This is a vital and important subject for discussion. Guru Sahib has blessed us with such Saroop (appearance) that can’t hide even in lakhs of people. A Gursikh stands out because of his hair, beard, Dastaara and Baana. These outwardly signs of Khalsa are not such that can be removed at will; they are an integral part of the personality of a Khalsa.
Many decades ago, a young Sikh came to UK from India. Due to his appearance, he was unable to go to pubs, clubs and other such manmukhi places. He used to complain a lot and felt that his Sikh appearance was a hindrance to having “fun”. Many years later he came back to India and he came back with pure body i.e. he had not committed a major sin. At that point he credited his Sikhi appearance for saving his Sikhi. If he did not have Sikhi appearance, he would have surely gone to pubs and clubs and this would have destroyed his Sikhi.
This is what comes to mind as far as this subject is concerned:
1. A Sikh carries immense responsibility on his (or her) shoulders, at all times. His actions can bring fame or bad name, to not only himself but to the whole community and above all to Guru Sahib.
2. A Sikh is not alone. Guru is always ang-sang (close). Where ever a Sikhs goes, his Guru goes with him. Therefore, a Sikh should never go to such place where he would not like to see his Guru going.
3. Continuing from point 1 above, another way of looking at this is that Guru Sahib is always with his Gursikh but if a Gursikh goes to a manmukhi place, then he should go there at his own peril because Guru Sahib would not accompany him there. He would be without protection of Guru Sahib, if he goes to manmukhi places. This should stop a Gursikh from going to a manmukhi venue.
4. Some may argue as to what could happen by just visiting a manmukhi place; for them this Pankiti is given: ਵੜੀਐ ਕਜਲ ਕੋਠੜੀ ਮੁਹੁ ਕਾਲਖ ਭਰੀਐ॥ (If we enter room full of Kajjal (surma, Black powder), our face is most likely to get Blackened).
5. When Sikh girls from villages or cities started going to college (many decades ago), it was common for their fathers to emotionally tell them that they should not do any such action that would stain their turban. A daughter or sister is the Izzat of the whole family. Her bad reputation can ruin the honour of the family for many generations. This one thing alone used to be enough to keep Sikh girls on the righteous path. But now things have changed.
6. Continuing from the previous point, same way, the bad actions of Sikh boys and girls would bring shame to whole Panth. We are sons and daughters of Guru Sahib. We should not commit any such sin that would stain our Father’s turban. Gurbani is clear on this - ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੇ ਜਨੁ ਜਾਨੀਜੈ ਜਨ ਤੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥2॥ - Vaheguru is known by his Servants and his Servants are known by their Master. In other words, good actions of Bhagats make Vaheguru proud.
7. Next to Dastaar wearing Sikh Bibiyaan, I have immense respect for Muslim sisters and daughters who cover their heads with Hijab. They look so pious but now-a-days when we see Hijab-wearing Muslim girls wearing inappropriate clothes (body revealing clothes), our heads are lowered with shame. Same is true for our sisters and daughters who wear Dastar but don’t even have second thoughts when they wear skin tight pants and tops that reveal their bodies. In Gurmat, the most appropriate attire is Baana of course, but if for whatever reason wearing Baana is not possible, then at least the attire they wear should be such that it does not reveal their body. Only such pious Bibiyaan who obey this Hukam can be called proud daughters of Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee.
8. For young Sikh men and boys, the most appropriate attire is Baana but if they are not wearing Baana for whatever reason, they should wear simple clothes and not flashy clothes. Some like to show-off their muscles and wear tight clothes. All this is manmukhi behaviour that should be avoided by true seekers of Guru Sahib.
Bhul chuk dee Maafi jee.
Daas,
Kulbir Singh
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਬਚਨਕਮਾਵਣੇਸਚਾਏਹੁਵੀਚਾਰੁ॥
thank you guru sahib!