A study of parallel concepts in the beliefs of Sikhism and Islam with reference to Sikhism in Malaysia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the parallel theological concepts in the beliefs of Sikhism and Islam, particularly Sikhism in Malaysia. The understanding of selected theological concepts in both religions are examined and analyzed to find out where they concur and where they differ. Another aim of this study is to discover how religion is generally practised among Malaysian Sikhs. Finally, relationship between Sikhs and Muslims throughout history and in this country is briefly examined in this study. The theological concepts that are analysed in this study include the concept of divinity, concept of authority, concept of man and humanity, concept of creation and universe, and concept of spirituality. Data for this qualitative study were collected through library research, some personal interviews and observation. The data were carefully examined and analyzed to discover similarities and differences in the belief concepts between the two religions. One of the results of the study indicates that there are elements in both religions that are indeed similar or parallel. However, the study found that despite similarities and parallels in these concepts, differences and contradictions in the understanding do occur in the theological concepts of both religions. Upon close analysis, the study discovers that these concepts are fundamentally different and indeed they are based on different foundations and lead to different goals. The study also found that Sikhs and Muslims in Malaysia could have closer and unique relationship because they share so many similarities in terms of religious concepts, terminologies, culture and history.