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The Religion of the Yazidis
One of the central problems for students of the Yazidi religion concerns the origin of the two holy
books of the Yazidis, the "Book of Revelation" and the "Black Book" - so named because in it
mention is made of the descent of the Lord upon the Black Mountain.
Both of these short scriptures
are known in Arabic and Kurdish versions.
Internal evidence strongly suggests
that they were translated from an Arabic onginal.
The "Black Book" is not divided into chapters and is longer than the "Book of Revelation".
The first half of it gives an account of the Creation, beginning with the creation of a white pearl and the
Peacock Angel. There follows an account of the Fall (in which the forbidden comestible is wheat),
and the creation of Eve after Adam has been driven from Paradise.
This is followed by an obsure
statement of the names of certain ancient kings who are claimed to have belonged to the Yazidi
community. Next comes a statement of certain food taboos of the Yazidis, certain prohibitions
connected with personal hygiene and finally certain verbal taboos.
The discussion then reverts to
the subject of ancient kings alleged to have been Yazidis, and the Book concludes with another
account of the Creation, which diverges quite considerably from the first.
The Devil Cult
The Yazidis recognize an evil spirit of whom their dread is so great that they will not utter his name.
This evil spirit or the Devil is represented by the bronze known as the "Malak Ta'us", i.e., King
Peacock or the Peacock Angel. The chief symbol of the Peacock Angel is always kept with the great
sheikh and is carried about with him wherever he may go. Other copies of this symbol, however,
are carried in procession by the priests round the Yazidi districts in order to collect money through
visiting houses, etc.
Satan, then, is believed to be the chief of the angelic host - all powerful and hereafter to be
restored to the high celestial dignity from which he has fallen. He is so feared by the Yazidis to the
extent that he is worshipped by them. They bow down to him and sing hymns to him.
According to their Holy Scriptures, next to Satan (or MalakTa'us), but inferior to him are ranked
six archangels who are held to exercise great influence over the world. They are: Dardi'il: Israfil;
M ikha' il ; Jibra' il; Shamna' il ; Nura' il.
Christ also they regard as a great angel who took the form of a man, but they deny that he died
on the cross, maintaining rather that he ascended into heaven without dying. They hold also that
Muhammad, whom they consider to be a prophet of the Isma'ili sect, was inspired by God.
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