Yazidism

Yazidism, or Yezidism also known as Sharfadin, is a monotheistic ethnic religion. It developed through a complex historical process involving a pre-Islamic Kurdish religious substratum and the teachings of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir. Scholars generally regard it as an independent religious tradition with deep roots in ancient Iranian beliefs, shaped by later Sufi influences. Its followers, called Yazidis, or Yezidis, are a Kurdish-speaking community.

Yazidism is based on belief in one God who created the world and entrusted its guardianship to seven self-emanated angels. Preeminent among these angels is Tawûsî Melek (lit. 'Peacock Angel'; also spelled Melek Taûs), who is the leader of the angels and has the greatest authority over the world.