Sikhism Monotheism: Understanding the One God in Sikh Faith

At the heart of Sikhism monotheism, the unwavering belief in one eternal, formless, and all-pervading God. Also known as Ik Onkar, this concept isn’t just theology—it’s the rhythm of daily life for over 25 million Sikhs worldwide. Unlike polytheistic traditions that honor many gods, Sikhism teaches there is only one Divine Reality, beyond names, forms, or human limits. This isn’t abstract philosophy. It’s why Sikhs begin every prayer with "Ik Onkar," why their scripture opens with it, and why the Guru Granth Sahib never mentions another deity.

This single God isn’t distant or judgmental. Sikh teachings describe God as Ik Onkar, the One Supreme Reality that exists in all creation and within every soul. You won’t find statues or idols in a gurdwara because God can’t be confined to wood or stone. Instead, God is found in truth, service, and honest work. This belief directly shapes how Sikhs live: helping others without expecting anything back, treating everyone equally, and speaking truth even when it’s hard. It’s why the langar—the free community kitchen—isn’t just about food. It’s a living expression of divine equality.

Related to this is Guru Granth Sahib, the living Guru and eternal scripture of Sikhism that contains hymns praising the One God. Unlike other religious texts that were written by humans, Sikhs believe the Guru Granth Sahib is the direct voice of the Divine, compiled by the Sikh Gurus over generations. It doesn’t just talk about God—it sings to God, in hundreds of ragas, in Punjabi, Sanskrit, and Persian. And it doesn’t stop at devotion. It insists that true worship means rising early, working hard, sharing with the needy, and remembering God in every breath.

What makes Sikh monotheism different isn’t just what it believes—but what it rejects. It doesn’t accept caste, ritual washing, fasting for show, or pilgrimage as paths to God. The only way is through remembrance, honest labor, and community. That’s why you’ll see Sikhs working as farmers, soldiers, doctors, or mechanics—and still praying five times a day. Their faith isn’t locked in a temple. It’s in their hands, their words, their meals, and their courage to stand up for justice.

Below, you’ll find articles that explore how this belief in One God connects to Sikh history, daily rituals, music, and even how Sikhs live alongside other faiths in India. Whether you’re curious about the meaning behind "Waheguru," how prayer beads are used, or why the turban matters, these pieces show how monotheism isn’t just a doctrine—it’s a way of being.