Part of a series on |
Sikhism |
---|
Martyrdom is a fundamental institution of Sikhism. Sikh festivals are largely focused on the lives of the Sikh gurus and Sikh martyrs. Their martyrdoms are regarded as instructional ideals for Sikhs, and have greatly influenced Sikh culture and practices.
The term shahidi has been used by Sikhs since the 19th century to describe the act of martyrdom. A martyr is sometimes called a shahid (Punjabi: Gurmukhi- ਸ਼ਹੀਦ , Shahmukhi- شہید).[1]