The scriptures of Sikhism form the most important part of Punjabi literature. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak (1469-1539), shared with Kabir a belief in the abstract nature of God. The writings of Nanak, later Sikh gurus, and other poets of the Sant tradition are collected in the sacred Sikh book, the Adi Granth (The Original Book).

Many of the poems in this text, including some by Kabir, are in old Hindi rather than Punjabi. The line of Sikh gurus came to an end with Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708). After his time, the Adi Granth itself became the source of all authority. Now called the Guru Granth Sahib (The Revered Book), the sacred scripture is an object of great respect in the Sikh gurdwaras (temples).

Later Punjabi literature was largely the work of Muslim poets writing in the Persian script. The poem Hir Ranjha, named after the hero and heroine and written in 1766 by Varis Shah, is an example of the type of romantic legend still popular in modern times.