Pope to UAE Sikhs: Faith and Service are Intimately Linked

Pope Francis has underlined the need to accelerate efforts for the well-being of humanity and work for peace and unity.

While receiving a Sikh delehgation headed by Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, Dubai, in Vatican City, the Pope expressed his joy to receive the diverse delegation and to learn about the faith-inspired service they offer the communities in those countries that have become their home and encouraged them to continue their selfless service which leads to God.

Members of the Sikh delegation from Guru Nanak Darbar of Dubai met Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on November 11, 2023.

The Pope expressed gratitude towards the delegation’s commitment to building bridges among people, and serving the poor, the needy, and the suffering, noting that, in doing so, they acknowledge the ways their own lives have been blessed and enriched.

Such efforts, Pope advises: “Bear witness to your endeavour to live by faith and to contribute to the good of society,” especially as they seek to integrate themselves but at the same time “remain steadfast to your own specific identity.”

Indeed, the true path to God, as Guru Granth Sahib — “Sukhmani Sahib”...ang (page) 286 says,” the Pope continued, “lies in the service of our fellow human beings.”

The Gospel brings us these words of Jesus: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” (Mt. 25:35-36).

Selfless service rendered in particular to the least in our midst, and to those on the peripheries of society, besides makes us consciously aware of our own littleness and insufficiency, bring us closer to God. May service, then, always remain your way of life and may you be a blessing to all whom you serve in promoting the spirit of fraternity, equality, justice and peace.

Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai has also been instrumental in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. Through its various initiatives, such as seminars, workshops, and interfaith prayer gatherings, the Gurudwara has facilitated meaningful conversations between different religious communities, promoting respect, harmony, and a shared vision of peaceful coexistence.

“Sharing material wealth and largesse is a calling as is service and the cleansing of the soul by engaging in the most menial of tasks which we perform with joy in our hearts even when it is penance for a transgression we may have committed. It is with these priorities that the House of Worship — The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara was built in the UAE,” mentions Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai.

“The challenges we face in the world today are manifold. We see wars, conflicts, and violence often occurring in the name of religion, and our environment is suffering due to our unsustainable practices. It is in times like these that the importance of unity, compassion and cooperation among people of all faith becomes even more evident. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we, as individuals and as members of various faith communities, join hands to address the pressing global issues of our time. Together, we can strive for a world where the principles of love, compassion, and shared responsibility for our planet prevail over division and conflict. In the spirit of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, we can make a significant difference in creating a more peaceful and sustainable future for all.”

Message from the Vatican City

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican City sends you cordial greetings on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, celebrated worldwide this year on 27 November. May all your festive events bring you joy and peace and help enhance the spirit of unity and solidarity in your families and communities. As believers with shared convictions and concerns for the wellbeing of all and that of the earth, may we Christians and Sikhs, joining hands with everyone who cares for the welfare of humanity, endeavour to do all we can to bring about a positive change in climatic conditions and become responsible and genuine stewards of creation!

We wish you all a Happy Prakash Diwas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji!

Pope Francis

Message from The Ambassador

SAT SRI AKAL

On the Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the first Guru and the founder of Sikhism, a very happy Guru Purab to everyone.

The three pillars or principle underlying Sikh ethics and way of life formalised by Guru Nanak “Naam Japna — meditate on God, Kirat Karna — Earn an honest livelihood, Wand Chakna — Voluntary Service” are the essence of his teachings. Guru Nanak started ‘Langar Sewa’, the community kitchen that serves food to all regardless of their religion, caste, race to spread the message that no one is superior or inferior and all are equal in the Guru’s eyes.

As we celebrate Guru Purab today, let us make the teachings of Guru Nanak, part of our lives — `Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhane Sarbat da Bhala’, Nanak, with your name comes prosperity and with your blessing, peace for everyone!

Gurudwara, Dubai