Sevā

{{italictitle}} {{Short description|Selfless service and volunteering in Indian religions}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}} {{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}

{{Hinduism}} {{Sikhism sidebar}} {{Sikh practices}} '''{{transliteration|sa|Sevā}}''' (also known as '''{{transliteration|sa|Sewā}}''', {{langx|sa|सेवा}}) is the concept of performing selfless service without any expectation of reward. It exists in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, taking also the form of Bhandara in Hinduism and Langar in Sikhism.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dagdhi |first=Ujjawal |date=2018-10-01 |title=भंडारे का इतिहास और महत्व {{!}} History of Bhandara and Importance in Hindi |url=https://dilsedeshi.com/history/bhandara-history-importance-hindi/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Dil Se Deshi |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Cole |first1=William Owen |title=The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices |last2=Sambhi |first2=Piara Singh |publisher=Sussex Academic Press |year=1995 |isbn=978-1898723134}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Nadananda |first=Avadhoota |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KjYtEAAAQBAJ&dq=Bhandara+food+in++hindu&pg=PT348 |title=Autobiography of an Avadhoota - Part II |date=2017-01-14 |publisher=Gurulight |language=en}}</ref> In Jainism, service is regarded as an internal discipline that cultivates humility, detachment, and moral refinement rather than personal merit or reward.<ref>{{cite book |last=Williams |first=R. |title=Jaina Yoga: A Survey of the Mediaeval Śrāvakācāras |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1963 |pages=182–184}}</ref> Sevā is a Sanskrit term meaning "selfless and meaningful service". Such acts are carried out to benefit other human beings or society; however, a modern interpretation of the term describes it as a service that reflects "dedication to others".<ref>{{cite book | first=Frederique | last=Pagani | chapter=Empathy, Salvation, and Religious Identity | editor-last=Schlecker | editor-first=Markus | editor-last2=Fleischer | editor-first2=Friederike | title=Ethnographies of Social Support | url=https://archive.org/details/ethnographiesofs0000unse | url-access=registration | publisher=Palgrave Macmillan | year=2013 | isbn=978-1-137-33096-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/ethnographiesofs0000unse/page/180/mode/1up 180]}}</ref> ==Etymology and meaning== Sevā comes from the Sanskrit root {{Lang|sa-Latn|sev}}''—''"to serve".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Marcy Braverman |date=2022-05-17 |title=Sevā: The Heart of Spiritual Citizenship |url=https://www.embodiedphilosophy.com/seva-the-heart-of-spiritual-citizenship/#:~:text=And%20the%20etymology%20of%20sev%C4%81,God/Goddess,%20and%20humanity. |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Embodied Philosophy |language=en-US}}</ref>

''Kar sevā'' (Gurmukhi: {{lang|pa|ਕਰ ਸੇਵਾ}}), from the Sanskrit words {{transliteration|sa|kar}}, meaning hands or work, and ''sevā'', meaning service,<ref name="Encyclopedia">{{cite book |last=Singha |first=H. S. |title=The Encyclopedia of Sikhism |publisher=Hemkunt Press |year=2000 |isbn=8170103010 |page=121}}</ref><ref name="Christiane Brosius, Melissa Butcher 1999 134">{{cite book |author=Christiane Brosius, Melissa Butcher |title=Image journeys: audio-visual media and cultural change in India |publisher=Sage Publications |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-7619-9325-4 |page=134}}</ref> is often translated as "voluntary service". A ''kar'' ''sevā'' volunteer is called a {{transliteration|pa|kar sevak}}: someone who freely offers their services to a religious cause.<ref name="alter">{{cite book|title=Amritsar to Lahore: A Journey Across the India-Pakistan Border|first=Stephen|last=Alter|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.|year=2001|isbn=9780812217438|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=snp1LwlbiPsC&pg=PA198 198]}}</ref> Sikhs use the term {{transliteration|pa|kar sevak}} to refer to people who engage in ministrations, altruistic philanthropy, and humanitarian endeavors in service to religion and society. {{transliteration|pa|Sevadar}} ({{langx|pa|ਸੇਵਾਦਾਰ}}; also transcribed as {{transliteration|pa|sewadar}}), literally "''sevā''-supporter", is another Punjabi word for a volunteer who performs {{transliteration|pa|seva}}.<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{cite web|title=Sewa|date=13 December 2018 |url=https://www.khalsaschool.co.uk/sewedars|publisher=Khalsa VA Primary School}} |2={{cite book|title=The A to Z of Sikhism|first=W. H. |last=McLeod|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=vgixwfeCyDAC&pg=PA184|publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=2009|isbn=9780810863446|page=184}} }}</ref>

=={{transliteration|sa|Sevā}} in Hinduism== {{see also|Bhakti movement#Seva, dāna, and community kitchens}} In Hinduism, ''sevā'' is the concept of service to God and/or humanity, performed without any expectation of personal gain. ''Sevā'' is seen as a form of {{transliteration|sa|dharma}} (righteousness) and has been said to provide good {{transliteration|sa|karma}}, which helps the {{transliteration|sa|atma}} (soul) to obtain {{transliteration|sa|moksha}} (emancipation from the cycle of death and rebirth).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gibson|first=Lynne|title=Hinduism|publisher=Heinemann Educational|date=2002|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=kaBqYvH02_QC&pg=PA56 56]|isbn=9780435336196}}</ref>

Sevā is also connected to other Sanskrit concepts, such as {{transliteration|sa|dāna}} (gift giving), {{transliteration|sa|karunā}} (compassion), and {{transliteration|sa|prema}} (love/affection).<ref>{{Citation |last=Jacobsen |first=Knut A. |title=Sevā |date=2018-05-29 |url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/brill-s-encyclopedia-of-hinduism/seva-COM_2050280?lang=fr|url-access=subscription |encyclopedia=Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism Online |publisher=Brill |language=en |access-date=2022-04-16}}</ref> {{transliteration|sa|Seva}} is also performed as a form of ego-transcending spiritual practice known as {{transliteration|sa|sādhanā}} and plays a significant role in modern Hinduism.<ref name="Jacobs2010">{{Cite book |last=Jacobs |first=Stephen |title=Hinduism Today: An Introduction |publisher=Continuum International Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=9786612874345 |location=London |pages=42 |language=English}}</ref>{{rp|42}} A key concept in Hinduism is {{transliteration|sa|moksha}}, or liberation from the cycle of births and death known as {{transliteration|sa|saṃsāra}}. Sādhanā is the effort one makes to strive for liberation, highlighting the importance of service to others.{{r|Jacobs2010|page=43}}

=== Historical Context === Before the early 19th century, the meaning of ''sevā'' (serving or honoring) had been virtually synonymous with {{transliteration|sa|puja}} (worship), which typically also included distribution of {{transliteration|sa|prasad}} (sacrificial offerings), such as food, fruits, and sweets to all gathered.<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{cite web|title=Prasada|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/prasada |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica}} |2={{cite web|title=Puja|date=23 September 2023 |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/puja |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica}} |3={{Cite book|first=Rachana|last=Bhangaokar|chapter=The Development of Communal and Spiritual Dutifulness in India: Upholding ''Dharma'', Offering ''Seva''|editor-last=Jensen|editor-first=Lene Arnett|title=The Oxford Handbook of Moral Development: An Interdisciplinary Perspective|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2020|isbn=9780190676056|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OcXLDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA341 341]|quote=The communal preparing and sharing of food or prasad (sacred food offered to the deity and then distributed among the followers) is particularly important as an activity binding together a community of followers.}} |4={{Cite book|editor-last1=Hawley|editor-first1=John|editor-last2=Narayanan|editor-first2=Vasudha|title=The Life of Hinduism|publisher=University of California Press|year=2006|isbn=9780520249141|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=9hairjdT-ekC&lpg=PR1&pg=PA13 13]}} }}</ref> Thus, ''sevā'' typically involved the offering of food to a deity and its {{transliteration|sa|murti}} (idol), followed by the distribution of that food as {{transliteration|sa|prasad}}.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cush|first=Denise|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|publisher=Routledge|year=2012|isbn=9781135189792|page=783}}</ref>

== ''Sevā'' in Jainism == In Jainism, ''sevā'' is understood as an ethical expression of compassion, non-violence (''ahiṃsā''), and the mutual interdependence of all living beings. ''Sevā'' in Jain thought is embedded within a comprehensive moral and metaphysical framework aimed at the purification of the soul (''jīva'') and the minimisation of karmic bondage.<ref>{{Citation |title=Tattvārthādhigama-Sūtra |date=2017 |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Indian Religions |series=Encyclopedia of Indian Religions |pages=1188 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-0852-2_100862 |access-date=2025-12-17 |place=Dordrecht |publisher=Springer Netherlands |doi=10.1007/978-94-024-0852-2_100862 |isbn=978-94-024-0851-5|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

A foundational Jain formulation relevant to ''sevā'' is the aphorism '''''parasparopagraho jīvānām''''' (“souls render service to one another”), found in ''Tattvārtha Sūtra'' (5.21).<ref>{{cite book |last=Tatia |first=Nathmal |title=Tattvārtha Sūtra: That Which Is |publisher=HarperCollins |year=1994 |page=131}}</ref>

Acts of service are assessed not only by intention but {{em|also by their effects}}, with careful attention to avoidance and prevention of any harm to anyone. Jain ethical texts state that compassion should be exercised in ways that minimise injury to even the smallest living beings.<ref>{{cite book |last=Jaini |first=Padmanabh S. |title=The Jaina Path of Purification |publisher=University of California Press |year=1979 |pages=167–170}}</ref> In classical Jain literature, service is associated with ''vaiyāvṛttya'', a form of ethical conduct involving respectful service rendered to others, particularly spiritual teachers, ascetics, the sick, and fellow practitioners.<ref>{{cite book |last=Williams |first=R. |title=Jaina Yoga: A Survey of the Mediaeval Śrāvakācāras |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1963 |pages=182–184}}</ref> ''Sevā'', when practised in accordance with restraint and right perception, contributes indirectly to spiritual progress by reducing egoism and reinforcing awareness of interdependence.<ref>{{cite book |last=Jaini |first=Padmanabh S. |title=The Jaina Path of Purification |publisher=University of California Press |year=1979 |pages=141–143}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Norman |first=K. R. |date=1963 |title=Jaina Yoga: A Survey of the Mediaeval Śrāvakācāras. By R. Williams, pp. xxx + 296. Oxford University Press (London Oriental Series, Volume XIV), London. 1963. 70<i>s</i>. |url=https://doi.org/10.1017/s0035869x00123974 |journal=Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland |volume=97 |issue=1 |pages=78 |doi=10.1017/s0035869x00123974 |issn=0035-869X|url-access=subscription }}</ref> === Modern Context === In modern contexts, Jain communities have extended the principle of ''sevā'' to organised humanitarian, educational, environmental, and animal-protection initiatives.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Cort |first=John E. |year=2010 |title=Green Jainism? Notes and Queries toward a Possible Jain Environmental Ethic |journal=Journal of Jain Studies |volume=2 |pages=1–25}}</ref> Jains express ''sevā'' through ethical engagement with society and sustained support of the Jain community (''saṅgha'').<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Schermerhorn |first=R. A. |date=1983 |title=Jaina Community, a Social Survey. By Vilas Adinath Sangave. 2d rev. ed.Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 1980. xv, 455 pp. Appendixes, Bibliography, Index. Rs. 120 (cloth). |url=https://doi.org/10.2307/2055578 |journal=The Journal of Asian Studies |volume=42 |issue=3 |pages=708 |doi=10.2307/2055578 |jstor=2055578 |issn=0021-9118|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In this way, ''sevā'' functions as a bridge between ideals and their actual implementation in everyday life.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dundas |first=Paul |date=2024-09-18 |title=The Jains |url=https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003572343 |doi=10.4324/9781003572343|isbn=978-1-003-57234-3 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Among Jain households, ''sevā'' traditionally includes acts such as providing alms, supporting ascetics, offering care to the poor and infirm, maintaining places of worship, and protecting animals. Animal welfare, in particular, occupies a prominent place in Jain service activities.<ref>{{cite book |last=Dundas |first=Paul |title=The Jains |publisher=Routledge |year=2002 |pages=163–165}}</ref>

== {{transliteration|pa|Sevā}} in Sikhism == {{see also|Langar (Sikhism)|Dasvandh}} ''Sevā'' is one of the principle pillars of the Sikh faith.<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal |last1=Singh|first1=Anoop|last2=Dutta|first2=Sumedha|date=2023-09-04|title=The Concept of Seva in Sikhism and its Practice for Holistic Well-being: An Analysis|url=https://www.ijfmr.com/research-paper.php?id=6109|journal=International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research|volume=5|issue=5|article-number=6109|doi=10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i05.6109|issn=2582-2160|doi-access=free}}</ref> In Sikhism, sevā is an act of service to Waheguru (the Supreme God), enabling one to grow closer to Waheguru. The principles of sevā underpin many Sikh values and are emphasized numerous times in the ''Guru Granth Sahib''. The scripture focuses not only on how one should perform sevā, but also on the proper mindset one should have and the spiritual benefits that result from performing sevā.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seva (Selfless Service) - Institutions - Sikhism - Sikh Missionary Society (U.K.) |url=https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smssikhism/institutions/seva/ |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=www.sikhmissionarysociety.org}}</ref> ''Sevā'' denotes selfless service and civic virtue in the organization and in society.<ref name=":10" /> In Sikhism, ''Sevā'' is defined as voluntary service without expectation of anything in return and for the welfare of others.<ref name=":10" /> There are many different types of ''Sevā'' which are the following: ''Sevā'' rendered through one's body (''tan''), ''Sevā'' rendered through one's mind (''man''), ''Sevā'' rendered through one's wealth (''dan''). Even though all three modes are equally important, the Sikh Gurus emphasize that all ''Sevā'' should be performed without desire (''nishkam''), without intentions (''nishkapat''), and with humility (''nimarta'').<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Virdee|first=Gurmit Singh|date=June 2005|title=Labour of love: Kar seva at Darbar Sahib's Amrit Sarover|url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17448720500231409|journal=Sikh Formations|language=en|volume=1|issue=1|pages=13–28|doi=10.1080/17448720500231409|issn=1744-8727|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In Sikhism, the word sevā means "to worship, adore, or pay homage through the act of love." Sevā could be social, physical, spiritual, or a security service for the welfare of humanity. In the writings of Sikh gurus, these two meanings of sevā (service and worship) have been merged. Sevā is expected to be a labor of love performed with humility and without selfish desire or expectation.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Labour of love: Kar seva at Darbar Sahib's Amrit Sarover |first=Gurmit Singh |last=Virdee |journal=Sikh Formations: Religion, Culture, Theory |year=2005 |volume=1 |number=1 |pages=13–28 |doi=10.1080/17448720500231409|s2cid=144267107 }}</ref>

''Sevā'' in Sikhism takes three forms: {{transliteration|pa|tan}} (Gurmukhi: {{lang|pa|ਤਨ}}), meaning physical service, i.e., manual labour, {{transliteration|pa|man}} (Gurmukhi: {{lang|pa|ਮਨ}}), meaning mental service, such as studying to help others, and {{transliteration|pa|dhan}} (Gurmukhi: {{lang|pa|ਧਨ}}), meaning material service, including financial support.<ref>{{cite book |last=Wood |first=Angela |title=Movement and Change |date=1997 |publisher=Nelson Thornes |location=Cheltenham, England |isbn=978-0-17-437067-3|page=46}}</ref> Sikhism stresses {{transliteration|pa|kirat karō}} (Gurmukhi: {{lang|pa|ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ}}), "honest work", and {{transliteration|pa|vaṇḍ chakkō}} (Gurmukhi: {{lang|pa|ਵੰਡ ਛਕੋ}}), "split up", sharing what you have by giving to the needy for the benefit of the community.<ref>{{cite book |first1=W. Owen |last1=Cole |first2=Piara Singh |last2=Sambhi |title=A Popular Dictionary of Sikhism: Sikh Religion and Philosophy |year=2005 |publisher=Routledge |location=Abingdon-on-Thames, England |isbn=978-1-135-79760-7 |pages=31, 59}}</ref> It is a duty of every Sikh to engage in ''sevā'' wherever possible, such as volunteering at a Gurdwara, community center, senior living center, care center, a disaster site, etc.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Volz|first=Christian|title=Six Ethics A Rights-Based Approach to Establishing an Objective Common Morality|publisher=Ebookit.com|year=2014|isbn=9781456606916|pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=miocwwy6LMUC&pg=PT278 278]}}</ref> ''Sevā'' can also be performed by offering service for a religious cause, such as constructing a gurdwara, a place of worship that performs community services, such as providing volunteer-run food kitchens.<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{Cite book|first1=Muninder K.|last1=Ahluwalia|first2=Anna Flores|last2=Locke|first3=Steven|last3=Hylton|editor-last=Kim-Prieto|editor-first=Chu|chapter=Sikhism and Positive Psychology|title= Religion and Spirituality Across Cultures|publisher=Springer Netherlands|year=2014|isbn= 9789401789509|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=QPU-BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA129 129]}} |2={{Cite book|last=Singha|first=H.S.|chapter=Kar Seva|title= The Encyclopedia of Sikhism|publisher=Hemkunt Publishers|year=2000|isbn= 9788170103011|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=gqIbJz7vMn0C&pg=PA121 121]}} }}</ref>

''Kar sevā'' is one of the main teachings of Sikhism—including its ordained philosophy, in Sikh scripture, theology, and hermeneutics. A tradition set forth with the clear understanding that there is "God within all of us, and thus by serving humanity, you are serving God's creation."<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{Cite book|last=Goshen-Gottstein|first=Alon|title= Interreligious Reflections, Six Volume Set|publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers|year=2018|isbn= 9781532671524|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=3VcXEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT259 259]}} |2={{Cite book|last=Hett|first=Geoffrey|title= Diversity, Culture and Counselling|publisher=Brush Education|year=2021|isbn= 9781550598759|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=WH86EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA162 162]}} }}</ref> ''Sevā'' is believed to be a way to control inner vices and is a key process in becoming closer to God.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jhutti-Johal |first=Jagbir |title=Sikhism today |location=London; New York|publisher= Continuum |year=2011 |isbn=9786613089229 |page=58 |language=English}}</ref>

=== Criticism === [[File:Kar Sewa appeal for the construction of the clock tower gateway entrance to the Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, ca.1951.jpg|thumb|Kar Sewa appeal for the construction of the clock tower gateway entrance to the Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, {{circa|1951}}]] Some ''kar sevā'' groups and organizations have been criticized for their lack of care for and apathy towards preserving Sikh historical sites, artwork, and architecture during renovation and construction projects.<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Gurnam |date=2021-04-21 |title=Who's really destroying Sikh heritage? |url=https://asiasamachar.com/2021/04/21/37425/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Asia Samachar |language=en-GB}} |2={{Cite web |last1=Singh |first1=I. P. |date=August 23, 2021 |first2=Yudhvir |last2=Rana |title=Sikhs wake up late to the loss of religious heritage |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/sikhs-wake-up-late-to-the-loss-of-religious-heritage/articleshow/85548603.cms |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} |3={{Cite web |author=Yudhvir Rana|date=March 31, 2019 |title=Karsewa group demolish historical darshani deori |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/karsewa-group-demolish-historical-darshani-deori/articleshow/68657470.cms |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} |4={{Cite web |date=2021-07-31 |others=Sikh24 Punjab Bureau |title=Beleaguered over Destruction of Heritage, SGPC Plans to Initiate Sikh Archives Project |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2021/07/31/beleaguered-over-destruction-of-heritage-sgpc-plans-to-initiate-sikh-archives-project/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Sikh24.com |language=en-US}} |5={{Cite web |agency=TNN|date=Apr 15, 2003 |title=Stop 'kar seva': SAD-A to SGPC |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/stop-kar-seva-sad-a-to-sgpc/articleshow/43500092.cms |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} |6={{Cite web |others=Asia Samachar Team |title=Sikhs aghast with tearing down of historic Sikh site in name of 'kar seva' |url=https://asiasamachar.com/2019/04/01/24582/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=asiasamachar.com |date=April 2019 |language=en-GB}} |7={{Cite web |date=2019-04-01 |others=Sikh24 Editors |title=UPDATE: Kar Seva's Baba Jagtar Singh Evicted from Sri Tarn Taran Sahib |url=https://www.sikh24.com/2019/04/01/update-kar-sevas-baba-jagtar-singh-evicted-from-sri-tarn-taran-sahib/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Sikh24.com |language=en-US}} |8={{Cite web |first=I.P.|last= Singh|date=Oct 7, 2018 |title=Heritage under the hammer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/heritage-under-the-hammer/articleshow/66103515.cms |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} |9={{Cite web |date=26 July 2003 |others=Tribune News Service |title=Frescos of Hindu gods whitewashed |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030727/main5.htm |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India}} }}</ref> Numerous historical Sikh scriptural manuscripts have been systematically "cremated" (burnt to destruction)<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{Cite book |last=Mann |first=Gurinder Singh |title=The Making of Sikh Scripture |publisher=Oxford Academic |year=2001 |pages=121–136 |chapter=8 The Guru Granth Sahib |quote=...all old manuscripts were sent to Goindval for “cremation” in the late 1980s}} |2={{Cite book |title=Sikh art from the Kapany Collection |year=2021 |editor-first1=P. M.|editor-last1=Taylor|editor-first2=Sonia |editor-last2=Dhami |isbn=978-81-949691-2-9 |edition=First Indian |location=New Delhi, India |pages=296–302 |oclc=1258082801}} }}</ref> over the years at secretive ''‘Angitha Sahib’'' gurdwaras<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{Cite news |last=Dogra |first=Chander Suta |date=2013-05-27 |title=Endangered texts |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/religion/endangered-texts/article4750493.ece |access-date=2023-01-08 |issn=0971-751X}} |2={{Cite web |last=Saxena |first=Shivani |date=23 November 2014 |title=For 25 years, a gurdwara near Dehradun has been cremating old copies of sacred texts |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/for-25-years-a-gurdwara-near-dehradun-has-been-cremating-old-copies-of-sacred-texts/articleshow/45251949.cms |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} }}</ref> in Dehradun and around India as part of ''kar sevā''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Dogra |first=Chander Suta |date=2013-05-27 |title=Endangered texts |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/religion/endangered-texts/article4750493.ece |access-date=2023-01-08 |issn=0971-751X|quote=The logic behind these crematoriums is the Sikh philosophy handed down by the Tenth Guru Gobind Singh that their holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib is the embodiment of a guru}}</ref> The logic behind these crematoriums is the Sikh philosophy handed down by the tenth Guru Gobind Singh that Guru Granth Sahib is the living embodiment of a Guru, and so Sikh funeral rites are carried out.<ref name=":0" /> This practice is heavily criticized for systematically destroying historical manuscripts.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

==Concept in Islam==

The concept of Sewa or selfless service finds resonance in Islam through several key principles emphasizing service to others and social responsibility. While the term "Sewa" is of South Asian origin, the spirit of altruistic service aligns with Islamic teachings.

In an Islamic context, the concept of selfless service closely aligns with core teachings that emphasize charity, social responsibility, and helping those in need. Islam encourages acts of kindness and community service through practices such as Khidmah (serving others), Sadaqah (voluntary charity), and Zakat (obligatory almsgiving).

=== Khidmah (Service) === ''Khidmah'' refers to service performed for the benefit of others, motivated by sincerity and devotion to God. Acts of service—whether assisting family, community, or the needy—are considered a form of worship. The Islamic prophet Muhammad emphasized the virtue of serving others, stating: "The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others."<ref>{{cite web |title=Service in Islam |url=https://www.wifaqululama.co.uk/service |website=Wifaq ul-Ulama |date=12 January 2017 }}</ref>

=== Ṣadaqah (Voluntary Charity) === ''Sadaqah'' is voluntary charity given out of compassion or religious duty. Unlike obligatory alms, it can be offered at any time and in any amount. Ṣadaqah purifies wealth, promotes community solidarity, and benefits both the giver and recipient. The Quran states: "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a grain of corn which sprouts seven ears, and in each ear there are a hundred grains." (Quran 2:261)<ref>{{cite web |title=Sadaqah and Charity |url=https://www.muslimaid.org/media-centre/blog/zakat-and-sadaqah/ |website=Muslim Aid}}</ref>

=== Zakāt (Obligatory Almsgiving) === ''<u>Zakāt</u>'' is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and requires Muslims to give a fixed portion (usually 2.5%) of accumulated wealth annually to the poor and needy. It serves both as a purification of wealth and a means to reduce economic inequality within the community. The Quran mentions: "Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase..." (Quran 9:103)<ref>{{cite web |title=Zakat in Islam |url=https://matwproject.org/islamic-charity/sadaqah-and-zakat/ |website=Matw Project |date=2 April 2024 }}</ref>

==Service in Christianity== For those participating in it, sevā is an essential component of spiritual development, serving to reduce the egotism and selfishness associated with modernity.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Pandya |first=Samta P |date=2016-09-01 |title=Sociality and guru-led movements: Interplay of social issues, action and social service |url=https://doi.org/10.1177/0011392115602936 |journal=Current Sociology |language=EN |volume=64 |issue=5 |pages=775–793 |doi=10.1177/0011392115602936 |issn=0011-3921|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==See also==

* Sewapanthi * Community Service in Different Religions: ** Bhandara (community kitchen) ** Dakshina ** Punya (Hinduism) ** Sadaqah (Islam) ** Tikkun olam ('repairing of the world' concept in Judaism)

==References== {{reflist}}

{{Sikhism}} {{Hindudharma}} {{Virtues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Seva (Indian religions)}} Category:Sikh practices Category:Sikh philosophy Category:Sanskrit words and phrases Category:Hindu practices Category:Vishva Hindu Parishad Category:October observances Category:International observances Category:Volunteering in India Category:Alms Category:Telugu words and phrases Category:Alms in Hinduism