Hinduism vs. Sikhism — What's the Difference?

Hinduism is an ancient, polytheistic religion.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century.

Hinduism includes a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses.

Sikhism advocates living a truthful life.

Hinduism has multiple sacred texts.

Sikhism rejects idol worship and the caste system.

Hinduism encompasses diverse beliefs and practices.

Sikhism emphasizes equality and community service.

Hinduism incorporates the caste system.

Sikhism has a single holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Hinduism () is an Indian religion and dharma, or way of life. It is the world's third-largest religion, with over 1.2 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global population, known as Hindus.

Sikhism () or Sikhi (Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖੀ Sikkhī, [ˈsɪkːʰiː], from ਸਿੱਖ, Sikh, 'disciple', 'seeker', or 'learner') is an Indian Dharmic monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent around the end of the 15th century CE. Sikhism is one of the youngest of the major religions and the world's fifth-largest organized religion, with about 25–30 million Sikhs as of the early 21st century. However, according to rough estimates, there are around 120–150 million (12–15 crore) Sahajdhari or non-khalsa Nanakpanthi sikhs across the world who also believe in 10 Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib.

A major religious and cultural tradition of South Asia, which developed from Vedic religion.

A monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 1500s by the guru Nanak. Sikhism rejects caste distinctions, idolatry, and asceticism and is characterized by belief in a cycle of reincarnation from which humans can free themselves by living righteous lives as active members of society.

A religious, philosophical, and cultural tradition that developed in India with the composition of the Vedas, characterized by belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, by the desire for liberation from earthly evils, and by belief in reincarnation.

The doctrines of a monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 16th century by Guru Nanak and combining elements of Hinduism and Islam

The dominant religion of India; characterized by a caste system anud belief in reincarnation.

A complex of beliefs and values and customs including worship of many gods, especially the Trimurti composed of Brahma the Creator; Vishnu the preserver; and Shiva the destroyer.

The predominant religion of India; characterized by a caste system and belief in reincarnation

A body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme beingof many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils

Ainduism has no single founder; it evolved over thousands of years.

Aes, Hinduism believes in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Ahe primary scripture in Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib.

Aikhism prohibits the consumption of tobacco and halal meat.

Ahe caste system and gender issues have been historically problematic in Hinduism.

Aikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century.

Aikhs believe in reincarnation but emphasize living a truthful life to merge with God.

Ainduism is generally considered polytheistic, with multiple gods and goddesses.

Aany Hindus are vegetarians, although it's not universally required.