Akhadism

Akhadism (Akhad'ed) is a monotheistic religion articulated by the Setgvek, an Akhadic holy book considered by its adherents the true word of God (Akhad), and for the vast majority of adherents, also by the teachings and codes which established the non-civil religious law. An adherent of Akhadism is called an Akhadist. Akhadism is one of the main religious of western Ostara, most notably in Kyrzbekistan and nearby countries. Akhadism was the official religion of the Akhadic Republic of Kyrzbekistan, between 1562 and 1568.

Akhadists believe that Akhad is one and incomparable and that the purpose of existence is to worship Akhad. Akhadists also believe that Akhadism is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revelaed through the Akhadic prophetic tradition and the sacred law. They consider that the Zokuk (religious law) is the unaltered and the final revelation of Akhad. Religious concepts and practices include the 199 principles, which are basic concepts and obligatory acts of worship as established by the Zozuk tradition. The Zozuk touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, providing guidance on multifarious topics from banking and welfare, to familiy life and government.

Most Akhadists are of two denominations: Bukh'a (60-70%) and Zokukyar (20-30%). Adherents of Akhadism constitute the majority of the populations of Kyrzbekistan, Zargistan, Ga'bath, Aricca, and Ashar, while there are significant communities in Mestra, Gallia, Mithraina, Xylonia, and Ustyara.

Theology

For Akhadism, Akhad ('The One') is the source of all life, and therefore absolute causality and the only real existence. It is beyond all Being, and the source of it. It cannot be known through reasoning or understanding. Being beyond existence, it is the most real reality, source of less real things. It has no attributes of any kind; it is being without magnitude, without life, without thought; in strict property, indeed, we ought not to speak of it as existing, it is above existence.

From Akhad emanates the Makhad, which is a perfect image of Akhad and the archetype of all existing things. It stands between Akhad and the phenomenal world, being permeated and illuminated by the former, but is also in contact with the latter.

The Makhad, as a moving essence, generates the corporeal or phenomenal world. This world ought to be so pervaded by the soul that its various part should remain in perfect harmony. So long as idea governs matter, or the soul governs the body, the world is fair and good. It is an image -though a shodowy image- of the upper world, and the degrees of better and worse in it are essential to the harmony of the whole.

But in the actual phenomenal world unity and harmony are replaced by strife or discord; the result is a conflict, a becoming and vanishing, an illusive existence. And the reason for this state of things is that bodis rest on a substratum of matter. Matter is the indeterminate: it has no qualities. If destitute of form and idea, it is evil; as capable of form it is neutral. Evil here is understood as a parasitic, having no-existence of its own. The human souls that have descended into corporeality are those that have allowed themselves to be ensnared by sensuality and overpowered by lsut. They now seek to cut themselves loose from their true being; and since tehy not lost their freedom, a conversion is still possible. Only following the dictates or norms, called “Zozuk”, or religious law, the men could perfectionate their souls and returning to the Makhad, purifying itself and leaving the corporeal world.

Akhadism does not believe in an independent existence of evil. So, evil is simply the absense of good. Things are good insofar as they exist; they are evil only insofar as they are imperfect, lacking some good that they should have.

Akhadism teaches that all people return to the Source. When people return to the Makhad, their energy returns to Akhad and is then recycled into the cosmos, where it can be broken up and then amalgamated into other things.

Zokuk, the religious law

The theological doctrine of Akhadism is relatively simple, and it does not really allow many contradictory interpretations. Many scholars consider Akhadism (specially the Zokukyar branch) a more practical than doctrinal religion, that is, Akhadism is more focused in the practical realization of the Akhadic doctrines rather than in metaphysics or theology. Therefore, Zokuk (“law”, in Kyrzbek language), the religious law, and its different interpretations, according to different and even contradictory schools, have a large importance in the Akhadic tradition.

Zokuk deals with many topics addressed by secular law, including crime, politics, and economics, as well as personal matters such as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet, prayer, everyday etiquette and fasting. Adherence to the Zokuk has served as one of the distinghishing characteristics of the Akhadic faith historically, specially considering the lack of a centralized Akhadic Church, and through the centuries Akhadists have devoted much scholarly time and effort on its elaboration. Practical interpretations of the Zokuk vary between the several Akhadic sects and respective schools of jurisprudence, yet in its strictest and most historically coherent, religious law is considered the infallible law of Akhad. However, the several Akhadic traditions may look not only different but contradictory, going for the literalist and more conservative traditions to the secular and more “liberal” ones.

