sikh kirpaan (dagger)

The Kirpan (English pronunciation: /kɪərˈpɑːn/; Punjabi: ਕਿਰਪਾਨ kirpān) is a sword or dagger carried by many Sikhs. According to a mandatory religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Guru of Sikhism) at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar (a holy religious ceremony that formally baptizes a Sikh) in AD 1699, all baptised Sikhs (Khalsa) must wear a kirpan at all times^{[citation needed]}.

Historically, the kirpan was a defensive weapon, worn on a cloth belt called a Gatra. It was one of the five Kakars which displayed commitment to the Hukam of the tenth master^{[citation needed]} and identified a Khalsa Sikh.

The kirpan is both a defensive weapon and a symbol. Physically it is an instrument of "ahimsa" or non-violence. The principle of ahimsa is to actively prevent violence, not to simply stand by idly whilst violence is being done. To that end, the kirpan is a tool to be used to prevent violence from being done to a defenseless person when all other means to do so have failed. Symbolically, the kirpan represents the power of truth to cut through untruth^{[citation needed]}.

Not all those who identify themselves as Sikhs carry or recommend carrying a kirpan usable as a weapon. Hardeep Singh Kohli, who identifies himself and most of the Sikhs he knows as secular Sikhs, criticised UK Sikh judge Sir Mota Singh QC for calling for Sikh schoolchildren to be allowed to carry the kirpan, saying "he thinks it's OK for kids to take knives to class. ... I'm simply not comfortable with knives being allowed into school. ...small, symbolic kirpans are attached to combs that Sikhs keep in their hair. Similarly, small kirpan-shaped pendants are worn around the neck, again fulfilling the criterion of the faith that the dagger be ever-present^[1]. Other Sikhs consider that a kirpan must be viable as a weapon to fulfil religious criteria^{[citation needed]}.

According to Sikhism a baptised sikh, better known as a Khalsa Sikh, is a "Sant-Sipahie"—a saint-soldier: It is necessary to become a saint and then a soldier. As a saint, one must have total control over one's internal vices and be able to be constantly immersed in the five virtues as clarified in the Guru Granth Sahib. Only then can a sikh become a soldier. Also, the Khalsa is "Akal Purakh de fauj"—the Army of God. Guruji clearly chose these words very deliberately: He did not state that the Khalsa was the army of the Khalsa or an army of the sikhs or the army of Punjab—but an Army of God whose function was the protection and safeguarding of all the peoples of God^{[citation needed]}.

Under no circumstances is the Sikh allowed to use force in aggression. Bhagat Kabir makes this very clear in the following verse:

Guru Granth Sahib page 1375

— Kabeer, it is tyranny to use force; the Lord shall call you to account.
If you oppress others, When your account is called for, your face and mouth shall be beaten. ((200))

The injunction to wear the 5Ks (Kakars) appears in the Reht Maryada (The Official Sikh Code of Conduct); "Have, on your person, all the time, the five K's: The Kesh (unshorn hair), the Kirpan (sheathed sword), the Kaccha (drawers like garment), the Kanga (comb), the Karha (steel bracelet)." (Reht Maryada, Ceremony of Baptism or Initiation, Section 6, Chapter XIII, Article XXIV, paragraph (p) see SGPC Regulations)

The Reht Maryada does not specify the length of the Kirpan or the construction of the various parts of the Kirpan or how and where it is to be worn by the devotee; it can be worn either over or underneath clothing. Kirpans usable as weapons are anywhere from 3 feet (90 cm) blade size as carried by Sikhs on religious festivals, marriages and parades, down to just a few inches (cm) in length as often worn in the West. The blade is normally constructed of mild steel and the handle may be made of metal surrounded with leather or wood. The kirpan is always kept sheathed except when it is drawn on such occasions as blessing of the Karah Prasad, ceremonial sweet pudding or Langar distributed during religious ceremonies.

Guru Gobind Singh in the following verses instructs the Sikhs to only draw the sword as a last resort and in response to an attack by the aggressor: (22) | Dasam Granth – Zafarnamah}}

'When all means of peace have failed, Right and just the sword to Hail' or "When todays time is moved by inappropriate tyranny. With Great fortune you are afforded, The sword Just!" Guru Gobind Singh

Legality

Carrying the type of real, rather than symbolic, kirpan that many Sikhs consider that they—and their children—should carry is illegal in most countries. Generally carrying a knife for good (usually occupational) reason is allowed, and smaller knives, e.g., folding pocket knives, may often be carried without restriction. In many countries there has been debate about allowing Sikhs to carry a kirpan that would otherwise be an unlawful weapon, with some countries allowing Sikhs a dispensation. An additional issue is carrying kirpans into schools; even if a kirpan is not forbidden in society at large, schools often forbid carrying such items.

Other issues not strictly of legality arise such as whether or not to allow carrying of kirpans on commercial aircraft or into areas where security is enforced.