Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Sikhism in the 15th century in what is modern day India with a simple message: that there is one Divine for all of creation, a loving, formless, Creator recognizable by all through meditation and service of humanity. This message of love of the Divine and equality amongst all of the creation, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background, was carried on by nine successor Gurus and is enshrined in the scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Observant Sikhs are distinguished by their articles of faith, formalized with the creation of the Khalsa in 1699. These articles of faith, kept by men and women, include kesh (uncut hair), covered by a turban, kara (a steel bracelet), kirpan (a religious sword), kachha (undershorts), and kanga (a comb). These articles of faith represent a Sikh's commitment to equality, service, and justice.

The over 25 million Sikhs worldwide are followers of an independent, distinct faith. It is the world's fifth largest religion.