Compiled in 1604 by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, and later finalized by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, the Guru Granth Sahib is distinct from many other religious texts. It does not focus on the lives of the Gurus themselves, nor is it a historical chronicle.
Instead, it is a collection of divine poetry, hymns, and verses. Its pages contain the writings of six Sikh Gurus, but also the writings of 30 other saints and mystics from diverse backgrounds—including Hindus, Muslims, and "lower caste" thinkers like Ravidas and Kabir.
"This is the greatness of the Guru Granth Sahib," says Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, a scholar of Sikhism. "It is not exclusive. It doesn't say 'my way is the only way.' It pulls wisdom from across the Indian subcontinent to show that the Divine is One, regardless of the name you use."
For centuries, the text was accessible primarily to those who understood Gurmukhi, the script used to write Punjabi. However, a massive movement to translate and transliterate the text has made it accessible globally.
Standard English translations, such as the one by Gurbachan Singh Talib or the online platform Sri Granth, allow English speakers to read the Ang (page) of the day. However, scholars often advise reading the transliteration of the Gurmukhi alongside the English translation to preserve the rhythm and sound current (Naad) of the original poetry, which was set to specific musical modes ( Ragas). guru granth sahib in english
Millions of Sikhs live outside India—in Canada, the UK, the USA, and Australia. The younger generation, often more fluent in English than Punjabi, uses English translations to reconnect with their heritage.
The most popular app is "Guru Granth Sahib in English + Punjabi" (SikhNet). It offers a random verse widget, search function, and romanized pronunciation.
What makes the Guru Granth Sahib truly unique is its radical inclusivity. It is not the work of a single prophet or a single faith. Instead, it is a magnificent anthology spanning over five centuries, containing the bani (divine word) of not only the six Sikh Gurus but also 15 other saints and poets from across the religious spectrum of medieval South Asia.
You will find the mystical verses of Kabir, a Muslim weaver; the profound reflections of Namdev, a Hindu tailor; the songs of Bhagat Ravidas, a cobbler; and the Sufi poetry of Sheikh Farid. Their works are not footnotes or appendices—they are interwoven seamlessly with the Gurus' own writings, each given equal weight and reverence. Compiled in 1604 by the fifth Sikh Guru,
This is the central theological claim of Sikhism: Truth is not the monopoly of any single religion, caste, or gender. The divine light shines through all who are attuned to it.
To illustrate why this scripture resonates globally, let’s examine a few famous verses (Shabads) translated into English.
From Japji Sahib (Guru Nanak):
“Truth is the highest virtue, but higher still is truthful living.” (Original Gurmukhi: ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥) “Truth is the highest virtue, but higher still
On Equality (Bhagat Kabir):
“If you are born of a Muslim woman, and you are born of a caste; if you are a Brahmin, you are born of a woman. Look within your own home, O Pandit, O Mullah. So why this pride of caste?”
On God (Guru Arjan):
“He is the highest of the high, the most generous of the generous. He is my Master, the Master of my soul. What can a poor creature say in praise?”
When reading these in Guru Granth Sahib in English, the simplicity and radical inclusivity shine through. The scripture denies ritualism, idol worship, and blind superstition, advocating instead for Naam Japo (Meditation on God’s Name), Kirat Karo (Honest Work), and Vand Chakko (Sharing with Others).