Universal Brotherhood

  1. The Sikh must believe in liberty, equality and fraternity
  2. Practice universal brotherhood
  3. Universal peace and prosperity

The Sikh must lead a harmonious life. He must believe in fatherhood of God and universal brotherhood of mankind. He must pray for universal well-being of human race without distinction of caste, colour and creed.


He must stand for human liberty, equality and fraternity. He must stand for freedom of belief, worship, religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence. A Sikh must stand for universal peace and prosperity.

Before the advent of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the society in India was routinely and systematically flouting human freedom and equality. There was a rigid caste system of power and privilege for high caste and men. The women were relegated to second class status, just above cattle and crops. They were dependent on goodwill of men. A woman's life was of home and hearth, bedroom and kitchen. Her only goal was to marry, bear and raise children. She was to find fulfillment of her life through the achievements of her husband and offspring.

Guru Nanak Dev revolted against this injustice. Resultantly, Sikhism does not teach discrimination on the basis of caste, color and creed. It strives for liberty, equality and fraternity. Its goal is equality of lowest with highest, men with woman and equality of human beings. It believes in social, economic, political and religious freedom on equality basis.

Sikhism preaches that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

A Sikh must believe in:

  • Universal brotherhood of mankind
  • “The One Light is the light in all bodies.”
    ਏਕਾ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸਰੀਰਾ ॥
    (125)
    “The One Light is all pervading, only a few know it.”
    ਸਭ ਏਕਾ ਜੋਤਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੇ ਕੋਈ ॥
    (120)
  • Universal peace and prosperity
  • Universal welfare of entire human race ie Sarbat Da Bhala