Hi!
I’ve always wanted to visit a Gurdwara, I think Sikhism is a beautiful faith and Sikhs are beautiful people. I respect them and their values and want to educate myself more on their beliefs and practices
I have asked if I’d be allowed to enter a Gurdwara as a muslim woman and I’ve always been told everyone is welcome. However, I know that generally upon entering a Gurdwara, everyone must bow down to the Guru Granth Sahib. I understand this concept, this is the Guru and out of respect one must bow down. However in Islam, we don’t bow down to anything or anyone apart from God. Because of this, I can’t bow to the Guru Granth Sahib. Is it best to avoid visiting the Gurdwara completely because of this, or are non-Sikhs visiting the Gurdwara allowed to not take part in Sikh practices such as this one. I definitely don’t want to disrespect or offend anyone, especially knowing just how important and sacred a holy place of worship is to a believer.
As far as the undersigned understands, there is no such compulsion. You can enter the Gurdwara Sahib and simply sit in the congregation.
Just for your kind information, in Sikhism, Akalpurakh (God) and Shabad Guru (Guru Granth Sahib) are embodiment of each other. Even if you bow before Guru Granth Sahib, you will be bowing before God only and no body else.
Hope it helps. If you have any further questions, please do ask. If you find any deficiencies, please point out the same, for improvement in future.
Regards,
Your Brother
The previous response is very good and explains well. However, i must re touch on what is god? For you it may be Allah, for sikhs – it is our sri guru granth sahib ji. In essense – god is one. Would i pray or bow before Allah – answer is no. But i would recognise, in islam this is what you believe to be god. And i would not state otherwise. You have great understanding and as stated you would be more than welcome into a Gurdwara. But please in rease this knowledge in recognise Waheguru is our god. lots of love.
No one have to bow down. You can simply go and look around. If you feel comfortable have a Langar (vegiterian meal)there.
Just for anyone knowledge Sikhs believe in One God. The reason why they bow down to Guru Granth Sahib that’s because that’s give them knowledge makes them intelectual.
As a muslim you should know that there are poetery from Bhai Kabir Das and Baba Farid who were born in a Muslim family. Even Golden Temple first brick was layed by a Muslim, Mian Mir. On that time many muslims followed Guru’s teaching
In short always ask yourself whatever you are going to do is that going to hurt someone, nature, yourself etc? If the answer is no then go for it.
If you study Sikhism you will realise everything what they have been told its logical for example: Not to believe in Superstitious things, Gender Equality, not believing in cast system, not doing rituals which don’t make common sense. There far too many, one should study it for a knowledge rather than taking as just a religion.
Hope that information helps.