The Global Footprint of Sikhism: Fifth-largest religion in the world

A Brief History of Sikhism

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and subsequently led by a succession of nine other Gurus. It is based on the spiritual teachings of these ten Gurus as well as the holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. The religion preaches the importance of doing good deeds rather than merely carrying out rituals. Sikhism’s history is also marked by its Gurus’ efforts to combat social injustices and promote equality for all.

Top 10 Countries with the Largest Sikh Populations

1. India: Home to the majority of Sikhs, India has approximately 22 million followers, with Punjab being the epicenter of the faith.
2. United Kingdom: The UK has a vibrant Sikh community of about 432,000, contributing significantly to the country’s cultural diversity.
3. Canada: With around 468,000 Sikhs, Canada boasts one of the most prominent Sikh populations outside India.
4. United States: The US Sikh population stands at roughly 250,000, with a strong presence on both the East and West Coasts.
5. Malaysia: Malaysia’s Sikh community numbers around 120,000, a testament to the religion’s spread during the British colonial era.
6. Australia: Approximately 130,000 Sikhs call Australia home, enjoying a rich cultural life down under.
7. Kenya: Kenya has a Sikh population of about 50,000, many of whom are descendants of workers brought over during colonial times.
8. UAE: The United Arab Emirates is home to around 50,000 Sikhs, who play an active role in the country’s economic life.
9. Singapore: Singapore’s Sikh community numbers close to 20,000, known for their entrepreneurial spirit.
10. Italy: Italy has seen a recent growth in its Sikh population, now numbering around 70,000, primarily involved in agriculture.

These figures highlight the global dispersion of Sikhism and its followers, who maintain their religious traditions while also adapting to their host countries’ cultures.

Sikhism Today

The Sikh diaspora is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Gurus’ teachings. Despite facing challenges and persecution throughout history, Sikhs have flourished and continue to practice their faith, contribute to their communities, and promote the values of equality, charity, and justice across the globe. This article provides a snapshot of the widespread reach of Sikhism and its adherents. The Sikh community’s dedication to their faith and the principles laid out by Guru Nanak and his successors have allowed Sikhism to become a truly global religion.