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2 Sikhism in Brief Sikhism is the fifth largest World religion Sikhism is an independent religion with no connection with Hinduism or Islam 23 million Sikhs worldwide –500,000 Sikhs reside in the United States and 500,000 Sikhs live in Canada Sikhs came to North America in late 1800s, more than a hundred years ago

3 Sikh Beliefs There is One God for all of creation, a loving Creator attainable through Grace. Loving remembrance of the One God. All human beings are created equal. Women have complete equality with men. Living a moral, truthful and hardworking existence. Selfless service towards the entire Creation. Defending the rights of the downtrodden and oppressed.

4 Articles of Faith Mandatory articles of faith for all initiated Sikhs Kesh – Uncut hair Kirpan – Religious sword Karra – Steel bracelet Kangha – Wooden comb Kachehra – Boxer shorts Kirpan Karra Kangha

5 Kirpan (Religious Sword) Mandatory article of faith revealed to tenth Sikh Prophet by God. Sikhs wearing it since the year Not a weapon and not a mere symbol. Generally worn under clothing. Reminds Sikhs to fight against injustice and oppression at all times.

6 Dastaar – the Turban A mandatory article of faith for Sikhs. Symbolic of sovereignty bestowed by God. Sikhs wearing it for the last 500 years. Under no circumstances can the turban be forcibly removed. Removal of turban in public is tantamount to a strip search.

7 Bhagat Singh Thind, USArmy 1912 Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman

8 “An American Sikh has been killed, unjustly so. These citizens bring their hearts with them, and I can assure them that our government will do everything we can to not only bring those people to justice, but also to treat every human life as dear, and to respect the values that made our country so different and so unique. We're all Americans, bound together by common ideals and common values.” -- President Bush President Bush meets with Sikhs in the White House September 26, 2001

9 Common Misconception Fiction: Sikhs are Muslim because they wear a turban and have a beard Fact: The turban is worn in many countries as a cultural dress however the turban is required to be worn by a Sikh in order to cover their uncut hair and is a religious article of faith. 99% of people wearing turbans in the United States and Canada are Sikhs.

10 September 11, 2001 Sikhs in America and around the world strongly condemn the recent acts of terrorism and stand united with the American people. Sikhs have no connection with Osama bin Laden. Sikhs have been donating blood, providing resources and holding prayers for victims of the attacks.

11 FAA Guidelines on Turbans If a Sikh successfully passes through a metal detector, a security personnel cannot ask him to remove his or her turban. If a metal detector triggers an alarm and a security personnel confirms using a handheld detector that a metal is present in the turban, the person should be taken to a private area for further inspection. If removal of turban becomes warranted, the Sikh must be provided with a private area and a mirror to retie the turban.

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