If this sounds like a naive question, it probably is.
The reason I ask is because there is a guy I sort of know that I want to network with regarding a job. He is a Sikh (and I'd assume he's practicing seeing that he wears a turban, etc).
Ideally in these situations, which will be casual, I suggest we grab a beer after work together to discuss, but I really don't know anything about their religion, and it's policy towards drinking.
I don't want to come across as naive.
Any insight?
2006-09-29 02:22:09 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am a turbanned Sikh, and here how it stands re: Sikhs and drinking.
Sikhs are not supposed to drink. It is forbidden by our religion.
But...like all other groups, there are people who don't follow the rules. This is why you are uncertain as to if he drinks or not.
So this guy may or may not drink.
The fact that he wears a turban says to me its most likely he DOESN'T drink. But there are Sikhs who wear turbans who drink. (In my opinion these people should not call themselves Sikhs because they are breaking one of the cardinal sins of our religion ... but that is a rant for another day)
Another indicator that may help you....If he doesn't trim his beard, then I would say with even more certainty that he doesn't drink. (but that is not a 100% guarantee). I am only going by the surface appearance (i.e. judging a book by its cover).
Like someone else suggested, I would go out for a coffee or dinner (this person if he doesn't drink is most likely vegetarian as well - so keep that in mind).
If you want to go out for a drink, I suggest you ask him if he drinks. I don't think he will be offended. Like most Sikhs, he will probably just tell you why he doesn't drink. In fact, it will probably show that you took the time to learn about his culture (and he will appreciate that even more.)
2006-09-29 09:22:27 · answer #1 · answered by samram@rogers.com 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Everybody is an individual and deserves to be treated as such. We need to get past labeling people by their appearance. Many "Sikhs" that drink were raised by "Sikhs". It wasn't something they chose. Religion is something that is forced upon children at a young age when they can easily be indoctrinated. So, regarding the guy at work, just ask him if he eats meat or drinks. He shouldn't mind. You can't ever go by looks. Looks can be very deceiving.
2014-12-21 18:04:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Strictly speaking, no--and it's part of the vow to become a Sikh. Assuming you're in a Western country, policies may be a little more relaxed, but I'd go for coffee to be on the safe side.
ETA: Here's a decent little page on the subject: http://www.info-sikh.com/GoraPage2.html Again, Western versions may well be more tolerant (we were amazed to go to a Jain temple here and see people wearing leather!).
2006-09-29 02:24:51 · answer #3 · answered by angk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes my neighbors are sikhs and they drink alcohol
2006-09-29 02:24:33 · answer #4 · answered by Mary Smith 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