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The 52 Hukams Given To Akali Nihangs

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj adhered to a supreme principle and desired his Sikhs to do the same. The Guru eloquently expressed the Shabad, "ਰਹਿਤ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਮੁਝ ਕਉ ਸਿਖ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨਾਹਿ," which can be translated as, "I cherish the discipline, not just the Sikh." This signifies that the Guru's affection for the Sikh is based on their adherence to discipline and character, rather than simply being a Sikh by birth. During Guru Gobind Singh Ji's court, the Kavis (poets) documented the 52 following Hukams (commands) for the Sikhs to follow.

  1. The first command given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj is to earn a living through honest means.

  2. Sikhs are instructed to donate a tenth share of their earnings, known as Dasvand.

  3. It is important for Sikhs to memorize and recite Gurbani, the sacred verses of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

  4. Rise early in the morning during Amritvela, as emphasized by Guru Sahib.

  5. Devotedly serve those Sikhs who selflessly serve others.

  6. Seek knowledge and understanding of Gurbani from learned Sikhs.

  7. Strictly follow the discipline of the Five Ks, the external articles of faith, and remain steadfast in their observance.

  8. Practice and incorporate the teachings of the sacred hymns into daily life.

  9. Contemplate and absorb the profound truth of the True Enlightener.

  10. Accept Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the spiritual guide to enlightenment.

  11. Before beginning any task, offer an Ardās prayer seeking divine blessings.

  12. During significant life events like birth, death, or marriage, recite Japji Sahib, Anand Sahib, and perform ardaas, distributing Karah Prashad to the Panj Pyare and the sangat.

  13. Maintain silence and remain seated until Karah Prashad has been served to everyone in the congregation.

  14. Carnal relations should only occur within the sanctity of an Anand Karaj marriage ceremony.

  15. Treat all women other than your wedded wife as mothers and sisters, refraining from engaging in any inappropriate relationships.

  16. Avoid subjecting your wife to cursing or verbal abuse.

  17. Abandon worldly vices such as lies, tobacco, and other intoxicants.

  18. Associate with Gursikhs who adhere to the Sikh code of conduct and engage in recitation of the Divine Name.

  19. Work diligently and avoid laziness.

  20. Engage in daily listening of Kirtan and discussions centered around the essence of Gurbani.

  21. Refrain from gossip, slander, and malicious behavior towards others.

  22. Do not be proud of material wealth, youthfulness, or lineage. All Sikhs are equal siblings, irrespective of caste or heritage.

  23. Maintain a high level of purity in religious practices and personal conduct.

  24. Embrace virtuous acts and do not shy away from performing them.

  25. Appreciate the gifts of intellect and strength as bestowed by the all-knowing Divine.

  26. Do not place trust in oaths given by someone trying to prove their sincerity.

  27. Uphold independent Sikh governance and do not grant religious authority to individuals of other faiths.

  28. Study and understand governmental policies.

  29. When dealing with adversaries, practice diplomacy and exhaust all peaceful means before resorting to warfare.

  30. Train in the skills of weaponry and horsemanship.

  31. Familiarize yourself with the beliefs and literature of other faiths, while maintaining unwavering faith in Gurbani and the Divine.

  32. Follow the teachings of the Guru.

  33. After reciting Rehras, stand and perform Ardās.

  34. Before sleeping, recite the late evening prayer Sohila and the verse "Pavan guru pani pita...".

  35. Never be without the turban, always wear it.

  36. Address a Singh by their full name, including Singh or Kaur, avoiding abbreviations or nicknames.

  37. Abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages.

  38. Do not give your daughter's hand in marriage to someone who does not respect Sikhism and the Divine, who has debts, lacks good character, discipline, and education.

  39. Conduct all business affairs in accordance with the teachings of scripture.

  40. Avoid causing harm by gossiping about others' affairs.

  41. Refrain from speaking in a bitter or harsh manner.

  42. Make pilgrimages solely for the purpose of visiting Gurdwaras.

  43. Honor all promises made and fulfill them.

  44. Serve and assist foreigners, those in need, and those in distress to the best of your ability.

  45. Reject the notion of considering a daughter as mere property.

  46. Do not adopt the external appearance of a Sikh solely for outward display.

  47. Live and die as a Sikh, maintaining unshorn hair.

  48. Abstain from theft, adultery, cheating, deception, swindling, and looting.

  49. Have faith and trust in fellow Sikhs.

  50. Refrain from giving false testimony.

  51. Do not engage in deceitful or fraudulent practices.

  52. Serve Langar (community kitchen) and distribute Prashad (blessed offering) with equality and impartiality.

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