GOD (CONCEPT OF)
Sikhism is monotheistic religion. In Sikhism, God is but One, His Name is truth (i.e. His existence is truth), He is the Only Creator (and Sustainer and Destroyer of all the creation), He is Fear-free, He sans enmity, He is Timeless, He is self-Created.
He is Infinite, Omnipotent and Omnipresent.
God, in Sikhism, is Nirankaar (formless). In Indian tradition, Nirgun (beyond attributes) and Sargun (with attributes) are two forms of God, but according to Gurbaani He is beyond both, yet vibrating and operating in each and every particle of His creation. One can realise, and not meet or see, Him.
According to Sikhism, God never descends on earth in any form, and, He manifests Himself in Nature. The Gurus have used several names (attributes) of God:
Hari (8344 times), Raam (2525 times) [it is not Hindu mythical god Rama whose name appears for 8 times], Prabhu (1371 times), Gopal (491 times), Govind (475 times), Paarbraham (324 times), Thakur (216 times), Parmeshwar (139 times). {These numbers are according to a mechanical computer engine}
In Gur Granth Sahib, the following names (attributes) of God too have been frequently used: Murari, Narayan, Antaryaami, Jagdish, Satnaam, Mohan, Bhagwaan, Narhari, Mukand, Madhav, Parmanand, Krishan, Saranpaani, Bitthal, Banwaari, Narsinh, Damodar, Madhusudan, Raghunaath, Bawan, Sarangdhar, Nirankaar, Satguru, Guru, Sach, Salah, Sahib, Swami, Saeen (Sain), Patshah, Khudaa, Niranjan, Dayal, Karta, Kirpaal, Daataa, Daataar, Allah, Shah, Karim and Qaadir etc.
The most popular term used by the Sikhs, nowadays, is VahGuru/ Waheguru (which has been used for Guru Randas Sahib; and, in Guru Granth Sahib, it appears for 13 times in Guru Granth Sahib).
Also see: Akaal Purakh.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)