Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak, who was born in the year 1469 of the Common Era (CE) in the Punjab region of South Asia. Punjab is a geographic area currently split between the country India and the country Pakistan. Sikhism is a unique religion, and is not a branch of, or a blend of any other faith traditions. Many mark the Sikh faith as beginning in about the year 1500 CE, when Guru Nanak began to teach about faith principals that were very distinct from all other religious traditions of the time in India. Guru Nanak witnessed tremendous human suffering and offered a revolutionary method of living that gave equality and freedom to all. Nine different Gurus came after Guru Nanak and each helped develop the Sikh faith and community over the next several centuries.

There are over 10,000 Sikh Americans living in the Metro Detroit area. Let’s take a deeper look at the history, beliefs, and practices of these wonderful members of our community.

Learn more about Sikhism and access our exclusive resources here.

What Do You Know About Sikhism?

Sikhism is one of the youngest religions in the world, however it is the fifth most-followed religion.

What do you already know about the Sikh faith?

Test your knowledge here!

Guru Nanak: The Founder of Sikhism

Presented by PBS, Guru Nanak: The Founder of Sikhism recounts the life story of the 15th century teacher and revolutionary activist from Punjab, India who founded the Sikh faith – the world’s fifth largest religion. The documentary also explores how Guru Nanak’s legacy inspires Sikh Americans today – including Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Snatam Kaur and Hoboken, New Jersey mayor Ravi Bhalla – to exercise compassion, take risks, challenge established norms, and help others.

Sikhism Explained

Sikhism, the 5th largest and youngest of the world religions. A religion that preaches about love, peace, and the equality of humankind, but also asks it’s followers to carry swords. Sikhism originated in the Punjab area of India and Pakistan, 500 years ago. The Punjab, the land of five rivers, is one of the most historically and culturally dense areas on Earth.

Today there are about 25 million Sikhs. They make up about 2% of India’s population but about 60% of the Punjab’s. The Sikh diaspora is spread out across the world with concentrations in the UK, Canada, The US, East Africa, Australia, and Malaysia. Sikhs interestingly enough make up almost 1.5% of Canada’s population which is second only to India.

So who are the Sikh’s, what do they believe, and why does everyone confuse them for Muslims? Well Let’s Find Out.

Our custom, exclusive textbook is a great resource to support learning about each of the five faith traditions.

In partnership with Detroit Public Television, join us on a virtual Journey to a Sikh Gurdwara in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Presented by the Detroit Experience Factory, learn about the Sikh community’s roots all throughout Metro Detroit.