What is the Sikh view of other religions?
The Sikh Gurus have provided humanity a remarkably universal lifestyle. the essence of all great religions is considered the same...becoming a universal being by overcoming a self-centered lifestyle. This is reflected in the Christian principle of love for all, in Muslim principles of universal brotherhood, in the Jewish view of one God, and so on. Sikhism does, however, reject literal interpretations of myths and legends which are asociated with many ancient religions. These myths and stories of miracles are to be interpreted as a high level of communication between humans and the Creator. To treat them literally demeans their origin and their value, and creates conflicts between different faiths. Sikh Gurus have pointed out that the literal interpretation of such miracles and the associated rituals distract from a spiritual life and defeats the very purpose of a religion.

Sikhs also find it unacceptable that humans, no matter how enlightened, be equated to the Creator. Thus, the concept of special incarnations of God, Saviors, etc., are not part of the Sikh faith.

Why does Sikhism reject haircuts, circumcision and other similar rituals that a large fraction of the world's population practices? Do Sikhs consider these people sinners or bad people?
A large part of the world's population does participate in rituals such as shaving of hair, circumcision, body piercing, etc. In this sense, Sikhs are in the minority. However, for a Sikh, acceptance of Nature's beautiful body is an important component of the Sikh value system. This does not mean that in case of disease a Sikh will not undergo surgery if necessary. Acceptance of one's God-given physique without "improving" it by razors and scissors is a first step in accepting other laws, the foremost of which is becoming a universal being. Sikhs view others who engage in such rituals as people who carry unnecessary burdens in their lives; not as sinners or bad people.

Why are there so few Sikhs and how do Sikhs feel about being such a small minority?
It is true that Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism can claim over a billion followers each, while there are only twenty million or so Sikhs. However, this is not a source of pessimism for a Sikh. A Sikh's goal is to be in Chardhi Kala (unbounded optimism) because Sikhism is a religion of Truth. The Guru's guidance makes sense, because it brings bliss in this life.

Is uncut hair and a turban all that is needed to become a good Sikh?
No! A Sikh must incorporate universality into all aspects of his or her life. This is a lifelong discipline.

How does Sikhism view family life?
Sikhism finds complete compatibility between a householder's life and spirituality. Family life provides the perfect setting to test the ideas of love, expanding one's ego, and seva (service to community). Sikhism does not favor a recluse's life...high on thought, but detached from other beings.