Sharfadin – The Real Name of the Ezidi Religion
This article was written by K. Alexander and published on the PROUD YAZIDI PEOPLE website. Ezidi Times is not the author, owner, or responsible for the content of this article. All opinions and views expressed are solely those of the author.
Sharfadin is one of the most ancient monotheistic religions, with roots deeply embedded in ancient Mesopotamia.
Ezidis believe in the existence of a single God and a pantheon of seven Archangels, led by Tausi Malak (Amin Jbrail). Tausi Malak is not included in this sacred seven. In the religion of Sharafadin, God created Tausi Malak on Wednesday. With his help, God created the world. The Ezidi religion has no prophets, but Ezidis respect all prophets, regardless of their religion or nationality.
Sharfadin does not take a hostile position toward other religions or their temples. The religion does not allow forced actions aimed at imposing Sharafadin by force, as this religion is not missionary. Additionally, Sharfadin cannot be adopted; one can only be born into it.
The formation of the Ezidi religion is based on one important principle:
“HADE BÊ ŞRIKÎ BÊ HAWALA, HADE YAKA, HADE KASI NADITIA CHAYA, KANJI U HRAVI DASTE HADEA”
(“God has no equal, God is one, no one has seen God, good and bad come from God.”)
In the religion of Sharfadin, there are no evil forces such as Satan, etc. Since good and bad come from God, everything depends on our actions and choices.
God has 3,003 names. The first Archangel created by God was Tausi Malak (Amin Jbrail), who was created from God’s radiance. The literal translation of Amin is “one of the names of God,” and Jbrail means “revealed.” Each supreme Archangel was granted 1,001 names. Among the Ezidis, Archangel Amin Jbrail is more commonly known as Tausi Malak.
The Ezidi Caste System
Ezidis are divided into three castes, representing both spiritual and secular classes:
• Sheikhs and Pirs – The spiritual castes
• Murids – The secular cast
The Ezidi caste system should not be compared to the Hindu caste system, where castes are strictly hierarchical and lower castes face discrimination. In Sharfadin, the division into Sheikhs, Pirs, and Murids is based on religious function rather than social hierarchy.
• Sheikhs and Pirs are spiritual leaders who guide the people.
• Murids form the general population but are not considered inferior.
Unlike the Hindu system, the Ezidi caste structure is not oppressive. However, inter-caste marriage is forbidden to preserve religious tradition and lineage. Rather than a tool of discrimination, it is a spiritual and cultural framework unique to Sharfadin.
The Three Mortal Sins (Se Herf) in Sharfadin
The Ezidi faith recognizes three mortal sins (Se Herf):
1. (Şêlpkê Zêrîn) – Marriage between castes is forbidden
2. (Diska Dênê) – Marriage with non-Ezidis is forbidden
3. (Derba Hêreqe) – Insulting another caste is forbidden
These are the main postulates for the Ezidis.
The Destruction of Myths
Myth 1: “The religion of Sharfadin is paganism.”
Answer: The religion of Sharafadin is not paganism, as it believes in the existence of a single God.
• Myth 2: “The religion of Sharfadin appeared in the 12th century.”
Answer: The religion of Sharfadin arose long ago, its roots going deep into Mesopotamia. Sharafadin existed before the 12th century, but it was not in the form we know today. Over thousands of years, many changes and reforms have taken place.
• Myth 3: “Tausi Malak was a fallen angel.”
Answer: In Islam, the peacock is considered the form of Satan, who was cast out of paradise. But this is not true—this theory was fabricated and imposed on everyone by Islamic theologians. They publicly declared this theory, which led to the emergence of hatred towards Ezidis, and as a result, Ezidis were called “devil worshippers.” This was precisely the reason for the mass genocide and persecution of the Ezidi people, which has lasted for 1,200 years and continues to this day.
