Faithandfood Fact
Files - Sikhism
“There
is nothing impure in food and drink; all sustenance
is the gift of God”
Guru Nanak Asa Di Var
Forbidden
ingredients
Main food beliefs
Vegetarianism
Eating in restaurants
Feasting and fasting
Links
Contact
About the writer
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Which
ingredients are forbidden?
- Halal meat
- Kosher meat
- Alcohol
What
are the main laws or beliefs relating to food?
Sikhs do not believe in ritual killing
and are told to refrain from eating meat (halal
and kosher) killed by such rites.
Sikhs are expected to
be active and alert and are therefore required
to refrain from alcohol and drugs; not on the
grounds of impurity but mental and physical fitness
Is
there a link with vegetarianism?
Because of influences of the sub continent
social environment, some Sikhs will not eat beef;
others will not eat pork and others will be vegetarians.
Because of such varieties and sensitivities all
food served in a gurdwara (Sikh place of worship)
is vegetarian.
In
general, will people of this faith eat in a food
outlet that serves food or drink that does not
conform to their beliefs?
Sikhs would not eat in restaurants that are exclusively
halal or kosher. Other than that, there are no
constraints on where Sikhs may eat.
When
and why do people of this faith feast and fast?
Links
to websites with further information:
http://www.nsouk.co.uk
http://www.sikhworld.co.uk/page40.html
http://www.unitedsikhs.org/aboutsikhs.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/
If
you have any question about the dietary practises
or beliefs in this faith, you may contact
Written
by Dr Indarjit Singh, OBE
Dr
Indarjit Singh is the most widely known voice
of the UK Sikh community. Dr Singh is a frequent
contributor to national newspapers and magazines
in the UK and abroad. He is a regular contributor
to programmes on Radio 2 and Radio 4. He edits
the highly respected ‘Sikh Messenger’
and is Director of the Network of Sikh Organisations
(UK), which has more than 80 affiliates. In 1989,
Dr Singh became the first non-Christian to be
awarded the UK Templeton Prize ‘for the
furtherance of spiritual and ethical understanding’.
In 1991 he received the Inter faith Medallion
for services to religious broadcasting. He was
awarded the OBE in June 1996.
Note: Some people who
are Sikhs may not observe the dietary laws stated
above. Prohibitions and restrictions even within
a particular faith may change between denominations
or branches. Please do not take this as an authoritative
list. This page is meant as a guide only and are
the beliefs of the writer.