The are two primary sources for Zokuk, the precepts sets forth in the Setgvek, the Akhadic sacred book, and the comments by the six historical “Grand Kuzhe”. Where it has officially status, Zokuk is interpreted by Akhadic judges (dakime) with varying responsabilities for the religious leaders (Kuzhe). For questions not directly addressed in the primary sources, the application of Zokuk is extended through consensus of the religious experts throught to embody the consensus of the Akhadic Community. Religious jurisprudence will also sometimes incorporate more recent analogies from the Setgvek, though many scholars also prefer reasoning to analogy.

The introduction of Zokuk is a longstanding goal for many Akhadic political movements in Kyrzbekistan and other countries, but attemps to impose Akhad have been accompanied by controversy, and opposed by many Kyrzbek secular communities, groups, and political movements. The concept of crime, judicial process, justice and punishment embodied in the Zokuk is different from that of secular law. The differences between religious and secular laws have led to an on-going controversy as to whether the most radical and pure versions of Zokuk are really compatible with secular democracy, freedom of thought, minority and women rights. In secular jurisprudence, Zokuk is classified as religious law, which is one of the three major categories that individual legal system generally fall under, alongside civil law and common law.

The application of the Zokuk, even in its most liberal interpretations, are banned today in the Democratic Republic of Kyrzbekistan, although freedom of religion is allowed, and temples are allowed independence from the state.

The most importants and recognized principles or ruled of the Zozuk are recollected in the “Anlatma'zaz Kitar” (“Commentary of the commentary”), and more modern texts which summarize the teachings and interpretations of the six historical Grand Kuzhe in 199 basic principles or norms called “kafim”. It is important to note that not every Akhadic school of jurisprudence accept all of these principles, but at least each of the principles is recognized by one or two of those religious schools. The application and interpretation of each principle can vary considerably as well, even in the same jurisprudence tradition.

