God as Creator
Sikhs believe that WaheguruSikhs believe in one God called Waheguru which means ‘Wonderful Lord’ or ‘Wonderful Teacher’. created the world and everything in it. They believe in the ‘oneness of creation’ – that is, Waheguru created the world and is present in every part of creation.
Sikh beliefs about God and creation
Sikhs believe that Waheguru has always existed, even before creation. 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. says that there was darkness for countless years … there was nothing except God’s infinite Will (Guru Granth Sahib 1035). Sikhs believe that it was by God’s will, or Hukam The order or command of God, referred to as Waheguru., that the universe was created and is sustainTo support and help to flourish..
- Sikhs believe that Waheguru is separate from the universe (or Nirgun, meaning transcendentBelief that God is above and beyond creation and it is up to humans to act on His behalf and do His will.). God is totally unlike human beings. God is beyond words, outside time and space, uncreated, and without form or gender.
- Sikhs also believe that Waheguru is present within the universe (or Sargun, meaning immanentThe belief in Sikhism that Waheguru is present ‘in the world’. Waheguru is manifest in his creation.). God fills or is part of his creation. This means that God is not distant from worshippers. Waheguru is personal and interested in human beings.
- God created the universe for his own enjoyment, so he cares about it and its creatures. The natural world runs according to God’s law and command.
In the forests, fields and mountains, He is the Supreme Lord God. As He orders, so do His creatures act. He permeates the winds and the waters. He is pervading in the four corners and in the ten directions. Without Him, there is no place at all… The entire creation came from God… He Himself is Himself pervading everywhere.
Sikh beliefs about God and humans
Sikhs believe that every living being contains a divine sparkThe soul, the part of Waheguru (the Sikh word for God) in each person. of God. The words ‘soul’ or ‘light’ are sometimes used for this ‘spark’. While God is the ‘timeless Creator’, the idea that a divine spark of God lives in humans means that God is also close to humans.
Sikhs believe that God is One (Ik OnkarThere is only One God or 'God is One'. The first phrase of the Mool Mantar. It is also used as a symbol to decorate Sikh objects.), and so is humanity. God created a single human race, and so everyone is equal in God’s sight. Sikhs believe that Waheguru created human beings as the highest forms of life: He Himself is the love, and He Himself is the embrace…The Lord Himself is your mother, and He Himself is your father; He created the created beings and revealed the world to them. (Guru Granth Sahib 921)
Question
How do Sikhs believe Waheguru created the universe?
Sikhs believe Waheguru created the universe through his will (Hukam).
