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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how Sikhs might use music in their worship.

      Key learning points

      1. The Guru Granth Sahib is full of poetic verse and is sung in gurdwaras.
      2. Many Sikhs will use music to connect with God.
      3. Sikhs use different moods and settings of words from the Guru Granth Sahib.
      4. Constant repetition of the name Waheguru is an important way in which many Sikhs meditate.

      Keywords

      • Guru Granth Sahib - Sikh holy scripture

      • Kirtan - Sikh song of praise to God

      • Gurdwara - Sikh place of worship

      • Waheguru - Sikh name for God

      Common misconception

      Sikhs are not allowed to use music in their worship.

      Music is an important element of Sikh worship at home and in the gurdwara.

      Teacher tip

      You could visit a gurdwara to see and hear the traditional instruments used in Sikh worship. Ask a local Sikh community, or look online for examples of Sikh worship music. Pupils could have a go at putting some of their own meaningful words to music.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the name of the Sikh place of worship?

      temple
      Correct answer: gurdwara
      church

      Q2.
      What is the special head covering that many Sikh men and some women wear?

      hat
      cap
      Correct answer: turban

      Q3.
      What is the Sikh symbol called?

      Correct answer: khanda
      star
      cross

      Q4.
      Sikhs believe in God.

      Correct Answer: one, 1

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the key words to their meanings.

      Correct Answer:Guru Granth Sahib,is Sikh holy scripture

      is Sikh holy scripture

      Correct Answer:Gurdwara,is the Sikh place of worship

      is the Sikh place of worship

      Correct Answer:Waheguru,is the Sikh name for God

      is the Sikh name for God

      Q2.
      What is kirtan?

      a Sikh wedding song
      Correct answer: a Sikh song of praise to God
      a Sikh meal shared at the gurdwara

      Q3.
      Why do some Sikhs learn to play the harmonium?

      Correct answer: to play music at gurdwara worship
      to sing songs for weddings
      to play background music at home

      Q4.
      Music is an important element of Sikh worship at home and in the gurdwara.

      False - Sikhs are not allowed to use music in their worship.
      False - Only professional musicians may use music in worship.
      Correct answer: True - Sikhs use music like kirtan to help connect with God.

      To help you plan your 3 religious education lesson on: Inspiration through music in Sikhi, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...