Name: Sikhism (pronounced "seek-ism")  Founder and key figures:
Nanak (1469-1539) and nine successive leaders (gurus) through
1708.  Origin: India, with greatest success in the Punjab region
Scriptures: Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib)  Adherents:
Worldwide—est. 23 million; U.S.—est. 300,000; Canada—est.
280,000  Historical Background Sikhism is a recent religion
(15th century A.D.) and represents a syncretism of Hindu
devotional elements and the monotheism of Islam. However, its
adherents claim it constitutes a fresh religious start. Nanak
believed God commissioned him to spread a new redemptive
revelation to humanity-that all people should believe in the
true God. Nanak and the other Sikh gurus taught the basic value
of devotion, brotherhood, charity, obedience, patience,
humility, and piety as the path to spirituality in life. Nanak's
followers called themselves Sikhs (disciples). Sikhism does not
consider itself an active missionary religion because it accepts
other religious traditions as valid.  Sikhs fi