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Sikhism

God sends His messengers into the world from time to time to guide humanity, states Professor Gobind Singh Mansukhani, author of the book, The Quintessence of Sikhism. Although Jesus Christ was considered to be sent to Earth between 8 BC and 4 BC by god, the ten Gurus’, who found the Sikh religion five hundred years ago in the Punjab region of India, were also considered to be messenger's of God. These founders of the Sikh religion, unlike others of the time, recorded their teachings and their beliefs in the Guru Granth Sahib, a holy book that is considered to be the eternal Guru. The history, beliefs, and distinction from other religions make Sikhism a fascinating religion.

Originating in the fifteenth century, Sikhism struggles to stay alive in India, even today. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism established this religion, free from the discriminating ideas of Hinduism and Islam. Guru Nanak Dev Ji carried the Divine Light, which allowed his body to be a platform for God to speak on. This light was passed on to the other nine Gurus who created the Guru Granth Sahib. The eighth Guru, Guru Harkishan Dev Ji, became a Guru at the age of five. His knowledge and power awed people who realized he was really divine.

The lives of most Sikhs were threatened by religious hatred everyday. The fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, both became martyrs. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was tortured with boiling water, thrown on burning sand, and was seated on a red-hot plate because he would not give up his faith. Similarly, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji also became a martyr. He refused to lose his faith and died saying God's name.

Today, Sikhs are still dying for their beliefs. For Sikhs, their beliefs are declared in the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib contains the words of all ten Gurus and is the eternal

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