Short answer
Muslims respect Sikhs as neighbours and share their belief that God is one, but see Sikhism as a separate religion founded by Guru Nanak in Punjab, not a revealed faith of the People of the Book. Muslims do not accept the Sikh Gurus as prophets or the Guru Granth Sahib as revelation, and beliefs like rebirth differ from Islam.
Sikhs are not Ahl al-Kitab, so a Muslim may not marry a Sikh, and meat slaughtered by a Sikh, including jhatka meat, is not halal. Kindness, justice, trade, friendship and visiting the sick are permitted, as with any peaceful non-Muslim.
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
Sikhism began with Guru Nanak, born in 1469 in Punjab, and was shaped by the nine Gurus after him. Its scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs believe in one God, reject idol worship and the caste system, and stress prayer, honest work and service, with a free community kitchen (langar) at every gurdwara. They also believe in karma and a cycle of rebirth.
Muslims and Sikhs share real common ground: belief that God is one, remembrance of God, charity and hard work. The Guru Granth Sahib even includes verses attributed to Baba Farid, a Muslim Sufi of Punjab. Punjab has long been home to both communities.
The differences are about revelation and the afterlife. Muslims believe Muhammad ﷺ is the last prophet and the Quran the final revelation, so later teachers cannot bring new scripture. Islam teaches one life, followed by resurrection and judgement, not rebirth. Muslims say this clearly and respectfully: for you your religion, and for me mine.
- Marriage: not valid between a Muslim and a Sikh. See marrying a Hindu, which follows the same rule.
- Food: jhatka meat is not halal. Ordinary vegetarian food from a Sikh friend is fine.
- Gurdwara visits: the same rules as other places of worship. See can Muslims go to church. Politely decline karah prasad, the sacred offering.
See also what Islam says about Hinduism.
The evidence
Quran, Surah Al-Ahzaab 33:40
مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍۢ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمًۭا ﴿٤٠﴾
Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.
No prophet or new revelation comes after Muhammad ﷺ.
Quran, Surah Al-Kaafiroon 109:6
لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِىَ دِينِ ﴿٦﴾
For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."
Muslims state their differences calmly and live alongside others.
Quran, Surah Al-Mumtahana 60:8
لَّا يَنْهَىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَٰتِلُوكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَٰرِكُمْ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُقْسِطِينَ ﴿٨﴾
Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.
Kindness and justice to peaceful neighbours of every faith.
Where the ruling is recorded
- al-Hidaya, Kitab al-Nikah, the chapter on women one may not marry. Marriage is valid only with Muslim women or women of the People of the Book.
- al-Hidaya, Kitab al-Dhaba'ih. Only the slaughter of a Muslim or a person of the Book is lawful.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.