Yazidism
Yazidism, also known as Sharfadin, is a monotheistic ethnic religion which has roots in pre-Zoroastrian Iranian religion, directly derived from the Indo-Iranian tradition. Its followers, called Yazidis, are a Kurdish-speaking community.
Yazidism includes elements of ancient Iranian religions, as well as elements of Judaism, Church of the East, and Islam. Yazidism is based on belief in one God who created the world and entrusted it into the care of seven Holy Beings, known as Angels. Preeminent among these Angels is Tawûsî Melek (lit. ‘Peacock Angel’, also spelled as Melek Taûs), who is the leader of the Angels and who has authority over the world. The religion of the Yazidis is a highly syncretistic one: Sufi influence and imagery can be seen in their religious vocabulary, especially in the terminology of their esoteric literature, but much of the mythology is non-Islamic, and their cosmogonies apparently have many points in common with those of ancient Iranian religions.
Yazidism is an ancient, monotheistic religion practiced by the Yazidis, an indigenous Kurdish-speaking group primarily from Mesopotamia, particularly Iraq. Its core tenets include belief in one God, the Peacock Angel (Tawusi Malek) as a central figure and messenger, the concept of reincarnation, and a unique religious hierarchy. Yazidism has been subject to centuries of persecution and genocide due to misinterpretations of their faith as “devil-worship” by Abrahamic religions.
Key Aspects of Yazidism
- Monotheism and the Peacock Angel: Yazidis believe in a supreme God who created the world and entrusted it to seven divine beings, or Angels. The leader of these angels is Tawusi Malek, the Peacock Angel, who is a revered figure in their faith and acts as an intermediary between humans and God.
- Reincarnation: A central belief in Yazidism is the reincarnation of the soul after death.
- Cultural & Ethnic Identity: Yazidis are a distinct ethno-religious group, unified by their unique faith and culture, with a deep connection to the Kurdistan region of Western Asia.
- Oral Traditions: Much of their religious knowledge and tradition is passed down orally, though their faith incorporates influences from ancient Iranian beliefs, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Persecution and Displacement
- Misconception of Devil Worship: The prominent role of the Peacock Angel has led to misconceptions among Muslims, who often misinterpret this as devil worship, a belief that has incited persecution.
- History of Genocide: Yazidis have endured numerous genocidal massacres throughout history, with the most recent and horrific being the ISIL (ISIS) massacre in Sinjar, Iraq, in 2014.
- Forced Displacement: This constant persecution has resulted in the widespread displacement of the Yazidi people, many of whom have sought refuge in other parts of Iraq or migrated to countries like Germany.
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://www.nadiasinitiative.org/the-genocide
[3] https://www.nadiasinitiative.org/news/tag/yazidism
[5] wikipedia/en/Persecution_of_Yazidis
[6] https://www.pah.org.pl/dom/en/who-are-the-yazidis/
[8] https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-28686607