Himaya (Teleon)
 Himaya | |
|---|---|
| حماية | |
| Classification | Imirianic |
| Scripture | Awamir, Arkan Al-Alam, Arkan Al-Ummah, Arkan Al-Dhāt |
| Theology | Monotheism Mitigated dualism |
| Region | Abaria Hylasia |
| Language | Abbasian |
| Founder | Al-Hakam |
Himaya (Abbasian: طهر) is an Imirianic religion which is either categorized as either monotheistic or a form of mitigated dualism. Derived from the teachings of Alhacam (Abbasian: الحكم), a prophet which Hamins believe to be the sole author of the Awamir. Alhacam preached that all moral and ethical positive derive from an absent God, traditionally called Ilāh Illiyyīn, the ultimate creator of existence but not its material elements. Rather the materials of reality were created by Al-Khāṭiʾa, a lesser female creator deity, whose nature is unknown and debated among religious scholars.
Practitioners of Himaya are called Hamins, who emphasizes the pursuit of purity and virtuous living in accordance with the four Hakamic scriptures, the Awamir, Arkan Al-Alam, Arkan Al-Ummah, Arkan Al-Dhāt. Haimins proclaim their beliefs through a public affirmation, known as the Al'Iielan.
Etymology
The term Himaya (حماية) originates from the Abbasian word ḥimāya, which translates to "protection" or "safeguarding". In the context of the Himaya religion, the term has been reinterpreted to embody the concept of "purity" and the protection of the soul from the corruptions of the material world and resisting the temptations associated with Al-Khāṭiʾa, the False One who is linked to material existence and sin. Adherents, known as Hamins (حامين), meaning "the purified ones'".
History
Himaya originate from the Southeast Abaria prophet Alhacam, who preached purity, virtue and detachment to the material according to the Awamir. As Alhacam's message spread, a community of followers known as Hamins formed around him. Himaya expanded its influence across various regions, integrating into different cultures and societies. Emirates were established as centers of spiritual and temporal authority, one of the largest and influential being the Shiraqic Qal'aldesh. Differences in interpretation of the scriptures, legal practices, and the role of traditional institutions like the Emirates gave rise to groups such as the Taqlidi, Mithali, and Mutatariff sects. Throughout history, Himaya has clashed with neighboring faiths including the Watani religions and Adorationists.
In the modern era, most of its adherents are found in Abaria, especially Southeast Abaria, and northern Hylasia.
Theology
God
God in Himaya is traditionally called Ilāh Illiyyīn (إِلٰه عِلِّيُّون), meaning "God Most High" in Abbasian, is the supreme deity in the Himaya religion. Often shortened to Illiyyin, is regarded as the embodiment of absolute goodness and the concept of dynamic order but who is also absent from the matters of the material world. According to the prophet Alhacam, Illiyyīn created reality and everything within it, except for the material realm. is associated with unparalleled virtue, purity, and benevolence. His absence from the material world is not viewed as neglect or malice.
Al-Khāṭiʾa
Al-Khāṭiʾa (خَاطِئَة), also known as the False One, Iblis, or Shaytan, is the lesser female deity responsible for the creation of the imperfect material world. According Alhacam, the act of Al-Khāṭiʾa creating the material realm was predicated on her desire to do good. All other deities are believed to be aspects of Al-Khatia, or spirits sent to mislead mankind into worshipping them. Al-Khāṭiʾa's exact characteristics remain a topic of theological inquiry, though many consider these details unknowable and less relevant to daily practice.
Beliefs
Iconography
Himaya strictly prohibits the creation and veneration of idols and icons. Hakamic provisions mandate the destruction of such objects, and according to scriptures the worship of physical representations can lead to idolatry and distract from the worship of Ilāh Illiyyīn. While religious art is discouraged, art itself is permissible if it does not serve a purely religious function. Portraits of Alhacam and other revered figures are discouraged but not explicitly forbidden.
Dietary laws
Himaya does not impose specific dietary restrictions on its followers. This stems from the belief that all material things are equally impure due to the influence of Al-Khāṭiʾa, the False One associated with the material realm. However, adherents are encouraged to abide by societal and customary norms, which include prohibitions against cannibalism, consuming carrion, and violating the laws of their homeland. This approach underscores the importance of social harmony and legal compliance.
Conversion
Conversion to Himaya involves a two-stage process. First, an individual first embraces the tenets of Himaya internally, recognizing Ilāh Illiyyīn as the supreme deity and accepting the teachings of Alhacam. Secondly, the individual publicly becomes part of the Hamin community by reciting the Al'Iielan, literally 'the proclamation', a declaration of faith, in the presence of witnesses and committing to live according to the laws of Himaya.
Religious laws
Doctrines of the faith are to be observed throughout an individuals daily life. The religion's extensive legal codes outline expectations for behavior, placing importance of living in a manner that reflects the purity and virtue opposed to the corruption of the material. While some laws are binding and enforceable, others serve as moral guidelines, allowing for personal judgment within the framework of religious teachings.
Religious scriptures
Hakamic scriptures
- Awamir (أوامر) Commands - The first and primary scripture of Himaya. It is the shortest of the authoritative scriptures of the faith. Divided into nine section, each verse is a separate and self-contained command from Alhacam. The Awamir believed to have been personally written by the prophet.
- Arkan Al-Alam (أركان العالم) Pillars of the World - Establishes the religious Hakamic legal system, and is the longest text affirmed by Hamins. In great detail, it provides the basis for laws, judgements and sentencing.
- Arkan Al-Ummah (أركان الأمة) Pillars of the Community - The third most important Hakamic scriptures sets out how society should be organized, and establishes the social norms in which men and women should conduct themselves, defining pious and impious professions, and how interactions between the faithful and non-faithful should be conducted. Other topics that overlap with the Al-Alam are touched upon in the Al-Ummah, including inheritance, marriage, divorce and property.
- Arkan Al-Dhāt (أركان الذات) Pillars of the Self - The fourth Hakamic scripture sets out how one should conducts and individual's life, how to maintain a virtuous and pious lifestyle in a material world created from a corrupt origin.
Non-Hakamic scriptures
- Tasarrafna (تَصَرَّفْنَا) Actions - Collection of sayings, descriptions, and anecdotes associated with Alhacam and his closest companions. The work does not exist in a single, authoritative edition; instead, multiple versions circulate, leading to ongoing debates over authenticity. The edition by Sahl al-Wali forms the foundation for most contemporary compilations.
- Alaa Al-Hakam (على الحكم) On Alhacam - Biographical work traditionally attributed to Maisara, though scholars believe it was largely written by his scribes, Jasoor and Abu Saqr, based on Maisara’s notes and dictation. This biography documents Alhacam’s life following his establishment of Himaya, omitting details of his earlier years.
- Sajal Al-Qanun (سجل القانون) Record of the Law - Compilation of legal judgments and sentences intended to establish legal precedents and provide educational reference. While Sajal Al-Qanun is not a single volume, the term often refers to the original collection that documents cases presided over by Alhacam, Maisara, and Zuhayr. The Al-Qanun was compiled during Zuhayr’s reign and remains influential in modern legal studies.
Denominations and sects
Taqlidi
Taqlidi sects, meaning traditionalist sects, uphold the primacy and precedents set by the traditional emirs. Taqlidi sects maintain broad agreement on foundational doctrines but differ on specific legal interpretations, approaches to interfaith relations, and the primacy of Alhacam’s directives. Minor variations in these areas lead to distinctions among the Taqlidi sects, yet they remain united in their adherence to established traditionalist principles. The two main traditionalist sects include Thalahi and Zafiri.
Thalahi
The Thalahi sect is considered one of the principal sects within Himaya, often viewed as the closest entity to a main sect in the tradition. Adherents of the Thalahi sect regard themselves as the most orthodox among practitioners, emphasizing a strict adherence to established doctrines and practices. While they recognize the historical precedence of the traditional emirs, the Thalahis advocate that the emirate possessing the only unbroken chain of succession should assume the collective powers and duties of all emirates. This belief is based on the notion that an uninterrupted lineage grants greater legitimacy, thereby justifying centralized authority under that particular emirate.
Mithali
The Mithali sects, the idealist sects, represent a progressive movement within Himaya that advocates for the modernization of traditional institutions. Adherents of the Mithali perspective contend that the Emirates a historical system of governance and spiritual leadership are outdated and no longer necessary. They argue that the original purpose of the Emirates, particularly in the context of past conflicts with Watani, has diminished over time.
While the Mithali sects embrace more heterodox legal interpretations compared to their traditionalist counterparts, they remain closely aligned with the core principles of the Taqlidi orthodoxy. Their legal views often emphasize adaptability and contemporary relevance, seeking to reinterpret traditional laws to fit modern societal contexts.
Mutatariff
The Mutatariff sects, or the radical sects, represent a collection of diverse and unconventional groups within Himaya. Despite their varied beliefs and practices, these sects share the common characteristic of being considered extremist by mainstream Himaya traditions. Historically, the Mutatariff sects have faced significant opposition and were rarely granted tolerance by the dominant religious authorities.
See also
| Geography |
|  | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science and technology |
| |||||||||||||||||
| Economics |
| |||||||||||||||||
| Politics | ||||||||||||||||||
| Society |
| |||||||||||||||||
