Nature of incident
Shaheedi deg a milk drink containing a small amount of the intoxicant cannabis was given out to Sangat on the Shaheedi celebration of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. An argument erupted between a small amount of Sangat that were protesting against this act and the committee. After some time a Singh managed to pour the intoxicating drink down the drain.
Historic traditions
The trend of Shaheedi deg is a Sikh tradition; it was used as a medicine on times of war. Gurbani does not allow regular consumption of this drink. It was a drink used in the healing process of a wounded soldier. On the Shaheedi day of Sri Guru Arjan dev Ji the Sikhs give out cold drinks to the surrounding community in remembrance of the first martyr of the Sikh community.
Gurmat views:
Gurbani tells us to stay away from intoxicants as they delude the mind and alter our health. Regular consumption for worldly pleasure is not permitted in the Sikh faith. However it is different if it is needed for medication, cannabis is a known natural pain killer. It made no sense handing out Shaheedi deg as no one was injured or needed it as medication.
The Fear of You, O Lord God, is my marijuana; my consciousness is the pouch which holds it. Ang- 721 SGGSJ
Kabeer, those mortals who consume marijuana (intoxicants for pleasure), fish (meat) and wine (alcohol), no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow they will go to hell. Ang- 1377 SGGSJ
Backlash on our community
Just imagine if the general public or authorities had caught this incident and reported in mainstream papers. How embarrassing would this be for Sikhs in general, that a Holy Sikh Gurdwara was supplying cannabis drinks to its worshipers? This would have tarnished the reputation and honour of the Sikh community. The possession and consumption of cannabis is a criminal offence in the
A meeting will be held on the 22nd June 2008 to discuss this incident and whether the committee will allow this practice in the future. The committee should be more responsible and not bring this type of criminal activity to a Gurdwara.
Contact Details:
Gurdwara Singh Sangat
Harley Grove, Bow,
Tel: 0208 980 8861
