcends religions, offering a universal message of peace, social justice, and service, making it deeply relevant in today’s world. Main Points: 1. Universal Message – Guru Granth Sahib unites people beyond religion through spiritual wisdom and human values. 2. Social Equality – Rejects caste, race, and gender discrimination; promotes justice, dignity, and human rights. 3. Religious Harmony – Includes teachings from multiple faiths, fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. 4. Environmental Ethics – Encourages respect and harmony with nature, promoting ecological awareness and responsibility. 5. Service and Humility – Emphasizes selfless service (Seva) and humility (Namrata) for a compassionate, united society. —--- Introduction India has the unique distinction of being the birthplace of many religions and philosophical traditions. Among these, Sikhism holds a special place. It emerged in the Punjab region as a spiritual and social movement against the rigid rituals and dominance of Brahminism. Sikhism challenged the established socio-religious structure and offered a new spiritual path. During the 12th century, the Delhi Sultanate was established by Muslim rulers. Around the same time, invasions by Mongols in Central Asia and Iran led many Muslims to settle in India. These events facilitated cultural exchange and religious dialogue. By the 14th century, due to the influence of the Bhakti movement and Sufi Islam, a unique concept of God emerged—one that is formless, singular, and beyond material form. This differed significantly from the traditional Hindu concept of God. Prominent figures of this movement, such as Kabir, Ravidas, Bhawanand, Dharmdas, and Malukdas, emphasized devotion to a single God. The ritualism, caste discrimination, and hostility between the religious elites of Hinduism and Islam pushed people toward a more heartfelt, spiritual, and ethical religious path. These reformers advocated love for God, selflessness, service to humanity, humility, and compassion. The widespread idol worship, dominance of Brahmins over sacred texts, detachment from spirituality, and blind rituals led to social stagnation. In such a backdrop, a new religion—Sikhism—emerged in Punjab. It soon spread across India and left its mark even globally. Origin and Teachings of Sikhism Sikhism's history is around 500 years old. It began during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The founder, Guru Nanak, was born in a Hindu family in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, in Pakistan’s Sheikhupura district). He was a deeply spiritual person and became disillusioned with two main aspects of Hinduism: 1. Idol worship – Guru Nanak believed in one formless God. 2. Caste discrimination – He opposed the caste system and advocated equality. Guru Nanak was deeply influenced by Sufi saints like Baba Farid and Mian Mir. Inspired by their emphasis on unity, love, and equality, he even performed Hajj, visited Madinah, and meditated at the shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani in Baghdad. Sikhism thus became a spiritual, ethical, and practical religion rooted in belief in one God, humanity, hard work, service, and equality. It promotes a simple form of worship and encourages leading a dignified, moral, and purposeful life. Religious Literature of Sikhism Like other major religions, Sikhism also has a sacred book that guides its followers. The most revered text is the Guru Granth Sahib, also called Adi Granth. It is considered the eternal and visible Guru. It contains the spiritual writings of Sikh Gurus as well as other saints like Namdev, Ravidas, Kabir Das, Baba Farid, and Sheikh Bhikan. All devout Sikhs accept it unconditionally. The Guru Granth Sahib was compiled by the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and is written in the Gurmukhi script. It includes verses in Punjabi, Persian, Braj, Sanskrit, and other languages. The book focuses on monotheism, human brotherhood, devotion, righteousness, and truth. It even contains references from the Quran and Hadith. Besides Guru Granth Sahib, Other Important Texts Include: 1. Dasam Granth – Attributed to the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It includes heroic poems, moral stories, and interpretations of Hindu mythology, encouraging bravery, justice, and spiritual growth. 2. Vaaran Bhai Gurdas – Written by Bhai Gurdas, a close companion of Guru Arjan. This work is crucial to understanding Guru Granth Sahib and covers Sikh beliefs, practices, and early Sikh community life. 3. Janam Sakhis – Biographies of Guru Nanak, including his miracles and teachings, mainly compiled by Bhai Bala and Bhai Maan Singh. 4. Ratnavali, Suraj Prakash, Guru Bilas – Authored by Bhai Santokh Singh and other Sikh historians, these texts present detailed biographies of Sikh Gurus and Sikh history. Guru Granth Sahib in the Eyes of Scholars The greatness of any book can be measured by the views of intellectuals. Here are some opinions about Guru Granth Sahib: Dr. Radhakrishnan (Philosopher and former President of India): “Guru Granth Sahib is a living spiritual tradition. It includes teachings from various Indian religious traditions. It is a universal spiritual text that touches the hearts of all.” Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: “The message of love, humanity, and service in Guru Granth Sahib aligns with the fundamental principles of Islam. This book can serve as a bridge between religions.” Mahatma Gandhi: “Guru Granth Sahib teaches non-violence, truth, and human equality. It is not just a Sikh scripture but a voice of truth.” Dr. A.L. Basham (Historian and Orientalist): “It’s extraordinary to find a religious book that includes teachings of saints and mystics from different faiths. Guru Granth Sahib is truly a masterpiece of harmony.” Prof. Narasimhaiah (Scholar of Religion): “Guru Granth Sahib is not just for Sikhs but for all humanity. Its poetry and philosophy express inner suffering and spiritual evolution.” Guru Granth Sahib is thus considered by scholars as a sacred, intellectual, and spiritual text that transcends religious boundaries and unites humanity with the message of love, truth, harmony, and service. Contemporary Relevance of Guru Granth Sahib Guru Granth Sahib is not only the foundational scripture of Sikhism but also a positive source of guidance for people of all religions and communities. In today’s era, marked by religious extremism, hatred, and prejudice, its teachings promote: Religious Tolerance And Brotherhood – Inclusion of verses from saints of different religions shows its interfaith nature. Equality And Social Justice – It rejects caste, race, gender, or class discrimination. Respect For Nature – At a time of environmental crisis, it encourages harmony with nature. Mental Peace And Spiritual Calm – In the fast-paced modern life filled with anxiety, it offers peace, patience, and inner satisfaction. Service (Seva) and humility (Namrata) – These principles are essential for building a welfare society. Ideas like Langar (community kitchen) and selfless service foster social unity. Conclusion Guru Granth Sahib presents teachings that are relevant, practical, and peaceful—even in today's world. By following its message, we can build a just, harmonious, and compassionate society. Its universal values make it a timeless guide not only for Sikhs but for the entire humanity. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/social-impact-religious-guru-granth-sahib/d/136188 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism