Hukamnama

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A Hukamnama has dual significance within Sikhism. First, it denotes a hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib, either as a directive to Sikhs or as a historical order issued by one of the Gurus. Second, it pertains to a hymn chosen at random from the Guru Granth Sahib on a daily basis, believed to be God's divine order for that specific day. These Hukamnamas are distributed and recited aloud in Gurdwaras worldwide.

The term "Hukamnama" originates from the combination of two Persian words, "hukam," meaning command or order, and "namah," meaning letter. Historically, it referred to letters sent by the Sikh Gurus to their Sikhs or congregations in different parts of the country during the period from 1469 to 1708 when there were Ten Gurus. However, presently, it primarily denotes the Sacred Hymn (Shabd) read after the Ardaas prayer in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In this context, it can also be abbreviated as the "Guru's Hukam."