--- product_id: 74970861 title: "Sikhism Paperback – 25 Sep 1997" brand: "hew mcleod" price: "£3.97" currency: GBP in_stock: false reviews_count: 5 category: "Books" url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/74970861-sikhism-paperback-25-sep-1997 store_origin: GB region: United Kingdom --- # Sikhism Paperback – 25 Sep 1997 **Brand:** hew mcleod **Price:** £3.97 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Sikhism Paperback – 25 Sep 1997 by hew mcleod - **How much does it cost?** £3.97 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/74970861-sikhism-paperback-25-sep-1997) ## Best For - hew mcleod enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted hew mcleod brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Synopsis An introduction to the religious beliefs and practices of the Sikhs, covering the early history of the religion, the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, sacred scriptures, doctrine, liturgy, rituals, caste, gender and sects. About the Author WILLIAM HEWAT MCLEOD has taught history at the University of Otago, New Zealand, since 1971. Before that he taught in the Punjab for nine years and he still makes frequent visits there. He has published many books and articles on Sikh history, religion and society. ## Images ![Sikhism Paperback – 25 Sep 1997 - Image 1](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/21DZSZAC6EL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ AN EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO SIKHISM FOR WESTERNERS *by S***P on 18 August 2011* At the time this book was published in 1997, Hew McLeod was "a New Zealander (who) ... For nine years he taught in the Punjab. In 1971 he returned to teach history at the University of Otago, where he has remained ever since... All of his books and most of his published articles concern Sikh history, religion, and society."Here are some quotations from the book:"The new Guru (Tegh Bahadur) then asked how many Sikhs had given their lives for him and in reply was informed that there were only three. All others were able to conceal their identity because they bore no outward sign of being a Sikh. The Guru then resolved that all should bear obvious symbols such that a single Sikh would stand out in a crowd of thousands." (Pg. 47)"The line of personal Gurus was at an end and the Guru would thereafter be present in the Granth and the Panth." (Pg. 59)"Today, as in generations past, the Guru Granth Sahib is venerated beyond all else in Sikhism, and ... it is shown the utmost respect at all times. Non-Sikh observers sometimes suggest that the Sikh attitude really amounts to idolatry. Sikhs are quick to respond to this, agreeing that certainly they pay the sacred volume extreme reverence but emphasizing that this reverence never proceeds to the point of actually worshipping it." (Pg. 106-107)"Sikhism is strictly a lay organization, by which is meant that the Sikhs do not believe in ordination and there are no Sikh clergy. References in the popular press to Sikh 'clergy' or 'priests' are mistaken usages." (Pg. 139)"Sikhs ... are renowned as drinkers of hard liquor and will make no effort to conceal the fact that it is for them an important means of relaxation... A large majority of all Sikhs simply prefer to enjoy their alcohol and not be bothered by any attempt to defend it." (Pg. 215)"As a religious system, orthodox Sikhism teaches that women are completely equal to men in all respects." (Pg. 241) ### ⭐⭐ Informative but extremely biased in tone *by T***R on 10 March 2003* This book gives you the basic overview of Sikh history. Unfortunately, at times the author seems more concerned with his opinion that no reasonable person could believe in any of this than he is with actually recording the facts. It's becoming a little too cliche to talk about a religion and to label its followers as blind to the realities of the world. This books seems more concerned with discounting Sikhism than exploring its dogma. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mcleod was an atheist! *by A***A on 10 November 2010* alot of people think MCLEOD was a christian missionary he was! that is until he went to India and came back an ATHEIST!he lost all faith in his christian religion and fell in love with sikhism! however he was a historian!! and is not going to beaccepting everything at face value! sikhs like any other group believe some fantastic things! a historian can only look at facts!!its a great book! every other book is usually a gushing tribute and sectarian! --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/74970861-sikhism-paperback-25-sep-1997](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/74970861-sikhism-paperback-25-sep-1997) --- *Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom* *Store origin: GB* *Last updated: 2026-05-17*