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Seven Al Jilwah Translations
Seven Al Jilwah Translations
OF THE
KITAB AL-JILWAH
COMPILED BY
FREDERICK POELZIG
1
E. G. BROWNES TRANSLATION
FROM
SIX MONTHS IN A SYRIAN MONASTERY
BY OSWALD H. PARRY
1895
EL-JILWA
which existed before all creatures
Malak Ta'us sent Abta'us into this world to warn and separate his
chosen people from error; first, by [teaching them] resignation,
secondly by this book "Jilwa," which it is not permitted to
strangers to read or to look upon.
First Section
I was, and am now, and will continue unto eternity, ruling over all
creatures and ordering the affairs and deeds of those who are
under my sway. I am presently at hand to such as trust in me and
call upon me in time of need, neither is there any place void of me
where I am not present. I am thine evil in all those events which
strangers name evils because they are not done according to their
desire. Every age has a Regent, and this by my counsel. Every
generation changes with the Chief of this World, so that each one
of the chiefs in his turn and cycle fulfils his charge. I grant
indulgence according to the [just] merits of those qualities
wherewith each disposition is by nature endowed. He who
opposeth me vexeth and grieveth the other gods, to whom it is not
given to interfere in my business and work: whatsoever I
determine, that is. The Scriptures which are in the hands of
strangers, even though they were written by prophets and
apostles, yet have these turned aside, and rebelled, and perverted
them; and each one of them confuteth the other and abrogateth it.
Truth and False-hood are distinguished by proving them at the
time of their appearance. I will fulfill my promise to those who
put their trust in me, and will perform my covenant, or will act
contrary to it, according to the judgment of those wise and
discerning Regents to whom I have delegated my authority for
determinate periods. I take note of all affairs, and promote the
performance of what is needful in its due time.I direct and teach
such as will follow my teaching, who find in their accord with me
joy and delight greater than any joy wherewith the soul rejoiceth.
2
Second Section
I reward and I punish this progeny of Adam in all different ways
of which I have knowledge. In this my hand is the control of the
earth and what is above it and beneath it. I undertake not the
assistance of other races, neither do I withhold good from them;
much less do I [grudge it] to those who are my chosen people and
obedient servants. I surrender active control into the hands of
those whom I have proved, who are, in accordance with my will,
friends in some shape and fashion to such as are faithful and abide
by my counsel. I take and I give; I make rich and I make poor; I
make happy and I make wretched, according to environments and
seasons, and there is none who hath the right to interfere, or to
withdraw any man from my control. I draw down pains and
sicknesses upon such as strive to thwart me. He who is accounted
mine, dieth not like other men. I suffer no man to dwell in this
lower world for more than the period determined by me; and, if I
wish, I send him back into this world a second and a third time, or
more, by the transmigration of the soul, and this by a universal
law.
Third Section
I guide without a [revealed] book; I point the way by unseen
means unto my friends and such as observe the precepts of my
teaching, which is not grievous, and is adapted to the time and
conditions. I punish such as contravene my laws in other worlds.
The children of this Adam know not those things which are
determined, wherefore they oft-times fall into error. The beasts of
the field, and of heaven, and the fish of the sea, all of them are in
my hand and under my control. The treasures and hoards buried
in the heart of the earth are known to me, and I cause one after
another to inherit them. I make manifest my signs and wonders to
such as will receive them and seek them from me in their due
season. The antagonism and opposition of strangers to me and my
followers do but injure the authors thereof, because they know not
that might and wealth are in my hands, and that I bestow them on
such of Adam's progeny as are deserving of them. The ordering of
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the worlds, the revolution of ages, and the changing of their
regents are mine from eternity. And whosoever walketh not
uprightly therein, him will I chastise in my own appointed time,
and turn back to his former charge.
Fourth Section
The seasons are four, and the elements are four; these have I
vouchsafed to meet the needs of my creatures. The scriptures of
strangers are accepted by me in so far as they accord and agree
with my ordinances and run not counter to them; for they have
been for the most part perverted. Three there are opposed to me,
and three names do I hate. To such as keep my secrets shall my
promises be fulfilled. All those who have under-gone tribulations
for my sake, will I recompense without fail in one of the worlds. I
desire all my followers to be united in one fold on account of
those who are antagonists and strangers to them. 0 ye who
observe my injunctions, reject such sayings and teachings as are
not from me. Mention not my name or my attributes, as strangers
do, lest ye be guilty of sin, for ye have no knowledge thereof.
Fifth Section
Honour my symbol and image, for it will remind you of what ye
have neglected of my laws and ordinances. Be obedient to my
servants and act with sincerity towards them, [in gratitude] for
what they communicate to you of that knowledge of the unseen
which they receive from me.
4
A CHALDEAEN ECCLESIASTICS TRANSLATION
FROM
NOTES ON THE YEZIDIS
BY W.B. HEARD
1911
THE JELWET
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
CHAPTER I
I was, I am present now and shall remain until the end. I rule over
all creatures. I ordain the works and affairs of all men existing
under my powerful hand.
When and where it is needful, I am ready to help all that ask,
search and call for me. I am present everywhere; there is no place
where I cannot be found.
All evil that exists or happens to mankind, I am therein, and it
happens with my knowledge; and because evil happens against
the will of men, so they call it evil.
Every period has its special order, and that through my
knowledge. Each period has its ruler (hukindar), and at the end of
each period a new one succeeds him.
I allow all creatures to make or burn (destroy?) according to their
habit and taste.
Any man who works against me will repent and be ashamed.
Other Gods cannot interfere with my work, and what I wish to do,
they cannot prevent it.
All books which are in the hands of those outside my religion,
though written by prophets and apostles, are crooked and pervert
the truth.
The latest book (Jelwet) cancels all others. You may understand
what is true or false by trying it.
I fulfill my promise to him who trusts us.
I am free to fulfill or not my promise according to the information
5
given to me by those whom I have ordained to rule the periods
and guide my people.
The needful orders and work at the time I mention and fulfill.
I teach my law to those who obey me, and they will have peace
and success as long as they keep peace with me.
CHAPTER II
I punish the race of Adam, and reward whom I will.
I reign over the earth, and over the height and depth.
I allow no man to work against me.
I do not forbid good to those who obey and believe me.
I reveal myself in different ways to those who follow and hear
me.
I give and I take. I make rich and poor.
I make fortunate and unfortunate.
I give prosperity and misfortune.
Those who are under my power cannot interfere with my work or
forbid me; though they are against me I give them sickness and
trouble.
I allow no man to live longer than I have ordained, and when I
will, the second and third time I raise him alive again.
CHAPTER III
I lead the people without books, and bring them to the right way.
My laws are not heavy to bear, they are suited to the time and
circumstances. And whoso worketh against my judgment, I
punish him.
The children of Adam do err because they cannot comprehend the
future.
All the beasts of the desert and the birds of the air and the fishes
of the sea, all are under my hand and power.
6
All the mines of the heart of the earth are evident to me, and I
transfer from one to the other.
My power and miracles I show to those who ask me, and all who
work against me shall be troubled because they do not know that
riches and poverty are in my hand, and I give to the children of
Adam who deserve.
Since the beginning, the succession of men, periods and nations,
and the change of rulers I have ordained.
CHAPTER IV
My rights I give to no other God.
I have created four elements of the earth to fulfill the needs of
men, which are water, earth, wind and fire.
And I have created the four seasons of the year and the four
foundations of the earth.
I accept the sacred books of other nations, so long as they agree
with my laws.
Three things are against me, and three names I hate.
He who fulfills my mysteries shall enjoy my promises.
I will reward him who suffers for me.
I desire that all my subjects be united, and that they should
oppose other nations.
Oh! ye my people who hear my voice, deny everything and every
word which does not come forth from me.
Ye must not utter my name, nor speak of my shape, for if ye do it
is a sin. Ye must not be careless like other nations for this.
CHAPTER V
Respect my image and myself, for when ye leave the path of my
truth, they will lead ye aright.
Obey my servants. Hear and perfect the knowledge and mysteries
they make known to you from them.
7
ISYA JOSEPHS TRANSLATION
FROM
DEVIL WORSHIP
BY THE TRANSLATOR
1919
AL-JILWAH
THE REVELATION
Before all creation this revelation was with Melek Ta'us, who sent
Abd Ta'us to this world that he might separate truth known to his
particular people. This was done, first of all, by means of oral
tradition, and afterward by means of this book, Al-Jilwah, which
the outsiders may neither read nor behold.
CHAPTER I
I was, am now, and shall have no end. I exercise dominion over
all creatures and over the affairs of all who are under the
protection of my image. I am ever present to help all who trust in
me and call upon me in time of need. There is no place in the
universe that knows not my presence. I participate in all the
affairs which those who are without call evil because their nature
is not such as they approve. Every age has its own manager, who
directs affairs according to my decrees. This office is changeable
from generation to generation, that the ruler of this world and his
chiefs may discharge the duties of their respective offices every
one in his own turn. I allow everyone to follow the dictates of his
own nature, but he that opposes me will regret it sorely. No god
has a right to interfere in my affairs, and I have made it an
imperative rule that everyone shall refrain from worshiping all
gods. All the books of those who are without are altered by them;
and they have declined from them, although they were written by
the prophets and the apostles. That there are interpolations is seen
in the fact that each sect endeavors to prove that the others are
wrong and to destroy their books. To me truth and falsehood are
known. When temptation comes, I give my covenant to him that
trusts in me. Moreover, I give counsel to the skilled directors, for
I have appointed them for periods that are known to me. I
8
remember necessary affairs and execute them in due time. I teach
and guide those who follow my instruction. If anyone obey me
and conform to my commandments, he shall have joy, delight,
and goodness.
CHAPTER II
I requite the descendents of Adam, and reward them with various
rewards that I alone know. Moreover, power and dominion over
all that is on earth, both that which is above and that which is
beneath, are in my hand. I do not allow friendly association with
other people, nor do I deprive them that are my own and that obey
me of anything that is good for them. I place my affairs in the
hands of those whom I have tried and who are in accord with my
desires. I appear in divers manners to those who are faithful and
under my command. I give and take away; I enrich and
impoverish; I cause both happiness and misery. I do all this in
keeping with the characteristics of each epoch. And none has a
right to interfere with my management of affairs. Those who
oppose me I afflict with disease; but my own shall not die like the
sons of Adam that are without. None shall live in this world
longer than the time set by me; and if I so desire, I send a person a
second or a third time into this world or into some other by the
transmigration of souls.
CHAPTER III
I lead to the straight path without a revealed book; I direct aright
my beloved and my chosen ones by unseen means. All my
teachings are easily applicable to all times and all conditions. I
punish in another world all who do contrary to my will. Now the
sons of Adam do not know the state of things that is to come. For
this reason they fall into many errors. The beasts of the earth, the
birds of heaven, and the fish of the sea are all under the control of
my hands. All treasures and hidden things are known to me; and
as I desire, I take them from one and bestow them upon another. I
reveal my wonders to those who seek them, and, in due time my
miracles to those who receive them from me. But those who are
without are my adversaries, hence they oppose me. Nor do they
9
know that such a course is against their own interests, for might,
wealth, and riches are in my hand, and I bestow them upon every
worthy descendant of Adam. Thus the government of the worlds,
the transition of generations, and the changes of their directors are
determined by me from the beginning.
CHAPTER IV
I will not give my rights to other gods. I have allowed the creation
of four substances, four times, and four corners; because they are
necessary things for creatures. The books of Jews, Christians, and
Moslems, as of those who are without, accept in a sense, i.e., so
far as they agree with, and conform to, my statutes. Whatsoever is
contrary to these they have altered; do not accept it. Three things
are against me, and I hate three things. But those who keep my
secrets shall receive the fulfillment of my promises. Those who
suffer for my sake I will surely reward in one of the worlds. It is
my desire that all my followers shall unite in a bond of unity, lest
those who are without prevail against them. Now, then, all ye who
have followed my commandments and my teachings, reject all the
teachings and sayings of such as are without. I have not taught
these teachings, nor do they proceed from me. Do not mention my
name nor my attributes, lest ye regret it; for ye do not know what
those who are without may do.
CHAPTER V
O ye that have believed in me, honor my symbol and my image,
for they remind you of me. Observe my laws and statutes. Obey
my servants and listen to whatever they may dictate to you of the
hidden things. Receive that that is dictated, and do not carry it
before those who are without, Jews, Christians, Moslems, and
others; for they know not the nature of my teaching. Do not give
them your books, lest they alter them without your knowledge.
Learn by heart the greater part of them, lest they be altered.
10
GIUSEPPE FURLANIS TRANSLATION
TRANSLATED FROM HIS ITALIAN INTO ENGLISH BY
JAMSHEDJI MANECKJI UNVALA
FROM
THE RELIGION OF THE YEZIDIS
BY THE TRANSLATORS
1930 (Italian)
1940 (English)
AL-GILWAH
THE REVELATION
PREFACE
1. He who existed before all creatures is the Peacock Angel.
2. It was he who sent 'Abta'us in this world in order that he might
separate and instruct his people, and that he might save them from
errors and from imaginations.
3. And this happened first by means of the transmission of the
verbal discourse, and then through the medium of this book called
Gilwah. This is the book which those who stand outside the
nation must not read.
CHAPTER I
1. I was and I am now existing and I shall remain up to the end
with my sway over the creatures and with my directions of the
enterprises and affairs of all those who stand under my sway.
2. I am present immediately for those who confide in me and
invoke me in the time of need.
3. No place whatsoever is empty of me. I participate in all events
which those who stand outside (the pale of the community), call
evil, because they are not made according to their desires.
4. Every time has a director, and this is by my counsel. The chief
of the world is changed in every century, so that every one of the
chiefs executes his own duty during his own period and in his
office.
11
5. I give the permission (to act) according to what is just to the
created nature with its natural qualities.
6. He who revolts against me will repent and will grieve.
7. Other gods cannot mix themselves in my activity and keep me
away from that which I intend to do, whatever it might be.
8. The books which are in the hands of those who stand outside
(the pale of the community) are not true. Those who have been
sent by us have not written them; but they have made errors, they
have revolted, and they have altered them. Every one of these
(books) makes the other useless and annuls it.
9. The truth and the falsehood are known and they become
manifest, when they fall under examination and investigation.
10. My threat is for those who speak of my covenant. I thwart,
according to my judgment, the skilled directors to whom I have
confided determined periods. I permit certain things and I prohibit
necessary works at their time.
11. I guide rightly and instruct those who follow my doctrine:
they will find pleasure and joy in harmony with me.
CHAPTER II
1. I reward and chastise this Adam in the ways I know.
2. The supremacy over all that is in this world, above it and under
it is in my hand.
3. I do not permit that the worlds should fight one against the
other.
4. I do not hinder their good, expressly to those who are specially
mine and who obey me.
5. I entrust my work in the hands of those whom I have chosen
and who are according to my desire.
6. I reveal myself in some way to those who are faithful to me and
who are submissive to my counsel.
7. I take away and give, I make rich and poor, happy and unhappy
according to the circumstances and the times.
12
8. There is nobody who has the right to mix himself (in my
operations) or to hamper that which I have ordained.
9. I bring pains and maladies to those who oppose me.
10. He who is agreeing with me does not die like other sons of
Adam.
11. I do not grant anybody to inhabit this world below (for a) time
longer than that which has been determined for him by me.
12. If I wish, I send him repeatedly, for the second and the third
time, in this world or in another different from this by means of
the transmigration of souls.
CHAPTER III
1. I guide rightly without a book. I direct secretly my friends and
my chosen ones. My doctrine is without trouble.
2. I chastise those who act in a way contrary to my laws in other
worlds, corresponding to the condition of things and to the times.
3. The sons of this Adam do not know the conditions destined for
them and therefore they fall many times into error.
4. The animals on the firm land, the birds in heaven, and the fish
of the sea are all in my hand and under my authority.
5. The deposits and the treasures, buried in the heart of the earth
are known to me, and I cause them to be shifted from one
(person) to the other.
6. I reveal my miracles and my marvels to those who accept them
and ask me for them in their time.
7. The opposition and the adversity of those who are strangers to
me and to my followers is a damage for them, because they do not
know the power and the riches which are in my hand, and (they
do not know) that I choose from the lineage of Adam him who is
worthy of them.
8. The directions of the worlds, the revolutions of the centuries
and the change of every one of their directors are ordered by me
from remote times..
13
CHAPTER IV
1. I do not give my rights to another God who is different from
me.
2. I have given four elements, four times, and four bases for the
requirements of men.
3. The books of strangers are acceptable in a certain way, in that
which conforms to and agrees with my precepts, but that which is
contrary to them, they have changed.
4. Three things are against me and I hate three names.
5. Those who preserve my mysteries will obtain that which has
been promised by me.
6. All those who bear the blows of destiny for me, I shall reward
surely in one of the worlds.
7. I desire that my sons unite themselves in a body and thus also
all my followers in consequence of the opposition of the strangers
to them.
8. 0 you, who have followed my commandments, repudiate the
discourses and all doctrines which do not come from me. Do not
mention my name and my qualities, so that you do not sin, as you
do not know what the strangers will do.
CHAPTER V
1. Honour my person and my image, because they remind you of
me that which you have forgotten for years.
2. Obey all my laws and listen to my servants for what they will
teach you of the science of the secret which comes from me. The
book of the revelation is completed.
14
ANIS FRAYHAS TRANSLATION
FROM
NEW YEZIDI TEXTS FROM BELED SINJAR, IRAQ
BY THE TRANSLATOR
1946
AL-JALWAH
CHAPTER I
I existed before, I exist now, and shall remain to the end of time.
And this is to rule over all creation, and to minister to the welfare
of them who are mine. I am present to them who trust in Me, who
in time of need call upon Me. No place is void of me. All
phenomena which the outsiders (or Kharijites?) reckon as evil I
take part in. They call it thus because these things do not fulfill
their designs. In every period of time there exists a director, but
after My own counsel. In every generation the chief of this world
is changed. Even among rulers each of them has his turn during
which he accomplishes his mission. I grant license in accordance
with the nature of the created (?). He who opposes Me shall
repent and be downcast. Other gods in no way hinder My work,
nor do they resist that which I decree. The books that are to be
found in the hands of outsiders, though they be written by
prophets and apostles, yet have deviated from the truth, sinned,
and misrepresented things. You find them, therefore, each trying
to refute the other. Truth and evil are known. Even their falling
into temptation. My faith I give to them who speak of (sic) my
covenant. I challenge their opinion, the clever directors whom I
appointed for certain times. I remember all things. I drive (people)
to do the necessary things in the right time. I guide and teach
those who follow My precepts. By obeying Me they shall find
pleasure and happiness.
CHAPTER II
I recompense and I punish mankind through My omniscience and
omnipotence. I rule over all that is above and all that is below the
earth. I tolerate no opposition from the other worlds. My
beneficence falls upon those who obey and revere Me, and who
15
are My own. I entrust My work to those whom I test and to those
who submit to My will. I reveal Myself in all forms to those who
put their trust in Me who follow My counsel. I take and I give. I
enrich and I impoverish. I make man happy and I render him
miserable; all these according to circumstances and times. No one
shall interfere with or oppose any of My plans. I bring pain and
disease to those who defy Me. He who is My own dies not like
the rest of mankind. I permit no one to live in this world beyond
the time limit set by Me. Also, if I desire, I can send him back into
this world, or send his spirit in the body of another, the second
and third time.
CHAPTER III
I guide without a book. I lead My beloved ones from behind the
unseen. My teaching is free without charge, in agreement with
conditions and times. Those who break My laws I punish in other
worlds. The sons of this Adam know not the things to come, so
they fall often into shortcomings. The beasts of the land, the birds
of the air, and the fish of the sea are all under My control.
Treasures and hidden wealth in the bosom of the earth I know,
and them I bequeath from one to the other. I reveal My miracles
and powers to those who accept them and ask for them from Me
at the proper time. The resistance of foreigners against Me and
against those who follow Me is a harmful thing for themselves.
They do this because they do not know. Grandeur and honor are
Mine to bestow; for them I select whomsoever I choose from
mankind. Government of the universe, changing of times, and
replacement of leaders, all these are decreed by Me from the
beginning of time.
CHAPTER IV
My prerogatives I give not to any other of the gods. I established
that there shall be four elements, four times, and four pillars
(foundations). And this is all for the need of every creature. What
accords with My own laws shall be accepted from the books of
foreigners (?), but that which is in contradiction to My word, it is
they who have altered it. Three forces work against Me, and three
16
names I hate. Those who keep My secrets shall receive what I
have promised. All those who suffer afflictions because of Me,
assuredly I shall reward later in some other world. All my
followers I wish to be united by one bond, especially when
foreigners oppose them. O you who have walked in My
commandments, reject all sayings and teachings which are not
sent by Me! Also mention not My name nor My attributes lest
you should sin.
CHAPTER V
Honor My person and My image, for they are to remind you of
that which you have neglected for years. My laws obey diligently.
Listen to what they teach you about the science of the hidden,
which is sent down from Me.
17
UNKNOWN TRANSLATOR*
FROM
THE CHURCH OF SATAN
BY MICHAEL AQUINO
1983
AL-JALWA
THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION
CHAPTER I
1. I was, am present now, and shall have no end. I exercise
dominion over all creatures and oversee the affairs of all who are
under my dominion.
2. I am ever present to aid those who trust me and call upon me in
time of need.
3. There is no place in the Universe that knows not my presence.
4. I have participated in all events which the profane call evil
because their natures are not of such as they approve.
5. Every age has its own master, who follows my counsel.
6. This office is changeable from generation to generation, that
the master of this world and his princes may discharge the duties
of their respective offices, each in his own fashion.
7. I allow everyone to follow the dictates of his own nature.
8. But he that opposes me will regret it sorely. No other god may
interfere in my affairs and hinder me from an important creation.
9. All the books of the profane have been corrupted by them,
causing their degeneration although those books were first written
* I wrote to Dr. Aquino, asking him about the source of his translation included in
The Church of Satan, which he had left uncredited. This was his reply:
The Yezidi texts came from documents I obtained from the UC Berkeley & UCLA
Libraries, which were quite extensive and of academic currency and substance. Im
not sure why I didnt footnote these when adding those texts to my book; I suppose I
just wanted to get the accurate texts in there as Appendices..
I have since then been trying to locate the source material in the databases of the
libraries he pointed me towards, but I have so far had no success. - Frederick.
18
by prophets and apostles. Each sect endeavors to prove the others
wrong, and to destroy their books.
10. Truth and falsehood are revealed to me by the test of
temptation.
11. I seal my covenant with him who trusts in me. I give counsel
to the masters of wisdom, for I have appointed them for periods
that are known to me.
12. I am mindful of moments of crisis, and influence them
accordingly.
13. I teach and guide those who follow me. He who obeys me and
conforms to my commandments shall know joy, delight, and
goodness.
CHAPTER II
1. I requite the descendants of Adam and reward them with
various rewards known only to me.
2. In my hands are the power and dominion over all that is on
Earth, both that above and that beneath.
3. I do not treat with the profane.
4. I do not hinder the good of those whom I have tried and found
to be in accordance with my will.
5. I appear in various shapes and images to those who are faithful
to me.
6. I bestow and withdraw; I enrich and impoverish. I create both
happiness and misery throughout space and time.
7. None may interfere with my works of creation.
8. I blight those who defy me.
9. My own people shall not die like the profane.
10. None shall live in this world longer than the time set by me;
and if I so desire, I shall send his soul again into this or some
other world.
19
CHAPTER III
1. I reveal the path whose truth is beyond this revealed book; by
unseen means I guide aright my beloved chosen ones.
2. My teachings endure throughout all time and space. I punish in
another time those who defy my will.
3. The sons of Adam know nothing of their future. Thus they fall
into many errors.
4. The beasts of the earth, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the
sea all live by the touch of my hands.
5. All treasures and hidden things are known to me; if I desire, I
take them from one and bestow them upon another.
6. I reveal my wonders to those who seek them, and in due time
my miracles to those who receive them from me.
7. Those who deny and oppose me are in ignorance of their own
interests, for power and prosperity are in my hands, and I bestow
them upon every worthy descendent of Adam.
8. The governance of nations and the succession of generations
and their leaders continue throughout time.
CHAPTER IV
1. I acknowledge no other gods.
2. I have created four states of substance, four dimensions, and
four angles because they are necessary for the existence of life.
3. Tolerate the books of Jews and Christians insofar as they agree
with and conform to my revelations. Whatsoever is contrary to
these they have corrupted; do not accept it.
4. Three things are against me, and I hate these three things.
5. Those who keep my secrets shall receive the fulfillment of my
promises.
6. Those who suffer for my sake I will surely reward in one of the
many states of life.
7. It is my desire that all my followers shall unite in a bond of
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unity, lest the profane prevail against them.
8. All who follow my commandments and my teachings, reject
the teachings and sayings of the profane, which I neither taught,
nor did they proceed from me.
9. Keep secret my name and nature, lest you regret; for you know
not what the profane may do.
CHAPTER V
1. O you that have believed in me, honor my symbol and my
image, for they shall remind you of me.
2. Observe my laws and my revelations.
3. Obey; listen to my disciples in whatever they may
communicate to you. Do not reveal it to the profane, such as
Jews, Christians, and Muslims; for they know nothing of the
nature of my teachings. Do not give them your books, lest they
alter them without your knowledge.
