Gurmata

A Gurmata (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਮਤਾ; literally, 'Guru's intention' or 'advice of the Guru'), alternatively romanized as Gurumatta, is an order upon a subject that affects the fundamental principles of Sikh religion and is binding upon all Sikhs. Gurmata is similar to Fatwa in the Muslim tradition with a difference that Fatwa is not binding on all Muslims while Gurmata is binding on all Khalsa, however it is not binding on non Khalsa Sikhs. Gurmatas were used in the 18th century to refer to the resolutions passed by the Sarbat Khalsa, a large gathering of esteemed Sikhs.

DateSignificanceOctober/November 1723Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa settle their differences.1726Sarbat Khalsa passes Gurmata to raid Mughal precious metal transports, confiscate Mughal armories, and eliminate Mughal informers1733Sarbat Khalsa accepts jagir given by Mughal government14 October 1745During Diwali, the Sarbat Khalsa passes Gurmata organizing Khalsa into 25 jathas29 March 1748Sarbat Khalsa passes Gurmata reorganizing Khalsa into 11 misls1753Official establishment of the Rakhi system7 November 1760Sarbat Khalsa passes Gurmata to attack Lahore27 October 1761Gurmata passed during the annual Diwali meeting at Amritsar that supporters, such as agents, informers and collaborators, of the Durrani Empire must be annihilated. The first target chosen was Aqil Das, then head of the heretical Hindali sect and colluder of Ahmad Shah Abdali.1920Teja Singh Bhuchhar was announced as the Jathedar of the Akal Takht26 January 1986Sarbat Khalsa elects and inaugurates 5 member panthik committee to make decisions on behalf of the Sikh diaspora.16 February 1986Sarbat Khalsa was held at Anandpur Sahib (City of Bliss). Sarbat Khalsa unified the panth.10 November 2015Sarbat Khalsa was held at Chabba Village, where Jagtar Singh Hawara was appointed new Jathedar of Akal Takht.