 How 9/11Changed Religion In America 9/11 forced many of us to ask the basic question: how could a loving and powerful God allow such suffering? I began studying the Sikh worldview, which led me to deeply appreciate its unique perspective on calamities and pain. I learned two major lessons. First, Sikhi understands suffering as a mental construct. One who is spiritually connected with the Divine does not suffer, whereas one who is disconnected suffers constantly. Sikhs characterize connectedness as seeing divinity in all aspects, and this vision translates into a sense of perpetual optimism (chardi kala).Second, while the Sikh tradition frames suffering as a condition that humans can transcend, it does not suggest that the resulting pain is illusory. Rather, Sikhi understands suffering to be a basic reality of human life and calls upon people of all faiths to help eradicate injustice and violence through social justice. These two aspects – constant remembrance of the divine and social justice – encapsulate the basic approach of the Sikh tradition. Sikhs are called upon to work earnestly, give freely, and constantly remember the divine. Simran Jeet Singh, Sikh Scholar and Activist |
