Sikh Council UK advises all Gurdwara Management Committees and the entire Sikh community of the United Kingdom to act in accordance of the directive (sandesh) issued by Sri Akal Takth Sahib.
Sri Akal Takth Sahib is the highest spiritual and temporal authority of the Sikh faith. Today, a directive has been issued by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takth Sahib: Singh Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh Jee.
We ask that every Gurdwara Management Committee and and every Sikh living in the United Kingdom adheres to the directives of Sri Akal Takth Sahib.
For media purposes and general ease of communication below is a translation of the Sandesh:
“Currently, the entire human race is affected badly by the global pandemic of Corona Virus. Whether the spread of this virus is natural or not, it has lead to a high number of deaths in many nations. While much of the world is living in fear, Sikhs are hoping for the wellness of humanity as per the teachings of Sikh philosophy. For this reason, it is the fundamental duty of the Sikh Nation to help humanity during this dangerous time. For this reason, every Sikh should obey the following edicts:
All Sikh organisations and Gurdwara Management committees should come forward to help those in need. This help may be through food, medical or other essential aid. Sikh organisations and Gurdwara Management Committees should act in accordance of the Sikh teaching of ‘Gareeb Da Mooh, Guru Di Golak’ which teaches us that contributing towards the needy and less privileged is akin to making direct offers to the Guru. Gurdwaras should make full use of their funds for this, especially in helping Sikh students that have travelled abroad for education.
If Gurdwaras have any residential facilities for visitors (such as sarais in India and Pakistan) these should transform into to quarantine zones for Corona Virus patients, should the need arise.
In every country around the world, the advice and guidelines of government and the health department should be fully adhered to. Except for the daily Maryada of the Gurdwara, all large religious events should be postponed temporarily for two weeks.
Every Sikh should stay at home, read Gurbani and perform ardhaas for the well-being of humanity. Every Sikh should practice self-isolation/quarantine.
There is no room for superstition in the Sikh faith. Therefore every Sikh should abstain from superstition and safeguard themselves against rumours and misinformation.
Servant of the Guru-Panth,
Harpreet Singh
(Acting Jathedar, Sri Akal Takth Sahib) (Jathedar Takth Sri Damdama Sahib)”
