Sikh Principles of Dharma
44 Grade 9 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Sikh Principles of Dharma, with worked marking schemes. 44 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 markDuring a values lesson, the teacher explains that Sikhs aim to overcome five inner vices that obstruct union with God. Which set correctly names these five thieves?
A. Greed, hunger, sleep, fear, doubt
B. Lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego
C. Pride, theft, gossip, envy, sloth
D. Hatred, idolatry, blasphemy, gluttony, lying
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 2
1 markA learner summarises the three core duties Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught Sikhs to live by: remember God, earn an honest living, and share with others. Which set of three principles is this?
A. Sat, Chit, Anand
B. Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, Vand Chhakna
C. Dharma, Artha, Kama
D. Daya, Dharma, Santokh
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 3
1 markGuru Nanak summarised the essence of a righteous life in three golden principles. Which principle instructs a Sikh to honestly earn a living through hard work?
A. Naam Japo
B. Seva Karo
C. Kirat Karo
D. Vand Chhako
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 4
1 markA Sikh youth refuses to gain money through corruption, saying his faith requires him to earn honestly. This decision is guided MOST directly by:
A. Naam Japo
B. Amrit Sanskar
C. Kirat Karo
D. Vand Chhako
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 5
1 markDuring a school assembly, a Sikh learner explains that his faith teaches him to constantly remember God while doing his daily activities. This teaching is captured in the principle of:
A. Kirat Karo
B. Vand Chhako
C. Naam Japo
D. Langar
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 6
1 markThe practice of langar in Sikhism, where everyone sits together on the floor to eat, MAINLY teaches the value of:
A. Respect for animals
B. Equality of all human beings
C. Silence during meals
D. Fasting during festivals
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 7
1 markA Sikh believes that all humans are equal because they are all children of the same God. This teaching directly rejects:
A. The caste system
B. Family life
C. Community worship
D. Hard work
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 8
1 markA learner argues that Sikhism rejects discrimination based on gender. Which practice BEST supports this claim?
A. Men and women worship and serve equally in the Gurdwara
B. Only men may cook langar food
C. Women eat separately during langar
D. Only men may read the scripture
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 9
6 marksDescribe three ways in which the Sikh principle of Naam Japo (remembering God) can help a Grade 9 learner cope with challenges in school.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
2 marks each, any 3: brings inner peace/reduces stress and anxiety; helps one stay focused/disciplined; guards against temptation and wrong choices; gives hope and courage in difficulties; builds gratitude and contentment. Must link to a learner's school context. Max 6.
Question 10
1 markA Sikh family hosts a community meal in the gurdwara where everyone, regardless of caste, religion or status, sits together in rows on the floor and eats the same free vegetarian food. Which Sikh institution does this describe?
A. Langar
B. Amrit
C. Kirtan
D. Ardas
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 11
1 markThe Sikh principle that most clearly discourages greed and the hoarding of wealth is:
A. Simran
B. Vand Chhako
C. Naam Japo
D. Hukam
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 12
6 marksA community group sets up a free kitchen at a Gurdwara where people of every caste, religion and income sit together on the floor in rows and share the same meal.
(a) Identify the Sikh institution being described. (2 marks)
(b) Explain THREE values of Sikh Dharma that this institution promotes. (6 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) The institution is the Langar (the free community kitchen), where everyone sits together in a row (pangat) and eats the same food. (b) Any THREE explained: (i) Equality of all human beings (everyone sits on the same level on the floor regardless of caste, gender, religion or wealth, reflecting Guru Nanak's teaching that all are equal before one God). (ii) Seva (selfless service) — volunteers prepare and serve the food without payment, serving God by serving humanity. (iii) Vand Chhako (sharing one's earnings/food with others). (iv) Sangat (the value of fellowship and community worship). (v) Rejection of caste discrimination, which Guru Nanak and the later Gurus condemned. (3 x 2 marks)
Question 13
1 markA Sikh learner explains that Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave initiated members the surname 'Singh' for men and 'Kaur' for women. What was a key purpose of giving these common names?
A. To keep the old caste surnames in use
B. To remove caste distinctions and affirm equality and dignity
C. To separate the rich from the poor
D. To identify only the wealthy families
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 14
1 markWhich of the following daily practices is expected of a devout Sikh as an expression of Naam Japo?
A. Offering animal sacrifice
B. Making pilgrimage to the sea
C. Reciting the prescribed daily prayers (Nitnem) such as Japji Sahib
D. Fasting for a whole month
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 15
4 marksA Sikh businessman refuses to cheat his customers and shares part of his profit with an orphanage. Identify the two Sikh principles he is practising and explain each.
