Ahl-e-Haqq Religion

The Ahl-e-Haqq religion is also known as the Yarsan religion and literally means “People of Truth”. It originated in western Iran in the late 14th century and was founded by Sultan Sahak.

Membership is estimated at between 1 and 2 million and is primarily found found in western Iran and Iraq. It is comprised of Kurds and Laks and smaller groups of Luir, Azeri, Persian and Arabs. The Ahl-e Haqq in Iraq are called Kaka’i.

Up to the 20th century adherents were Kurds who were born into it with some individuals marrying into it.

There is a written testament, but it is written in a language that few understand. The chief written word of the religion is the Firqan al-Akhbar written in the early 20th century by Hajj Nematollah.

It is believed by adherents that the universe is comprised of two distinct yet interrelated worlds: the internal (batini) and the external (zahiri) each having it’s own order and rules.

Humans are simply aware of the outer world but must live by the rules of inner world. They believe that the Divine Essence has had many manifestations in human form and believe in transmigration of the soul.

Believers do not practice or observe Muslim rites and rituals.

Unique features of the religion include a belief in millenarism, nativism, egalitarianism. Metempsychosis, angelology, divine manifestation and dualism.

There are key figures known as the Haft Tan “Seven Archangels” in the religion: