Sikhism in Iraq

Sikhism has a historical presence because of travels by Guru Nanak throughout the region, and Sikh soldiers stationed in Iraq during World War I and World War II.^[1]

Sikhism in Iraq
السيخية في العراق

Photograph taken within the Guru Nanak's shrine in Baghdad (Baba Nanak Shrine), circa early to mid 20th century
Total population
8042, 0.02%
Regions with significant populations
Baghdad
Religions
Sikhism
Languages
Iraqi Arabic • Punjabi · Hindi • Urdu

It is estimated that there are 8045 Sikhs currently living in Iraq, forming 0.02% of the population^[2]

Guru Nanak's journey

Baba Nanak Shrine in Iraq

Guru Nanak travelled vast distances in four major journeys with his Muslim Minstrel, Bhai Mardana. During the western Udasi (journey), he travelled across the Muslim world and at one point stayed outside of Baghdad. According to historical sources he held a dialogue with Sheikh Bahlool Dana, a Sufi saint. At some point, a shrine to Guru Nanak was built alongside Bahlool Dana's tomb.^[1] In the chaos following the 2003 invasion of Iraq looters or vandals stripped the monument of religious texts and a plaque commemorating the meeting.^[1]

The Monument still exists but condition of the structure is not good, people reside nearby call this Baba Nanak Shrine, it is close to Al Muthunna near to Baghdad. Guru Nanak is traditionally locally known as Nanak Peer in Iraq.^[3][4]

Within Iraq, Guru Nanak also travelled to the city of Kufa according to Taajudin's diary (diary written by a companion of Guru Nanak), where he stayed for 3 months and a few days. During this time he developed a large congregation within the city, displeasing Pasha Hali (The senior Qazi), He released a Fatwa in his sermon against Guru Nanak. He later reconciled on the Qazi's deathbed a few nights later, where Guru Nanak embraced the Qazi before his passing a few moments later. During his stay, a couple known as Salima and Yahya built a memorial known as Wali Hind there, where a copy of the Japu ji Sahib prayer book given by Guru Nanak can be found. It is estimated that that roughly 15% of the people keep long hair and worship at Wali Hind according to Syed Pritipal Singh.^[5]

World Wars

During both world wars Sikh soldiers in the British Army were posted in Iraq. During World War I the shrine to Guru Nanak was rediscovered by a Sikh captain, Dr Kirpal Singh, after being forgotten for centuries. In the early 1930s Sikh soldiers repaired the shrine and during World War II continued its upkeep.^[1]