Key Difference – Sikh vs Muslim
The primary difference between Sikhs and Muslims is that Sikhs belong to the Sikh religion, which was founded in India, whereas Muslims are followers of Islam, an Abrahamic religion. While they may have similar appearances in terms of turbans and beards, there are significant differences in their beliefs and practices.
Key Takeaways
- Sikhs belong to the Sikh religion, founded in India, while Muslims are followers of Islam.
- Both religions have different beliefs and practices, such as Sikhs not believing in pilgrimage and Muslims having a duty to visit Mecca and Medina.
- While Sikhs and Muslims may have similar appearances, their beliefs and practices are significantly different.
Who is a Sikh?
A Sikh is someone who is born into the Sikh religion, one of the four major world religions originating from India. Guru Nanak, born in the Punjab Province of India in 1469, founded the religion. Sikhism is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak and the subsequent ten gurus. The last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, passed away, and the compilation of all gurus’ teachings was created in the form of Guru Granth Sahib, considered the eternal guru for Sikhs.
Sikhs believe in the brotherhood of humanity and an all-powerful, omnipresent God. They do not follow rituals like Hindus and Muslims. They do not worship idols like Hindus, and the most sacred thing for them is the Guru Granth Sahib, which includes all ten gurus’ teachings. Sikhism arose in India in response to the spread of Islam and the forced conversions of Hindus into Muslims. Mughal emperors did not appreciate the spread of Sikhism, and most of the Sikh Gurus were imprisoned and tortured to death by them. However, after the martyrdom of the 10th Guru Gobind Singh, Sikhs united and rebelled against Muslim rule, setting up the Sikh Empire in Northern parts of India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Sikhs are peaceful, jovial individuals who are also hardworking and religious by nature.
Who is a Muslim?
A Muslim is an individual who follows Islam, an Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, the holy book of Muslims. Islam is one of the world’s major religions, professed by one-fifth of humanity. It is spread all over the world, though mainly concentrated in South Asia, West Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Muslims revere Prophet Muhammad as the last messenger of God. All Muslims believe in life after death, predestination, and angels.
The first Muslims were the descendants and friends of Muhammad. The religion has since grown tremendously, and today there are hundreds of millions of Muslims worldwide. Islam is the religion, while Muslims are the adherents of Islam. The Quran is based on Muhammad’s sayings and tells Muslims what Allah expects of them. Salvation is offered to all Muslims who follow the principles described in the holy Quran. The basic belief of all Muslims is that there is only Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger. Muslims pray five times a day, facing Mecca’s direction, where they believe Allah revealed the truth to Muhammad. Muslims have a month of fasting to relieve themselves of all their sins. They help the needy and the poor and have a duty to visit Holy Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
What is the Difference Between Sikh and Muslim?
Definitions of Sikh and Muslim:
Sikh: Sikh is a person who is born into the Sikh religion.
Muslim: Muslim is a word that refers to any individual who is a follower of Islam.
Characteristics of Sikh and Muslim:
Turbans:
Sikh: Sikhs wear turbans like many Muslims.
Muslim: Turban is not essential for Muslims.
Beard:
Sikh: Beard is essential for Sikhs.
Muslim: Beard is not essential in Islam.
Halal:
Sikh: Muslims eat Halal meat.
Muslim: Sikhs do not believe in Halal.
Belief:
Sikh: Muslims believe in Allah and read the Quran.
Muslim: Sikhs believe in One God and accept Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal guru.
Pilgrimage:
Sikh: Muslims have a duty to visit Mecca and Medina.
Muslim: Sikhs do not believe in pilgrimage.
