THE SIKH COMMUNITY

The history of the Sikhs is similar to that of other immigrants in the early 19^th century. The economic factor is seen as the reason of the Sikh migration to South East Asian countries, such as Burma, Indonesia and Malaya. Problems such as lack of land, the increasing population and natural disasters intensify the migration to South East Asia. The vast employment opportunities available and liberal immigration policies encouraged the mass migration to Malaya, then under British rule.

In the mid 19^th century, many Sikhs migrated to Malaysia (Malaya). The British used Sikh men from India, one of its colonies, to serve in the security forces, because of their strong built. At first the Sikhs’ migration was concentrated in Perak. Sikh faith became an important element in uniting Sikhs in the Perak Armed Force (PAP). This is also the main factor behind the close relationship of the Sikh within the security forces. (Sushila, 1990:43-44).

In the 20^th century, Sikhs who have migrated to Malaysia began to work in the government sector as well as in the private sectors. They worked as guards, in the agricultural sector, rear cattle, and become moneylenders.

The early Sikh settlement in Malaya was concentrated in the west coast in Penang, Perak, Federal Territory and Selangor. They were also concentrated in towns such as Ipoh, Taiping, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban. Because they are small in number compared to other ethnic group, they are spread over a larger area. If there are more than twenty families in one area, the settlement would be called as a Benggali Village, such as the Kampung Benggali, Taiping and Tanjung Rambutan.

Sikhs including the Punjabis are referred to as one “religious community”. They distinguish each group based on a caste system and regional divisions. The native language of the Sikhs is Punjabi but there are many dialects used in different areas. Sikhs generally can be categorised as “Arora Sikh”, “Jat Sikh”, “Khatri Sikh”, and “Mazhbi Sikh” according to their jobs.

The “Jat Sikh” are divided into three groups according to the divided area of their ancestors in the Indus Valley. The three groups are “Jat Majha”, “Jat Malwa” and “Jat Doabia”, which also refer to the branches and banks of the Indus River.

Religious Beliefs

The founders of the religion of Sikh first appeared when India was in the midst of a power struggle between the Muslims and the Hindus. The word “Sikh” means “shisya” in Sanskrit or “disciple” whereas in Punjabi, the word means follower or student. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) laid the foundation to the Sikh religion. The unfavourable political, religious and social environment in India led him to search for new ways to bring peace to mankind. After his death, there were nine (9) other teachers who have contributed to the Sikh community.

The holy book for the Sikh, the “Granth sahib” is a contribution by Sikh teachers known as the “Bani” (Holy Artha). However, upon close scrutiny the contribution of Muslim ulema and Hinduism doctrines can also be seen.

What is important in the Sikh religion is the belief in the oneness of God and equating God with truth or “sach”. The basic belief of the religion can be found in “Japji” or known as “mool mentra”. Each believer of Sikh religion must know the “Japji” and read it each dawn.

Sikhism accepts the theory of “karma” and “reincarnation” and each individual will go through several cycles of life to reach nirvana. It is believed that there are 8400 million cycles of life or “Junn” in all. The length of the cycle for a person to reach nirvana is dependant on his sins. Sikhism disclaims the worship of rivers, gods or to mediate and such things would be wasted if the person’s mind is not pure.

Sikhism rejects the caste system and the pursuit of fun amongst mankind. However practically, the Sikhs is not free from differentiating from each other. “Gurudwara” or the doorway of God is a major symbol ** (Please check if the BM version has words missing and the spelling of Gurudwara is synchronised?) amongst the Sikh community. Where ever they are, the first priority is to build a “gurudwara” before doing other things. The strength of a Sikh revolves and is centred on the “Gurudwara”.

“Gurudwara” is a holy symbol for Sikhs deserving respect as that is where all Sikhs will congregate to learn about Sikh teachings. In the “Gurudwara” each individual is equal and the same treatment must be given regardless of caste, skin colour, socio economic positions or citizenship.

Another unique feature from the view of the Sikh religion is the 5K Rule which are “kanga”, “kirpan”, “kerah”, “kesh”, and ‘keshairah”. The Five K is the duty of every Sikh to keep long hair, to wear a special comb in his hair, to wear a special bangle on his right hand, to keep a special knife and to wear a special type of pants. Each Sikh must go through a “baptism” ceremony or taking “amrit “ ritual into his life as a sign of his willingness to follow the teachings of Guru Grantu Sahib.

Marriages

Sikhism encourages family life or “grithstashram” and marriage. A Sikh should not live in isolation and should instead strive towards developing his community. The institution of community is a pure institution and is a must for every Sikh. It is through marriage that two Sikh families become closer.

Marriages in the Sikh community are arranged by the parents and relatives. This is because the Sikhs are a small community hence making inquiries and investigating the background of a certain prospective bride or groom is easy to do. It is the responsibility of the parents to find a good wife or husband for the children, especially when marriages are the basis for caste awareness.

The best time to “inquire” or propose is during festivals and the prayer ceremonies of “Gurudwara”. This provides the opportunity for the older folks to get to know the background of the family of the prospective bride or groom, his or her educational level, the job, and other matters. Usually the girls would be proposing to the men and not vice versa.

Although the Sikh faith forbids a caste system, most of the Sikh family studied believed strongly in the caste system except in cases of mixed marriages.