What does Sikhism say about crime?
The guiding principles that help Sikhs to consider the questions raised by crime include fairness, equality, free will and justiceWhen the right and fair thing is done..
The Sikh faith teaches that:
- treating people fairly is a duty
- committing crime is always unjust
- human beings are imperfect and they have free will - this is why people commit crime in the world
- a justice system brings God's justice into the world
- people can have a fair trial and a fair punishment through the courts - which is important because of the belief in equality
The Rahit MaryadaAlternate spelling: Rehat Maryada. The Sikh Code of Conduct. teaches Sikhs that they should work for justice. They should obey the law and also work for groups that promote equal rights for all people. An example of such an organisation might be Amnesty InternationalCampaigning organisation with the mission of protecting people wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied..
According to the law of karma/kammaActions, and the consequences of actions. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism., Sikhism also teaches that unjust people and criminals will be judged and punished by God. The belief is that God will ensure everyone receives justice at the end of their lives. This encourages Sikhs to live good lives characterised by being gurmukhGod-centred, living by the Gurus' teachings.. Sikhs will also follow the lives of the GuruCan mean God, teacher or guide. Usually means a teacher of religion. In Sikhism, it also refers to the ten human messengers of God. and the teaching laid out in the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru..
One can run away from man's court; but where is one to go if one runs away from the Lord?
What does Sikhism say about how criminals should be treated?
Sikhism teaches that God is just and that only God can judge others. The belief is that God will judge Sikhs and reward them for their good actions in life or punish them for immoral and unjust actions.
The Sikh faith teaches that criminals' human rights should be respected. However, it also teaches that some criminals are so dangerous that society needs to be protected from them by placing them in prison. Once imprisoned, the justice system must treat criminals fairly and humanely.
How do Sikhs respond to crime in society and those who commit crime?
Many Sikhs are concerned about the welfare of prisoners. They may campaign for prison reform, visit prisoners, or vote for a political party that reflects their views on justice and treating people equally. Some Sikhs believe that criminals can be reformTo make changes to something or someone, for improvement. and that the justice system must reflect this.
