Introduction

Recently, during our unit of inquiry How We Express Ourselves, we have been researching about two religions, Islam and Sikhism. These two religions share some of the same beliefs. The main idea is beliefs and values. Beliefs are what you believe in like your family and the value is what you cherish and how you live your life. For example what I believe in is to treat others equally so thats how I live my life.

Islam Introduction
The Islamic religion began over 1,400 years ago in Saudi Arabia. Did you know over 1,000 million people live their lives following this religion? Muslims are people who celebrate the Islamic religion. Have you ever wondered why Muslims do not eat pork? They dont eat pork because they think the pig is unclean.

Sikhism Introduction
Did you know the Sikh religion started 500 years ago in the Punjab region of India? There are about twelve million Sikhs living in the Punjab region. It was started by a man named Guru Nanak. They worship at home in the Sikh temple called Gurdwara. When they are in the temple they serve vegetarian food. Fact: Did you know that there are 10 Gurus and one of them is a girl! Guru means teacher, guide or mentor. 10 specic Gurus established the religion, each Guru added something taught by the previous Gurus.

Compare
First of all in this paragraph I will talk about the aspects that both religions share. Both religions believe in one God. Everyday they pray to their God because they worship him. They always pray in the place of worship or at home. Interestingly, Islam has the 5 pillars and Sikhism has the 5k. Here are the 5k: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kirpan (sword) and nally Kaccha - or Kachhera - (soldiers shorts). The 5 Pillars are Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Pilgrimage and Donation. Amazingly, Islam and Sikhism have a holy book! The holy book is huge! The holy book is very delicate. We are not allowed to touch the holy book. Islam celebrates Eid as Sikhism celebrates Diwali. They both use the Lunar calendar. These religions have a healthy life style. Fascinatingly, the two religions do not drink alcohol and do not smoke!

Contrast
I have just compared Islam and Sikhism and now I am going to show how they are different. Amazingly, Muslims have certain times to pray like in the morning, afternoon and night, actually, they pray 5 times a day. Sikhs can pray whenever they want but they have to pray every day. Sikhs do not fast but Muslims must fast during Ramadan. Do you know that when you fast during Ramadan, you can not eat or drink after sunrise? When the sun sets, Muslims start to celebrate by eating, this is called an Iftar. But they can never eat pork unlike the Sikhs. Sikhs have to wear a turban because they dont cut their hair. They dont cut their hair because they believe that it will hurt God. Islam is an ancient religion where as Sikhism is a new religion.

Conclusion
When I rst started learning about Islam and Sikhism I didt know anything about the two religions in fact, I didnt even know that they were religions! I have learned that Muslims do not eat pork and that Sikhs dont cut there hair and tie their hair up in a turban along with all the information I have told you. Now I know some of their beliefs and values. I have learned allot about these two religions. What I think is fascinating is that Islam in Ramadan they dont eat or drink until sunset! what I also think is interesting is that Sikhs have turbans because they dont cut there hair.