Core beliefs
Sikhs are committed to equality and kindness to all with a strong sense of service to others in the family and wider community. Sikhs believe that there is one God who is both transcendent and present in all things and everyone. A Sikh aims to develop consciousness of God and to receive God’s grace through truthful living and selfless service.
Sikhs carry symbols of their beliefs (often referred to as the 5 Ks) which remind them of spirituality, cleanliness, righteousness, self-control and justice. The Gurudwara, (place of worship) has a prayer hall and dining hall for the distribution of free food (langar) to anyone who comes.
The various sub sects in Sikhism are related to regional factors and preferences for different Gurus and different interpretations of the scriptures.
Devotion is an important part of Sikh life and Sikhs need privacy for their daily prayers (Nit-Nam). The morning prayer consists of five individual prayers. There are two prayers in the evening, one before supper and one before going to sleep. If a person is too ill to recite, they can listen to an audio.
There are 5 key symbols of the Sikh faith – uncut hair, comb, steel/iron bangle, small sword, special underwear – which have deep spiritual and moral significance and should ideally not be interfered with.
Sikhs may also have a small prayer book (Gutka), which contains morning and evening prayers. This will be wrapped in clean cloth and kept in safe place.
The Sikh sacred scripture (the Guru Granth Sahib) contains writings of the Gurus and other saints. In the Gurdwara it is placed on a Takhat (throne), covered by a Rumala (cloth).
Sikhs have a strong sense of their moral obligation to others.
Older people may appreciate spiritual care in their home language. Having access to a Gutka or having an audio playing either of prayers or Kirtan is comforting. A visit from a family member or other to recite prayers would be soothing too.
It is important to explain what medical care is being offered and why. Initiated Sikhs may wish to know what ingredients are present in the medication.
Sikh women may prefer to wear traditional clothing rather than hospital gowns. They will be more comfortable with female staff, and on single-sex wards. Initiated Sikh women will want their hair to be covered.
Sikh men have long hair under their turban, but may wear a smaller version of the turban whilst in hospital for practical reasons. Respect needs to be paid to the sanctities of the Sikh hair traditions, especially if it becomes necessary to remove a turban.
Cleanliness in important is Sikhism with a requirement to bathe every morning with a preference for free-flowing water rather than sitting in a bath. Sikhs may prefer washing rather than using toilet paper for their ablutions. They will be accustomed to washing hands and rinsing the mouth before meals.
It is in the care of their hair however that Sikhs are most particular. Hair must be washed regularly and combed twice a day – patients may need help with this. Initiated Sikhs cannot shave their hair and if this is necessary family members should be consulted.
Sikh holy days are related to the birth of the Gurus. Sikhs have many Festivals, including Vaisakhi, Bandhi Chorr Divas, and Gurpurabs.
Sikhs have a preference for same gender care and wards with women finding this especially important.
Pregnancy is seen as very special time, the mother is encouraged to be positive and stay happy.
The baby may not be named for several days as there is a wait for their first initial to be taken from the scriptures through a Hukamnama (random verse).
The baby is taken to the Gurdwara as soon as the family see fit.
The baby may have holy water (amrit) placed in its tongue by a family member or an initiated Sikh.
A baby that dies, or is stillborn, should be wrapped in a white sheet for a family member to preform last rites.
A Sikh may derive comfort from reciting hymns from the Scriptures and appreciate a visit from a Sikh priest. Holy water may be given to patient or sprinkled around them.
Ideally a family member is present at the time of death. Prayers can be played through an audio recording to bring comfort.
Ideally family members should be present at time of a Sikh death. If not, they should be notified as soon as possible.
The body must be covered and not go to the mortuary until the family arrive. The body can be handled by staff of the same gender as the deceased.
The eyes and mouth should be closed, taking care with the face as it will be viewed. Limbs should be straightened.
The sacred 5Ks should not be removed (comb, underwear, bangle, sword, hair covering) and hair should not be trimmed or cut in any way.
Speed in processing the death certificate is appreciated as funerals are scheduled soon after a death.
It is important that the body is intact, so postmortems need permission from family. The act of donating organs is consistent with Sikh teaching of giving and helping others.
Sikhs have restrictions on eating certain meats (halal, kosher or beef) but can eat chicken, lamb, pork and fish. Some Sikhs will only eat food prepared by their families.
Initiated Sikhs do not take alcohol or tobacco and are vegetarian or vegan.
For Sikhs, visiting the sick is an act of faith and family way of life, so there may be many visitors.
It is polite to remove shoes. Food may be offered as a courtesy and should ideally be accepted – maybe to be taken away if not eaten there and then.
Having a disability is not seen as a punishment. One can be born with a disability or something can take place and one becomes disabled. Whichever way it is just accept it as the will of the creator.