Sikhism....Why do followers wear turbans and carry knives?

Turban is necessary in Sikhism for many points . First , it keeps kes ( uncut hair ) of Sikh men in proper and decent way . Also , turban ( dastaar ) is a crown of sovereignty and spirituality .

Sikhism is a religion which emphasizes on both spirituality as well as sovereignty .

Turban represents both . So , Sikh mean wear that . Infact practising sikh women also wear turbans .

Kirpan , which appears as a sword , is not a weapon , but an instrument of defense of self and others , as well as sign of Sikh's self determination to not yield to evil forces and to ever stand in defense of humanity and poor /weak . Word Kirpan comes from Kirpa ( mercy ) . Thus , Kirpan is never a sword of tyranny of oppressing weak , but a sword of uplifting poor and defense of helpless . So much is a kirpan sacred in Sikhism , that it is even equated with the force of God . That God himself bestowed his power in Kirpan to root off all evil .

To know more :

http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Turban

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirpan

Do Muslims Wear Turbans

The covering of hair with turban was made official by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhs. The main reason is to preserve the Sikh identity.

Carrying a kirpan (a small ceremonial knife or dagger) is symbolic of the religious teaching that Sikhs

are ready to defend the weak and the poor at all times..

Carrying a kirpan is one of the Sikh’s five articles of faith that they are commanded to follow.

The 10th Guru, Guru Govind Singh when converted people to Sikhism also made compulsory to wear 5 things on a follower e.g. Kesh(Hair on head and unshaven beard), Kucha(A Knee length under garment like half pant), Kirpan (half sword), Kada(A Steel bangle)and Kangha( a small comb).

The Kirpan was tp protect himself and family and society and Turban was to protect and tie the hairs and it also gave a distinguished identity.

Putting altoether a warrior community was created to fight against Mughals who were tyrant to Hindu.

The Turban Sikhs wear is a gift from their Guru. It symbolizes crowning themselves on a thrown of commitment to higher consciousness.

The knife that the Sikhs wear is a Kirpan. Originally, it was a defensive tool, widely used by the Sikhs to stop others from harming them. It's also a symbol for helping - it symbolizes that, if a Sikh saw violence being done, that he would not just stand by and watch, but that he would defend the victim and help.

The turban is worn to honor Guru Nanak whom they worship.

Sikhs are a force not to be reckoned with.

They're tough, and are always starting fights with innocent Muslims.

The ones in India and Borderline Pakistan do anyway.

Btw, their voices are incredible and their songs are awesome!!

@Chromosome...tell that to my uncle who got brutally assaulted by Sikhs for replying back to a smart aleck comment when walking through their "territory."

Indian, should have guessed. You guys are best friends with Sikhs.

You actually team up against Pakistanis. Thanx.

Sometimes we misunderstand your comment dear, but since I know that you are a muallaf, I can accept your worry you put on your questions. Well like some of our muslims sisters and brothers saying, let them search. I hope they search it properly not just a proforma; It's a pity that they only search "the muslim's look" because the bomber can be anybody. Checking hand bags in the airport is normal, they do that random since long time ago. Dont worry, situation changed, have you read what V.Putin said the other day abt Bush ? It's interresting. Salaam

@ Miss Interpreted: Sikhs don't mess with innocent people. They never do. I'm not Sikh, but I'm Indian. So I can tell you.

EDIT: Well, I feel sorry for what happened to your uncle. But, individual cases happen dude. All these hatred started since 1947, since partisan. Anyway, thanx.

@ Asker: As far as I know, it was directed by Shri Guru Govind Singh to wear and carry those things.

Every religion has their own believes and cultures to worship the GOD and to feel the closeness of HIM. All these wears of a religion identify their particular religion they follow and unite in their respective societies to live and respect each other.

who/what is sikhism?