Not in Nanak's Name: Petition against new marriage rule in Gurdwaras

"They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together. Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies." (Guru Amar Das, Pauri, pg. 788)

One of the key principles of Sikhism is ‘do not judge’. It is the first lesson of the religion. Sikhs do not judge when a man walks off of the street, famished, searching for food, and asks for ‘langar’ (communal meal) in the langar hall of the Gurdwara.

That is because ‘seva’, meaning ‘selfless service’ is another key part of Sikhism.

So what does it mean if non-Sikhs marrying Sikhs are being rejected from the marriage hall of that one and same Gurdwara? Does this mean Sikhs are practising seva as a selfish means to an end – to get recognition from God than actually acting out of selflessness and true love for another fellow being? How can you discriminate in one room, but not another when it is the ‘House of God’?

The Sikh Holy Book, The Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is the only Holy Book that includes writings from other Holy Books including the Qur’an. Why are Gurdwaras suddenly pitting religions against each other when key principles of Sikhism are ‘love’, ‘tolerance’ and ‘acceptance’ of all souls? Guru Nanak Ji spread peace and harmony. Which path is Sikhism going down after this ruling? A lack of tolerance and unity?

Why the sudden change? Sikhs and Hindus have been marrying for years and this new rule does not make those marriages illegitimate. Why? Because they were conducted in ‘The House of God’ and two humans united as one. I am half Hindu and half Sikh with ‘Kaur’ as my middle name. Accordingly, I can get married in most Gurdwaras as I identify as a ‘Kaur’. But will I now be rejected?

And what does it mean for somebody who has followed Sikhism their entire life, wants to marry a non-Sikh in the Gurdwara but cannot do so, yet himself does not accept a marriage as legitimate without being blessed in the House that his God lives in? Where does this Sikh believer go? How can we throw out one of our own?

Where have these rules come from? Who decided to change it? Someone who need more power so exerted themselves through this new rule? Where in Sikhism does it say that our Gurus would agree with this?

One man wanted power and so created a ruling that has affected many. It is only if the many speak up that we can restore Sikhism to its former glory as a religion of love not just towards other Sikhs but all of humanity.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM YOU - some people agree with the petition but have different reasons why they disagree with the ruling. Some feel I did not include enough facts and knowledge to make a substantial enough argument. This petition does express my views, but is ultimately to give a platform to people who object and a voice for those whose views were not heard. So if you have some knowledge on Sikhism you would like me to add, or a comment, to make this petition stronger, please let me know and I'll include it below. This is for you.

Nihang Ajit Singh Juss - 
Muslim and Hindu holy men did indeed write in Guru Granth Sahib, however no part of any other books are included. Accept all humans as your equals, and let them be your only sect" (Japji 28)

recognise all of mankind as a single caste of humanity (Guru Gobind Singh Ji)

The reason both Hindus and Muslims wrote in Guru Granth Sahib, the reason harimandir Sahib has doors facing all four directions and the reason Hindus and Muslims both considered Guru Nanak exclusively their own was because sikhi and Guru Granth Sahib was designed to be inclusive to all of humanity. It was designed to appeal and positively impact the lives of all regardless of caste, creed and religion. As Sikhs we have no right to push anyone away by disallowing people from marrying in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Who are we to be responsible for someone missing the opportunity to be positively impacted by the teaching of love of mankind within Guru Granth Sahib Ji?