Non-Sikh Marriages in Gurdwara Sahibs

For the protection of Sikh ethics, the Respectful conduct of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the preservation of the Khalsa Panth in the UK, the issue of Non-Sikh marriages in Gurdwara Sahibs was addressed by Akal Thakt.

Yes the Sikh Gurdwara is open to all faiths, colours, castes and backgrounds. Sikhs believe that God exists in everyone therefore serving the creation is like serving the creator. How ever Sikhs do have a code of conduct which has been put in place to maintain the respect of Sikh principals.

Some Gurdwara sahibs in the Uk allow a non- Sikh to get marries to a Sikh in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Reasons why some feel this practice is making mockery of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

In order to be a Sikh you must have faith in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and recognize Maharaj as the true Guru. You may not be a fully practicing Sikh, but one day you aim to become one. SO one point is that if a person is not a Sikh, why would they want a Sikh wedding? (There is no logic in this).

If you live in England, you can’t play for Brazil world cup team. Because that would be making a mockery of the national team, yet we allow non Sikhs who have no faith in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to make a oath in front of Guru Ji. (Where is the logic?)

In a court of Law a Bible is presented to a Christian, a Quran to a Muslim on which an oath is sworn, and not vice versa. A marriage is also an oath, and in the presence of ‘Jaag di Jhot’ Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji only those who have accepted Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their Guru should be taking marriages vows - otherwise it’s a mockery of the system, and disrespect to Guru Sahib”

We do not oppose interfaith marriages, but we will not tolerate the abuse of the Sikh Gurdwara code of conduct. Those wanted to have a interfaith marriage should have a wedding some where else and not bring their unlogical, piss taking activities into the Gurdwara.

What is the traditional code of Conduct laid by Guru Ji and the Sikh Rehatnamas?

Have relations with a Sikh of the Guru. (Rehatnama Bhai Chaupa Singh)

Killing a daughter or to give a daughter (in marriage) to a non-Sikh, such a person commits great offence. Sikh should give his daughter (in marriage) to a Sikh. Thus Gurmukh meets a Gurmukh. Giving a daughter to a Bhadni (non-Sikh) is like giving nectar to a snake. (Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh)

A Sikh gives (in marriage) his daughter to a Sikh and does not accept any money in exchange. He is my Sikh and will reach in my presence. – Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

When the daughter comes of age only then relations should be contracted, not for a very young girl. And the relations should be Sikhs of the Guru. (Prem Sumagar)

On the 16th of August 2007 after sustained campaigning by UK Sikh youth, Sri Akal Takht, Amritsar reiterated the Reht Maryada for Anand Karaj ceremonies.
Sri Akaal Takht Sahib is the Throne of the Almighty and the orders issued by it are called Hukamnamas. Hukamnama literally means "Royal Order."

The existing Code of conduct regarding persons of other religions participating in an Anand Karaj ceremony is as follows:-
THE CODE OF SIKH CONDUCT AND CONVENTIONS
k. Persons professing faiths other than the Sikh faith cannot be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony.

Despite this many Gurudwara Committees across the UK are choosing to abuse this Maryada for financial gains.

As of 16th August 2007 new guidelines issues by Sri Akal Takhat

Any persons previously of a religion other than Sikhism must show his/her commitment to the PERSUIT of Sikhi by applying the following criteria:

Include Singh or Kaur in the name - Changing by Deed Poll including Passport & Driving License.


Translation of royal order:

Ik Ongkar Sri Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Sri Amritsar
Giani Joginder Singh, Jethadar

Date: 16-8-2007

Anand Sanskar"Marriage Ceremony"

This is a message to all the Sikh Sangat that according to the Rehat Maryada only Sikh couples (male/female) can engage in the Anand Karaj Ceremony. If the couple or either one of them is not a Sikh, then they must embrace the Sikh faith.

This includes that they must change their second name to Singh or Kaur in their official document (e.g. driving licence, identity card, and passport) before the marriage.

(Signed)

(Joginder Singh)Jathedar

Frontline comments:

We must all keep in mind we only become a true sikh once we take amrit and follow rehat maryada. only then do we become a real Singh and Kaur.