Kafim, or the 199 basic principles of Zokuk

Primary principles

1. To know there is a god.

2. To know that He is the one (Akhad)

3. Not to entertain thoughts of other gods besides Akhad

4. To love Akhad

5. To fear Akhad

6. To sanctify Akhad

7. Not to profane Akhad

8. Not to destroy objects associated with Akhad

9. To follow the law (Zakuk)

10. To spread his word (Sitqvek)

11. Not to hate fellow Akhadic believers

12. To reprove wrongdoers

13. To repent and confess wrongdoings

14. Not to blaspheme

15. Not to oppress the weak

16. Not to make an idol for yourself

17. Not to make an idol for others

18. Not to take revenge

19. Not to bear a grudge

20. Not to embarrass others

21. Not to gossip about others

22. To learn Sitqvek and teach it

23. To honor those who teach and know Sitqvek

Elementary Customs

24. Not to make human forms even for decorative purposes

25. Not to inquire into idolatry

26. Not to turn a city to idolatry

27. To burn a city that has turned to idol worship

28. Not to rebuild it as a city

29. To destroy idols and their accesories

30. Not to prophesize falsesly in the name of Akhad

31. Not to listen to a false prophet

32. Not to be afraid of killing the false prophet

33. Not to be superstitious

34. Not to engage in astrology

35. Not to mutter incantations

36. Not to perform acts of magic

37. Men must not wear women's clothing

38. Women must not wear men's clothing

39. Not to tattoo the skin

40. To bless Akhad before and after eating

Family and Custom Principles

41. Not to curse your father or mother

42. Not to strike your father or mother

43. Respect your father and mother

44. Fear your father and mother

45. Not to be a rebellious son

46. Mourn for relatives

47. To have children with one's wife

48. The court must fine one who seduces a maiden

49. The rapist must marry the maiden [if she and her family agree]

50. He is not allowed to divorce her

51. The slanderer must remain married to the wife he slandered

52. He must not divorce her

53. To fullfil the laws of the woman suspected of adultery

54. Not to have sexual relations with your mother

55. Not to have sexual relations with your father's wife

56. Not to have sexual relations with your sister

57. Not to have sexual relations with your daughter

58. Not to have sexual relations with your son's daughter

59. Not to have sexual relations with your daughter's daughter

60. Not to marry a woman and her daughter

61. Not to marry a woman and her son's daughter

62. Not to marry a with a woman and her daughter's daughter

63. Not to have sexual relations with your mother's sister

64. Not to have sexual relations with your father's brother's wife

65. Not to have sexual relations with your son's wife

66. Not to have sexual relations with your brother's wife

67. Not to have sexual relations with your wife's sister

68. A man must not have sexual relations with a beast

69. A woman must not have sexual relations with a beast

70. Not to have homosexual sexual relations

71. Not to have homosexual sexual relations with your father

72. Not to have homosexual sexual relations with your father's brother

73. Not to have sexual relations with a married woman

74. Not to have sexual relations with a menstrually impure woman

75. Not to marry non-Akhadists

76. The Kuzhe must not marry a widow

77. The Kuzhe must not have sexual relations with a widow even outside of marriage

78. The Kuzhe must marry a virgin maiden

79. Not to make pleasurable (sexual) contact with any forbidden woman

80. Not to eat fish

81. Not to eat flying insects

82. Not to eat worms found in fruit once they have left the fruit

83. To ritually slaughter an animal before eating it

84. Not to eat the meat of an animal that died without ritual slaughter

85. Not to eat blood

86. Not to eat egg and milk cooked together

87. Not to cook egg and milk together

88. Not to slaughter an animal and its offspring on the same day

89. Not drink wine, wine mixtures, or wine vinegar

90. To set aside the first fruits and bring them to the Temple

91. Not to swear falsely in Akhad's Name

92. To swear in Akhad's Name to confirm the truth when deemed necessary by court

93.Not to break oaths or vows

Faith Principles

94. Not to deny possession of something entrusted to you

95. Not to swear falsely in denial of a monetary claim

96. To give charity

97. Not to withhold charity from the poor

98. To build a Sanctuary (Holy Temple)

99. Not to build the altar with stones hewn by metal

100. Not to climb steps to the altar

101. To light a fire on the altar every day

102. Not to extinguish this fire

103. To remove the ashes from the altar every day

104. To show reverence for the Temple

105. To guard the Temple area

106. Not to leave the Temple unguarded

107. Impure people must not enter the Temple

108. Not to burn honey or yeast on the altar

109. To follow the procedure of the peace offering

110. To offer all sacrifices in the Temple

111. Not to slaughter sacrifices outside the courtyard

112. Not to offer any sacrifices outside the courtyard

113. Not to eat from sacrifices offered with improper intentions

114. Not to eat from sacrifices which became impure

115. An impure person must not eat from sacrifices

116. An apostate must not eat from sacrifices

117. To burn the leftover sacrifices

118. To burn all impure sacrifices

Justice Principles

119. Courts must calculate to determine when a new month begins

120. Observe the laws of menstrual impurity

121. Observe the laws of impurity caused by childbirth

122. Observe the laws of impurity of a seminal emission

123. Observe the laws of impurity concerning liquid and solid foods

124. The court must implement punitive measures against the thief

125. Not to kidnap

126. Not to withhold wages or fail to repay a debt

127. The court must implement laws against the one who assaults another or damages another's property

128. Not to murder

129. Not to kill the murderer before he stands trial

130. Save someone being pursued even by taking the life of the pursuer

131. Not to pity the pursuer

132. Not to stand idly by if someone's life is in danger

133. Break the neck of a calf by a stream following an unsolved murder

134. Infidel slaves must work forever unless the owner amputates one of their limbs

135. Pay wages on the day they were earned

136. Not to delay payment of wages past the agreed time

137. The worker must not eat while on hired time

138. The worker must not take more than he can eat

139. Lend to the poor and destitute

140. Not to press them for payment if you know they don't have it

141. Return the collateral to the debtor when needed

142. Not to delay its return when needed

143. Not to demand collateral from a widow

144. Not to lend with interest

145. Not to borrow with interest

146. Lend to and borrow from idolaters with interest

147. Carry out the laws of the order of inheritance

148. Appoint judges

149. Not to appoint judges who are not familiar with judicial procedure

150. Decide by majority in case of disagreement

151. [In capital cases] the court must not execute through a majority of one; at least a majority of two is required

