About religion

The religion of the Yezidis is called Yezidism. This religion is considered originally monotheistic, Yezidis are followers of monotheism.

Yezidism is one of the most ancient religion in the world, based on the dogma set forth in the sacred hymns. Yezidism has neither founder nor prophets; there is only a patron - the archangel Malik Taus, appointed by God. Religious doctrine directly connects man with God, includes a set of moral norms, rules of conduct, cult actions and rituals that make up the totality of the spiritual views of the Yezidis based on faith in supernatural forces and beings - God and the seven angels who are worship cults.

Its religious doctrine was formed in the territory of the Mesopotamia. Yezidis consider their religion one of the first on the planet. According to mythology, religion originates from the day when man was created by God. The main symbol of religion is the sun. The sun for the Yezidis is a blessed light coming from God, the primary source of life, therefore the Yezidis are also called "sun worshipers."

Due to its tradition, Yezidism is not a missionary religion. Religion is closed, the Yezidis can not become, they need to be born. According to its postulates, the Yezidis can only be those who are born of the mother and father of the Yezidis. Religion is exclusively tolerant. Tolerance and respect for any other faith and representatives of other religions has always been one of the main postulates of Yezidism. If some religious teachings call for cruelty and forcible conversion of a person into their religion, Yezidism is a peace-loving religion and categorically rejects all violence and cruelty.

Yezidis as their ancient ancestors to this day adhere to the caste-theocratic system of society. Almost unchanged-  it is the religious institution of clergymen and lay preachers, a religion of rituals, ceremonies, prayers, taboos, worship of saints, veneration of holy places, as well as special attitudes of adepts with each other and with other faiths.

Traditionally, the Yezidi society is divided into two main endogamous castes - the spiritual and secular classes. The spiritual caste is divided into two groups - sheikhs and pirs. Without the participation of sheikhs or pirs, it is impossible to conduct a single ritual (birth of a child, wedding, funeral, etc.). The secular caste consists of murids (laity), which are divided into tribal groups and unite into tribal alliances.

Only one caste can marry. Marriages between murids and priests are strictly forbidden, besides the sheikhs and pirs also have the right to be related to each other, and marriages with gentiles are completely forbidden. The title of  priest is inherited - only the one who was born in the clergyman's family can become a clergyman.

The form of government is theocracy. To this day, the highest representative of secular and spiritual power is the "Mir of Sheikhan and all Yezidis", who since 1944 is Tahsin Said Beg who fulfills these positions.

Despite the tolerance and peaceableness of their religion, Yezidians are constantly subjected to religious discrimination against the Muslim majority, with the goal of destroying their faith and their ancient culture. And despite the brutal and inhuman persecution, the Yezidis adhered and continue to adhere to the religion of their ancestors.