God as a Creator
Nature of Waheguru
Sikhs believe that WaheguruSikhs believe in one God called Waheguru which means 鈥榃onderful Lord鈥 or 鈥榃onderful Teacher鈥. created the universe, the world and every life form within it. Sikhs believe that before the universe existed, there was only Waheguru, and it was because of 'the will of God' or Hukam The order or command of God, referred to as Waheguru. that the universe was created. They believe in the oneness of creation - that Waheguru created the world and is part of this creation. He sustains the world and is responsible for everything in it. Therefore, Sikhs believe that they have a duty to respect and protect the world.
There are no creation stories in Sikhism, unlike in other religions such as Christianity (which has a belief in the story of Adam and EveThe first human beings according to Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions.). Because the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru. explores the nature of Waheguru鈥檚 creation rather than the origins of the universe, many Sikhs accept scientific theories about the creation of the world. For example, according to the Big BangThe scientific theory that describes the early development of the Universe. theory, the universe was created approximately 15 billion years ago.
He established the earth, the sky and the air, the water of the oceans, fire and food. He created the moon, the stars and the sun, night and day and mountains; he blessed the trees with flowers and fruits. He created the gods, human beings and the seven seas; He established the three worlds.
Sikh beliefs about Waheguru and creation
God as separate from the universe
Sikhs believe that Waheguru is Nirgun (transcendentThe belief that God is beyond the human and material world. Due to this, God cannot be fully understood by human beings.) and genderless. He is also ineffable, which means he cannot be put into words. Sikhs believe that Waheguru is outside time and space and therefore uncreated (ie he exists despite never having been created). He is not affected or changed by anything.
Waheguru is beyond any human explanation, but Sikhs use many different names to try to get a better understanding of Waheguru鈥檚 nature.
God as part of the universe
Sikhs also believe that Waheguru is Sargun (immanenceThe belief in many religions that God is immanent - 鈥榠n the world鈥. God acted in history in the past and continues to be active today. ) and so everything in the universe has Waheguru鈥檚 presence in it. This means that Waheguru cares for his creation (the universe) and everything in it. Everything that changes and happens in the world is because of Waheguru鈥檚 Hukam.
This shows Sikhs that Waheguru loves his creation and it enables him to reveal himself to human beings. Sikhs believe that Waheguru is part of them in the form of the divine sparkThe soul, the part of Waheguru (the Sikh word for God) in each person..
He possesses all qualities; He transcends all qualities.