What religion follows the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib?

The holy scripture known as the Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious text of Sikhism. It is not merely a book, but is revered by Sikhs as their eternal, living Guru, embodying the spirit and teachings of the ten human Gurus who founded and guided the faith. This unique reverence means that the Guru Granth Sahib is treated with the utmost respect and is the focal point of Sikh worship and daily life.

The compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib began primarily with Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, in 1604, with later additions by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru. This sacred text is a voluminous collection of hymns and sacred verses, written in the Gurmukhi script. What makes it particularly distinctive is its inclusive nature, as it contains not only the teachings of the Sikh Gurus but also hymns from various Hindu and Muslim saints, reflecting a message of universal truth and brotherhood.

At its heart, Sikhism, guided by the Guru Granth Sahib, emphasizes monotheism, believing in one formless God, referred to as Ik Onkar. Its teachings promote equality among all people, rejecting discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, or social status. Originating in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century, Sikhism encourages selfless service (seva), honest labor, and community spirit (sangat), offering a path of spiritual devotion combined with active engagement in the world, all centered around the profound wisdom contained within its revered scripture.