The rehatnamas are the books which contain the commandments issued by Guru Gobind Singh for observance by the Khalsa. Historically there are five such books all written by Guru Gobind Singh's contemporaries. The first two books are known as Tankhaname and Prashan Utter written by Bhai Nand Lal. The other three books are known as Rehatnamas and are written by Bhai Chaupa Singh, Bhai Desa Singh and Bhai Prehlad Singh. The Sikh reformers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century produced a detailed code of conduct based on the briginal codes. This was published in February 1945 by the Shrimoni Gurdwara Parbandhek Committee (the supreme body for the oroganisation of the Sikh Gurdwaras).

Extracts from the Original Code

"Dear friend pay attention to my words. Such is the living of a Sikh. He should
for sake everything else (which is derogatory) and concentrate on Nam (name of
god), Dan (charity) and Ishnan (bath-cleanliness). That Sikh may be called
fortunate who joins Satsang (holy congregation) in the early hours of the morning.
Whosoever goes to the holy congregation, but cannot concentrate himself, shall
not get peace in this or the next world.

While listening to the praises of the Lord, whosoever engages himself in talk, will
go to the abode of Yama (death).

He who does not care for the poor will undoubtedly be punished.

He who goes to work-without prayer, eats anything without offering it in the name
of God, accepts anything after forsaking it will not receive any respect in the court
of God.

He who does not like Katha (commentary of the religious books) and Kirtan (the
singing of hymns), talks disrespectfully with a saintly Sikh, indulges in slandery
and loses property in gambling will be severely punished by Kal (god of death).

(from Tankhanama by Bhai Nand Lal).
A Sikh should live and work according to the principles of Sikhism and should be guided by the following:



"He should worship only One God
He should live a life based on the teachings of the ten
Gurus, Guru Granth Sahib, and other
scriptures and teachings of the Gurus.
Sikhs should believe in the oneness of the ten Gurus. They
should believe that the ten Gurus had the same light
The gurdwara should serve as the Sikh's central place of worship
Sikhism should be distinct from other religions, but Sikhs
must in no way give offense to other faiths.
It is the duty of the Sikhs to teach Sikhism to their children.
Sikhs should not partake of alcohol, tobacco,
drugs or other intoxicants.
Sikhs should only live on money that has been honestly earned.
No Sikh should gamble or commit theft....."

(from Rehat Maryada published by SGPC in February 1945)

Why Rehatnamas?
Everything in this world moves under a rule. Even happiness and consolation comes if one follows rules and lives with discipline. Rehats are the rules which a Sikh must follow. Guru Gobind Singh called a Sikh who followed his instructions as a supreme being, and declared himself to be his disciple today we have completely forgotten all the rules and the instructions laid down by the Gurus. We are trying to make our own rules. We are questioning the necessity of Rehats. But is it right? No it is not right. We must follow the rules made by our Gurus blindly. Otherwise the religion will die

(from Rachhia Rehat by principal Satbir Singh, 1974)