What is the guidance on consuming meat, and where does it come from?

The guidance regarding meat consumption in Sikhism is a topic that has historically seen debate, but the core authorities, the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Rehat Maryada, and the Akal Takht, provide a clear framework.

The decision to eat meat or maintain a vegetarian diet is a matter of personal choice, provided one strict condition is met: the meat must not be Kuttha (ritualistically slaughtered).

From the Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Nanak Dev Ji addresses this directly in Raag Maaroo (Ang 1289–1290), criticising those who believe abstaining from meat makes them spiritually superior:

"The fools argue about flesh and meat, but they know nothing about meditation and spiritual wisdom."

The Guru's point is that true purity comes from within, from Naam Simran and honest living, not from obsessing over what one eats.

From the Sikh Rehat Maryada

The Rehat Maryada is explicit on one point: Kuttha meat is absolutely forbidden. Kuttha refers to meat slaughtered in a ritualistic manner where the animal is killed slowly while prayers are recited over it. This prohibition applies to all Amritdhari Sikhs as one of the four Kurehats (cardinal prohibitions).

The Gurdwara Langar

The Langar is always strictly vegetarian, not because meat is impure, but because it ensures that every person, regardless of their own religious dietary restrictions, can sit together and eat as equals.

Summary of Guidance

1. Personal Choice: You are free to be vegetarian or to eat meat. Neither makes you a better or worse Sikh spiritually.
2. Avoid Kuttha: If you eat meat, you must avoid meat slaughtered in a ritualistic manner.
3. Focus on the Spiritual: Do not argue with others about their dietary choices. True wisdom comes from Naam Simran.