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
2 marks each: Kirat Karo - earning honestly through hard work, so he refuses to cheat; Vand Chhako - sharing earnings with the needy, so he gives to the orphanage. Award 1 for naming and 1 for linking to the action.
Question 16
4 marksUsing the Mool Mantar, explain FOUR Sikh beliefs about the nature of God.
(4 marks)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 17
1 markA Grade 9 learner observes that every visitor to the Gurdwara, regardless of caste or status, sits on the floor and eats the same free meal together. This practice of the langar mainly teaches which Sikh principle?
A. Equality of all human beings
B. The importance of fasting
C. Caste-based seating
D. Ritual purity through food
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 18
1 markThe opening words of the Guru Granth Sahib, beginning with 'Ik Onkar', declare that:
A. Only Gurus can reach God
B. There is only one God
C. There are three main gods
D. God lives only in the temple
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 19
5 marks(a) What is meant by 'seva' in Sikhism?
(b) Give three ways in which Sikhs practise seva in the Gurdwara.
(5 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) 2 marks: seva is selfless service/voluntary service done for others without expecting reward. (b) 1 mark each, any 3: preparing and serving food in the langar; cleaning the Gurdwara/washing dishes; fanning worshippers/reading scripture; polishing shoes of visitors; caring for the sick and needy. Max 5.
Question 20
6 marksAt a langar (community kitchen) in a Gurdwara, people of all backgrounds - rich and poor, of different castes and faiths - sit together on the floor in rows and eat the same meal.
(a) Identify the Sikh principle being demonstrated by everyone sitting and eating together in this way. (2 marks)
(b) Explain how the institution of langar promotes two of the core values of Sikh Dharma in society. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) The principle being demonstrated is equality of all human beings (the rejection of caste and class distinctions); sitting together in the same row (pangat) shows that all people are equal before God. (2 marks) (b) The langar promotes core Sikh values such as: (i) Sewa (selfless service) - volunteers prepare, serve and clean up the food without payment, cultivating humility and service to others; (ii) Vand Chhakna / sharing - food earned through honest work is shared freely with everyone regardless of status, so no one goes hungry, promoting generosity and unity. Together these break down barriers of caste, wealth and religion and build a community based on equality and brotherhood. (4 marks)
Question 21
6 marksState and explain the three golden principles (pillars) of Sikh living taught by Guru Nanak.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Award 2 marks each (1 for naming, 1 for explanation), max 6. Naam Japo - remembering/meditating on God's name; Kirat Karo - earning a living through honest hard work; Vand Chhako - sharing one's earnings with the needy/others. Accept correct explanation of each.
Question 22
2 marksA learner reads that Sikhs are taught to avoid five inner enemies that lead a person away from God and towards selfish, harmful living. (a) Name two of these five vices (Panj Vikaar) that Sikh Dharma teaches a person to overcome. (2 marks)
(2 marks)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 23
6 marksExplain three reasons why honest work (Kirat Karo) is important in the life of a Sikh.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
2 marks each, any 3: it is a religious duty/part of spiritual living; it keeps one away from corruption/dishonesty; it enables one to be self-reliant and support the family; it provides means to share with others (Vand Chhako); it earns God's blessing/pleases God; it upholds dignity of labour. Max 6.
Question 24
6 marksA Sikh elder advises a young person that a true Sikh must balance spiritual devotion with honest hard work and care for others, rather than withdrawing from the world. Explain the THREE foundational principles (the 'Three Pillars') of Sikh living taught by Guru Nanak.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Any THREE, each explained (2 marks each): (i) Naam Japna — keeping God in the mind at all times by remembering and meditating on the divine Name, nurturing one's spiritual life. (ii) Kirat Karni — earning an honest and truthful living by one's own effort and skills, without exploitation, cheating or fraud. (iii) Vand Chhakna — sharing one's earnings and food with others, giving to charity and caring for the needy, so that the community benefits. Together these three pillars show that Sikhism teaches active engagement in the world combined with devotion to God.
Question 25
6 marksExplain three teachings of Guru Nanak that promote social justice in society.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
2 marks each, any 3: equality of all people/rejection of caste; concern for the poor through sharing (Vand Chhako/langar); dignity of honest labour; equal treatment of women and men; opposition to oppression and injustice; unity of humanity as children of one God. Max 6.
