Articles of Faith
What is Sikhism? | Core Sikh Beliefs | Articles of Faith
ARTICLES OF FAITH
What are the Sikh Articles of Faith?
The five articles of faith inherent to the identity of a Sikh are commonly known as the five kakaar’s, or five k’s. An amritdhari Sikh (a practicing Sikh who has been initiated into the religion) is required to keep them on his/her person at all times. Each of the five k’s represents different aspects of the belief system of the Sikhs. They are the primary means of identifying a practicing Sikh, and are to be kept by both men and women.
The five articles of faith for Sikhs are:
KESH Kesh refers to the keeping of unshorn hair. The keeping of unshorn hair serves as a sign of respect for God’s creation and God’s will. The unshorn hair is to be covered at all times by a dastar (turban) for men and either a scarf or a dastar for women. The dastar is an integral part of Sikh identity, and serves as an outward form of recognition of Sikh men and women. It signifies a sign of humility and belief in equality between men and women.
KANGA The Kanga is a wooden comb representing orderliness and self-discipline. It is worn in the hair, and is used to keep the hair neat and tidy. The kanga represents hygiene as well as ridding oneself of what is morally undesirable.
KARA The Kara is an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist. The circular design of the kara signifies the oneness and eternity of God. By wearing it on the wrist, it is a reminder to the wearer to bind one’s will to the will of God. By wearing it on the wrist that one uses the most, it also serves as an enjoinder to a Sikh to use one’s hands for the benefit of humankind.
KACCHA The kaccha resembles boxer shorts, and is cotton underwear worn underneath one’s clothing. The kaccha (also known as kachera) reminds the Sikh of expected high moral character, fidelity, and restraint.
KIRPAN The kirpan most closely resembles a sword in a metal sheath, which is wrapped in a fabric cloth (gathra). It is worn close to the body, either on top of or underneath one’s clothing. The kirpan serves as a reminder to a Sikh of his/her mortality. It is an enjoinder to make the most of one’s life, and to take personal responsibility to protect the weak and stand up against injustice.
These Articles of Faith have a spiritual significance to the wearer. They cannot be replaced with symbols but must be worn in their full form. They are kept by both men and women.
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