The Guru Granth Sahib is more than a holy book of the Sikhs. The Sikhs treat this holy book as a living Guru. The holy text spans 1430 pages and contains the actual words spoken by the Sikh Gurus and various other Saints from other religions including Hinduism and Islam.
Sikhism's traditions and teachings are distinctly associated with the history and culture of the Punjab. Adherents of Sikhism, known as Sikhs (English plural of Sikh, literally student) number over 23 million across the world. However, most Sikhs live in the state of Punjab in India, and most Sikhs trace their ancestries to the Punjab.
Sikhism advocates the belief in one God who is omnipresent and has infinite qualities. This aspect has been repeated on numerous occasions in the Guru Granth Sahib and the term Ek Onkar signifies this. Sikhs do not have a gender for God nor do they believe God takes a human form. All human beings are considered equal regardless of heir religion, sex or race. All are sons and daughters of Waheguru, the Almighty. Sikhs should defend, safeguard, and fight for the rights of all creatures, and in particular fellow human beings. They are encouraged to have a "Chardi Kala" or positive, optimistic and buoyant view of life. Sikhs believe in the concept of reincarnation. All creatures are believed to have a spirit that can pass to other bodies upon death until liberation is achieved. The Sikh religion is not considered the only way to salvation people of other religions may also achieve salvation.
It is every Sikh's duty to defeat these five vices jointly called the Five Evils or Five Thieves: Ankhar (ego), Krodh (anger or Rage), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment) and Kam (lust). Sikkhism places an importance on 'miri' (the temporal and physical) and not just on 'piri' (the spiritual). Thus, these five qualities only become 'thieves' when they are not controlled. Sikhs are encouraged to 'attack' these vices with contentment, charity, kindness, positive attitude, and humility.
Practicing Sikhs are bound to wear five Kakaars, or articles of faith, known as The Five Ks, at all times. Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (small comb), Kara (circular heavy metal bracelet), Kirpan (ceremonial short sword), and Kacha (special undergarment).