Question 26
1 markAccording to Sikh teaching, the main obstacle that keeps a person away from God and traps them in the cycle of rebirth is:
A. Physical work
B. Haumai (ego/self-centredness)
C. Old age
D. Poverty
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 27
1 markWhen a classmate insults Jasbir, he chooses to respond calmly and to earn his living honestly rather than cheat. Which Sikh principle requiring truthful, honest labour is he upholding?
A. Vand Chhakna
B. Naam Japna
C. Kirat Karni
D. Daswandh
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 28
1 markWhich of the following statements BEST expresses the Sikh belief about the nature of God as taught in the Mool Mantar?
A. God can only be reached through idol worship
B. God favours the Sikh community above all others
C. There are many gods who share power over creation
D. God is one, the creator, without fear and without hatred
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 29
1 markIn Sikhism, the term 'Hukam' refers to:
A. The will or command of God
B. The head covering worn by Sikhs
C. The daily prayer times
D. A type of festival
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 30
1 markThe Sikh scripture regarded as the eternal living Guru, before which Sikhs bow in the Gurdwara, is the:
A. Japji Sahib scroll only
B. Ramayana
C. Bhagavad Gita
D. Guru Granth Sahib
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 31
1 markIn Sikh belief, salvation (mukti) is achieved by:
A. Merging with God through devotion and righteous living
B. Accumulating wealth
C. Performing many pilgrimages only
D. Offering animal sacrifices
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 32
1 markAccording to Sikh Dharma, a person who lives in constant awareness of God and is turned towards the Guru is described as:
A. Haumai
B. Sanskaar
C. Manmukh (self-willed)
D. Gurmukh (God-centred)
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 33
1 markA wealthy Sikh trader sets aside a portion of his profits to feed the poor at the Gurdwara. Which of the three golden principles of Guru Nanak is he practising?
A. Naam Japo
B. Vand Chhako
C. Kirat Karo
D. Simran
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 34
5 marks(a) What is 'haumai' in Sikh teaching?
(b) Explain two ways a Sikh can overcome haumai.
(5 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) 2 marks: haumai is ego/self-centredness/pride that separates a person from God. (b) 1.5 marks each (accept 2+1): through Naam Japo (remembering God); through seva (selfless service); through humility and living as a Gurmukh; by following God's will (Hukam). Max 5.
Question 35
1 markWhich one of the following is NOT one of the three pillars (golden principles) of Sikh living taught by Guru Nanak?
A. Vand Chhako
B. Kirat Karo
C. Naam Japo
D. Idol worship
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 36
1 markIn a debate on social justice, a learner notes that Sikhism strongly rejects discrimination based on birth and teaches that all human beings are equal before Waheguru. Which social evil does this Sikh principle most directly oppose?
A. The caste system and untouchability
B. Honest manual labour
C. Communal worship in the gurdwara
D. Sharing food in langar
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 37
1 markHarleen's family always sets aside a portion of their earnings to feed the needy and gives time at the Gurdwara langar. Which of the three pillars of Sikh living does sharing earnings represent?
A. Naam Japna
B. Kirat Karni
C. Vand Chhakna
D. Seva only
(1 mark)
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4 marksExplain FOUR values that a Grade 9 learner in Kenya can learn from the Sikh practice of langar (free community kitchen).
(4 marks)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 39
1 markGuru Nanak taught that true religion is shown not by outward rituals but by:
A. Wearing special clothes
B. Bathing in holy rivers
C. Living an honest and truthful life
D. Reciting many mantras loudly
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 40
1 markA community kitchen in the Gurdwara where free meals are served to all people regardless of caste, religion or status is known as:
A. Diwan
B. Amrit
C. Langar
D. Kirtan
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 41
1 markWhich term refers to selfless service offered by Sikhs, such as cleaning the Gurdwara or serving in the langar without expecting reward?
A. Hukam
B. Naam
C. Seva
D. Kirat
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 42
6 marksSikhism teaches that all human beings are equal. Explain three ways in which this teaching on equality is expressed in Sikh worship and community life.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
2 marks each, any 3: langar - all eat the same food sitting together regardless of caste/status; open door of the Gurdwara to all people/religions; rejection of the caste system; equal roles for men and women in worship and service; everyone bows equally before the Guru Granth Sahib. Max 6.
Question 43
1 markThe continuous remembrance and meditation on God's name in Sikhism is also referred to as:
A. Simran
B. Seva
C. Karah
D. Langar
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 44
1 markThe Sikh ideal of the 'Sant-Sipahi' (saint-soldier) teaches a believer to:
A. Combine spiritual devotion with courage to defend the truth
B. Withdraw from society and meditate alone
C. Fight for personal wealth
D. Avoid all forms of work
(1 mark)
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