4. Learn well their essence, that it may not be denied you through
its corruption.
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GARNIK ASATRIAN & VICTORIA ARAKELOVAS
TRANSLATION
FROM
MALAK-TAWUS: THE PEACOCK ANGEL OF THE YEZIDIS
BY THE TRANSLATORS
2003
KITEBA JALWA
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
INTRODUCTION
0. The one who had existed before all creatures, Malak-
Tawus.
1. It is he who has sent Abtavus to this world (lit. "slave of
Tawus", that is, "slave of Malak-Tawus"), so that [he may]
identify his chosen people (that is, the Yezidis), endow
[them] with knowledge and relieve [them] from fear and
delusion.
2. The emergence of this matter (that is, the Scripture) [has
been done] by word of mouth, face to face, and then through
this Book called Jalwa (that is, "Revelation")
PART I
1. I have been and I am now, and I shall be forever. I rule
over all creatures and arrange their matters.
2. I am ready. I am kind to those who believe in me and
address me in need.
3. I am omnipresent. I participate in all events considered
evil by the infidels for the reason that they do not match their
wishes.
4. Each Time has its arranger, which is done by my advice.
Each Time sends a certain ruler, and each of those rulers
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does his work at his time.
5. The creatures created are allowed by me to do [what
they want].
6. Those who counter me are defeated.
7. Other deities do not interfere with my cause: whatever I
wish, they never go against me.
8. The books held in the hands of infidels (that is, the
Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an), are untrue, have not been
written by the prophets, they are distorted and deformed.
They all reiterate and negate one another.
9. The truth and error are defined by experience.
10. I rage against those who speak in my name. My discord
is shown by the wise arrangers dispatched by me for a few
days. Generally, I forbid [all that I hold to be wrong].
11. I show the way and instruct those following my disciples
(in text: "those whom I taught"). Those people shall be happy
when they become my companions.
PART II
1. I award kindness to people as I hold to be true.
2. I rule all creatures above and underneath the earth.
3. I do not wish that people clash with one another.
4. In any case I do not begrudge good to those who belong
to me and who obey me.
5. I engage in activities those whom I have tested and who
move at my wish.
6. I appear in some image to those people who have faith in
me and who consult me.
7. Time and again I test people with trials (sufferings), [and]
no one can forbid me to do so.
8. And no one can interfere.
9. The sufferings and afflictions that I bring are for those
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who resist me.
10. The one who walks in my steps (lit. "is headed towards
me") will not die like other people.
11. I will have none to live in this world beyond the time
that has been set for him.
12. If I will, by rebirth, I will send someone to this or
some other world once or twice.
PART III
1. With no book do I show the way to those who please
me. I rule them invisibly; what I teach you [is achieved]
easily.
2. Time and again I inflict injury upon those who are in an-
other world (that is, perhaps those, who do not observe the
laws of Yezidism) and shun my religion.
3. Those sons of Adam ignore the course [of laws] of [the
true] religion and, therefore, often stray off course.
4. The beast of the land, the dove of the skies and the fish of
the sea are in my hands all and under my eye.
5. I know of the subterranean treasures and I gradually cede
them to people.
6. I show my miracles to those only who want [to see] them.
7. Those aliens who commit evil following not my words
and those of my followers in their actions will see harm, for
they ignore the fact that both greatness and wealth are in my
hands, and I give them to the best of the sons of Adam.
8. The creation of the world, succession of days and arranger
of all arrangers at the very beginning are from me.
PART IV
1. I will never cede my right to any one of the gods (divinities).
2. The four elements, the four seasons and the four bases
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were presented by me so that creation would take place.
3. The books of infidels can be accepted if [they] match my
law. The [book] that does not match my law has been
distorted by them.
4. My enemies count three in number, and my wrath is on
three things.
5. Those who do not divulge my secret will prosper.
6. Those who suffer for me will receive kindness from me
in some world.
7. When fighting against aliens I will stand at the side of those
who join me.
8. 0, people, who perceive my truth with your ears, keep
away from those things that come not from me! Never
mention my name or my features, lest you should commit a
sin. You ignore what those people do who have lost their way.
PART V
1. Keep my essence and my image in your thoughts, for [it]
will help you remember the part of my knowledge that you
have forgotten.
2. Be guided by the speeches uttered by my servants, hear
the divine science that [they] communicate to you in my
name.
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