Rahit
Quick Summary
In Sikhism, rahit-nama refers to a set of guidelines governing the behavior of Sikhs. These guidelines systematically outline the principles of the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs, and the way of life that adheres to these principles.1
The concept of rahit was introduced by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. However, explicit statements of Sikh conduct began to appear around the turn of the 17th century. Following the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, the rahit expanded to include new obligations, such as keeping hair uncut and abstaining from tobacco. These comprehensive guidelines were recorded in texts known as rahit-namas. The earliest known rahit-nama is attributed to Chaupa Singh, with others following in the 18th and 19th centuries. This body of literature was later codified into the authoritative text, the Sikh Rahit Maryada ("The Sikh Code of Conduct"), in the mid-20th century.1
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SikhismGuru Gobind Singh and the founding of the Khalsa…have been incorporated into the Rahit, the Sikh code of belief and conduct, which reached nearly its final form in the early 20th century.
Read More…have been incorporated into the Rahit, the Sikh code of belief and conduct, which reached nearly its final form in the early 20th century.
Read More- SikhismThe 18th and 19th centuries
…rahit-namas (the manuals containing the Rahit), removing parts that were erroneous, inconsistent, or antiquated. Many prohibitions were eliminated, though tobacco and halal meat continued to be enjoined; other sects avoided meat altogether. Their work eventually resulted in a clear statement of the Five Ks, which has since been adopted by…
Read More…rahit-namas (the manuals containing the Rahit), removing parts that were erroneous, inconsistent, or antiquated. Many prohibitions were eliminated, though tobacco and halal meat continued to be enjoined; other sects avoided meat altogether. Their work eventually resulted in a clear statement of the Five Ks, which has since been adopted by…
Read More - SikhismRites and festivals
…Granth Sahib), after which the Rahit is expounded to them by one of the five Sikhs. They are required to wear the Five Ks and to avoid four particular sins: cutting one’s hair, eating halal meat, having sexual intercourse with anyone other than one’s spouse, and using tobacco. Of these…
Read More…Granth Sahib), after which the Rahit is expounded to them by one of the five Sikhs. They are required to wear the Five Ks and to avoid four particular sins: cutting one’s hair, eating halal meat, having sexual intercourse with anyone other than one’s spouse, and using tobacco. Of these…
Read More - SikhismOther groups
…with which they observe the Rahit. Contrary to common belief, not all Sikhs wear uncut hair and turbans—two groups do, and two do not. Of these four groups, three have names to distinguish them; the fourth, though unnamed, is numerous and includes many Sikhs of the diaspora.
Read More…with which they observe the Rahit. Contrary to common belief, not all Sikhs wear uncut hair and turbans—two groups do, and two do not. Of these four groups, three have names to distinguish them; the fourth, though unnamed, is numerous and includes many Sikhs of the diaspora.
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