Sikhism is a monotheistic religion and was founded in the Punjab, India in the 15th Century. Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out rituals. Sikhs believe that the way to lead a good life is to:
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keep God in heart and mind at all times
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live honestly and work hard
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treat everyone equally
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be generous to the less fortunate
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serve others
The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurudwara, Sikhism believes in,
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There is only one God
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God is without form, or gender
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Everyone has direct access to God
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Everyone is equal before God
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A good life is lived as part of a community, by living honestly and caring for others
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Empty religious rituals and superstitions have no value
Sikhism was established by ten Gurus (prophet-teachers) over the period from 1469 to 1708. Each Guru added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting in the creation of Sikhism. The Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji ended the line of living Sikh Gurus by raising the Adi Granth to the status of a permanent Guru.
Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal spiritual guide of the Sikhs, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, it has writings of the Sikh Gurus and other saints. The hymns provide broad guidelines for harmonious living. It contains a total of 5867 hymns in 1430 pages.
The first Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji introduced the three duties that a Sikh must carry out can be summed up in three words:
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Nam japna (Pray): Keeping God in mind at all times.
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Kirt Karna(Work): Earning an honest living. Since God is truth, a Sikh seeks to live honestly. This doesn't just mean avoiding crime; Sikhs avoid gambling, begging, or working in the alcohol or tobacco industries.
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Vand Chhakna(Give): (Literally, sharing one's earnings with others) Giving to charity and caring for others.