152. The courts must carry out the death penalty of stoning

153. The courts must carry out the death penalty of burning

154. The courts must carry out the death penalty of the sword

155. The courts must carry out the death penalty of strangulation

156. The courts must hang those stoned for blasphemy or idolatry

157. Bury the executed [as well as all deceased] on the day they are killed

158. Not to delay burial overnight

159. The court must not let the sorcerer live

160. The court must give lashes to the wrongdoer

161. The court must not exceed the prescribed number of lashes

162. The court must not kill anybody on circumstantial evidence

163. The court must not punish anybody who was forced to do a crime

164. A judge must not pity the murderer or assaulter at the trial

165. A judge must not have mercy on the poor man at the trial

166. A judge must not respect the great man at the trial

167. A judge must not decide unjustly the case of the habitual transgressor

168. A judge must not pervert justice

169. A judge must not pervert a case involving a convert or orphan

170. Judge righteously

171. The judge must not fear a violent man in judgment

172. Judges must not accept bribes

173. Judges must not accept testimony unless both parties are present

174. Not to curse judges

175. Not to curse the head of state or leader of the community

176. Carefully interrogate the witness

177. A witness must not serve as a judge in capital crimes

178. Not to accept testimony from a lone witness

179. Transgressors must not testify

180. Relatives of the litigants must not testify

181. Not to testify falsely

City Principles

182. Appoint a ruler from the land

183. The ruler must not have too many wives

184. The ruler must not have too many horses

185. The ruler must not have too much silver and gold

186. Destroy the enemies

187. Not to let any of them remain alive

188. Wipe out their descendants

189. Remember what your enemies did to your people

190. Offer peace terms to the inhabitants of a city while holding siege, and treat them according to the Zokuk if they accept the terms

191. Not to destroy fruit trees even during the siege

192. Not to demand from the above any involvement, communal or military

193. Not to panic and retreat during battle

194. Keep the laws of the captive woman

195. Not to sell her into slavery

196. Not to retain her for servitude after having relations with her

197. Obey fair laws

198. Disobey the unfair ones

199. Spread the holy war when announced by the sages

History of Akhadism

Before the birth of Akhadism, the Near East region was divided by a large amount of religious beliefs and cults, one of the largest, while in decline, was Raasticanism. The founder of Akhadism was Jorchek (823-769 BCE), and the new religion would experience a fast growing from Askhabad to other regions of Near East.

Jorchek was born in Askhabad, the sixth child of a marriage of Kyrzbek merchants. In 787 BCE, at the age of 40, Jorchek is said to receive visions from Akhad and begins preaching in the name of this new god. He would have soon a small growing number of followers and converts in the city. A year later, inspired by his fame as wise man, he was appointed as spiritual and political advisor by the ruler of the city. When the city Ashkabad resists a 121 siege in 784 BCE, Jorchek is hailed as a hero and much of the population of Ashkabad and surroindings convert to Akhadism.

However, Korkek II, the ruler of Ashkabad, is afraid of Jorchek growing influence, and orders that Jorchek is assassinated. His plans were discovered, however, and a popular revolt in response leads to the overthrow of the ruler of Ashkabad. A theocratic state is proclaimed, and the legislation based on the teaching of Akhadism, known as Zokuk, is enacted for first time in history. The Akhadic faith is spread in nearby regions, sometimes through military campaigns in the next years, and the new state woud conquer much of modern-day Zargistan and Gallia in a few years. Jorchek's preachment is spread in written form for first time during those years, giving origin to Setgvek, the holy book of Akhadism.

In 775 BCE, Jorchek is said to have received a vision from Akhad, leading him to abdicate political power. He goes on great journays, travelling with a small group of trusted followers and preaching across the Near East. His trusted adviser Umir takes his place as the political leader of the Akhadic faith, beginning what historians would call the Umirid Empire.

Jorchek arrives to Ashar in late 769 BCE, but he is immediately arrested by the Asharite authorities and given to a frenzied crowd of Raastican zealots, who beat him to death, desecrate his body, and throw his corpse from the city walls into the river. His remains are reportedly recovered by a group of his followers and secretly bring to Ashkabad.

As soon as news came to Ashkabad, now the capital city of the Umirid Empire, preparations for an invasion of the Kingdom of Ashar are started. However, they would not begin until early 767. That year, Ashar is invaded and defeated by the Umirid army, being most of the population of their capital city massacred during the siege and the days afterwards. Its surviving populace is forcibly converted to Akhadism and many Akhadic believers from the rest of the Empire resettle there. The city of Ashad is proclaimed a sacred city, and the rest of the Kingdom of Ashad is annexed by the Umirid Empire. Umir orders to build the Kutsal Peyabes, one of the most important Akhadic temples, in Jorchek's memory. His remains, and those of Umir and other rulers of the Umirid Empire were buried there, and it became since then the most important place of pilgrimage for Akhadic believers.

The Akhadic expanded along the Umirid Empire, becoming the largest religion until today in countries like today Zargistan, Ga'bath, Kyrzbekistan, Khanid, Aricca, A'Sir or Wadiyah. Once the Umirid Empire collapsed and disappear, although Akhadism remained as state religion in many of those successor states, it lacked a central authority becoming in a rather decentralized religion compared to Messanic cults. Each Akhadic community developed their own rules and customs, even if always in accordance with the Setgvek and Zokuk, through either the principles of tradition or consensus.

Recent immigration has spread Akhadism to every continent as well, and in many countries Akhadism is experienced a constant but slow increase.

Basic vocabulary of Akhadism

• Grand Kuzhe: highest authority in Akhadism. Only a few of the most important Kuzhe are accorded the rank of Grand Kuzhe. This usually happens when the followers of one of the Kuzhe refer to him in many situations and ask him to publish commentaries on Setgvek or Zokuk in wich he answers the vast majority of daily Akhadic affairs. There are 81 living Grand Kuzha in the world as of 1578, a third of them living in the city-state of Ashar. A Grand Kuzhe is considered to be infallible, and his authority on religious affairs can only be contradicted by another Grand Kuzhe.
• Kutsal Peyabes: most important Akhadic temple in the city-state of Ashar, built in Jorchek memory, and the most important pilgrimage place for Akhadic believers.
• Kuzhe: a Kuzhe (plural Kuzha) is a high-ranking title given to the Akhadic cleric who heads a temple or Akhadic community. Those who carry the title are experts in Akhadic studies such as religious law, Setgvek reading, and philosophy and usually teach in Akhadic seminaries. They are eithe elected between their own community or the local clergy council.
• Jorchek: (823-769 BCE), first and only accepted prophet, founder of Akhadism.
• Ozman: an Akhadic religious scholar. Ozman (plural Ozmani) is an honorific title meaning "authority on Zokuk". It was originally applied as an honorific to leading scholars, but now the use indicates a status in the hierarchy of the learned below Kuzhe. In the Zokukyar tradition, a council of ozmani appoints the local Kuzhe, after a long oral examination. Ozmani usually serves as religious judge.
• Sakak: place of worship for Akhadic believers. Akhadic temples are typicially austere in decoration, as Zokuk forbids the representation of human forms and idolatry of any kind.
• Setgvek: the Akhadic holy book, inspired by the visions of prophet Jorchek
• Umir the Great: Follower of the prophet Jorchek, he became his most trusted advisor. In 775 BCE, Umir became the ruler of Askhabad, expanding the Akhadic faith through the Near East and founding the Umirid Empire.
• Tetkem: a tetkem (plural tetkeme, from the Askhed language word for "student") is an Akhadic leadership position, immediately behind the rank of Kuzhe. A tektem serves an assistant role for the Kuzhe of the community, helping or replacing the Kuzhe on Akhadic worship services or providing religious guidance. Usually, a Kuzhe was a tektem during several years before being appointed.
• Zokuk: Akhadic religious law, as derived from Setgvek and the commentaries of the historical Grand Kuzha.