Islam Vs Sikhism Essay

Islam and Sikhism are two major world religions that share many commonalities yet they are drastically different in many other aspects. Islam is a religion that arose in Arabia during the seventh century. Islam shares its roots with other major world religions, Judaism and Christianity. Islam is the youngest of these three Abrahamic faiths (Fisher, 2013). Sikhism is a particularly new religion in comparison and was founded in the Punjab area in the fifteenth century. While Islam is the youngest of the major Western religions, Sikhism is the youngest of the major Eastern religions (Fisher, 2013). These two religions differentiate in many of their practices, however, we will see how much of their core values they actually share.
Both religions are strictly monotheistic. They believe in a singular God who created the universe and is the father of all beings (Fisher, 2013). They must submit themselves to God and follow his law. Muslims refer to God as Allah, meaning God in Arabic (Fisher, 2013). This is the same God of Judaism and Christianity. Sikhs, on the other hand, use several describing terms in reference to God; such as, Akal Purakh, meaning eternal one, or Waheguru, meaning wonderful lord (Fisher, 2013). …show more content…
Like Hindu’s, Sikhs believe in the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation. One will continue to reincarnate until they are finally able to attain a union with God and achieve liberation (Fisher, 2013). Sikhs also believe in living a good life and doing good deeds in order to produce good Karma. These are beliefs the Islam faith does not hold. Additionally in Sikhism, there are symbols (Five K’s) worn by Khalsa members (the five beloved ones chosen to be models for Sikhs), in order to show their dedication (Fisher, 2013, p. 440). These include Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Kachera (under breeches), Kara (bracelet), and Kirpan (sword in sheath) (Fisher,