Azadi - Revision history

Aleph: typo

2025-11-19T22:15:39Z

typo

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	=Organization=		=Organization=

	Azadi is faith in which it is felt that all believers are able to personally draw close to the God, understand Its word, and strive to live in harmony with the Song without need of special mediation. As a result there is no true priestly class responsible for carrying out complicated religious rituals or serving as intermediaries between the God and Its people. Most formal religious roles are based more on scholarship or leadership than any idea of a special relationship with the divine.		Azadi is a faith in which it is felt that all believers are able to personally draw close to the God, understand Its word, and strive to live in harmony with the Song without need of special mediation. As a result there is no true priestly class responsible for carrying out complicated religious rituals or serving as intermediaries between the God and Its people. Most formal religious roles are based more on scholarship or leadership than any idea of a special relationship with the divine.

	===Prayer Leaders & Scholars===		===Prayer Leaders & Scholars===

Aleph: /* Fundamentals: The Six-Pointed Star */

2024-04-13T13:41:14Z

Fundamentals: The Six-Pointed Star

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	# '''Seeking the Song:''' As Azadi go through life, they must always strive to Seek the Song of God both outwardly and inwardly. Outwardly, they are encouraged to seek it through knowledge of other people and places, and imparting what they have learned to others in the community. Inwardly, they should strive through prayer and Tending the Garden for a better understanding of the Song as manifested through their own lives and experiences.		# '''Seeking the Song:''' As Azadi go through life, they must always strive to Seek the Song of God both outwardly and inwardly. Outwardly, they are encouraged to seek it through knowledge of other people and places, and imparting what they have learned to others in the community. Inwardly, they should strive through prayer and Tending the Garden for a better understanding of the Song as manifested through their own lives and experiences.
	# '''Charity & Redemption:''' Almsgiving is mandated by the faith, with a strong emphasis on providing both material support and compassion for the poor, the weak, the sick, and all those who find themselves isolated and alone. The regular visitation of prisoners is strongly encouraged, as well as other people physically or socially isolated by their current circumstances such as widows and those confined to their homes through illness. The offer of redemption for those imprisoned or in bondage is equally important, with freeing of prisoners and slaves occurring on certain holy days.		# '''Charity & Redemption:''' Almsgiving is mandated by the faith, with a strong emphasis on providing both material support and compassion for the poor, the weak, the sick, and all those who find themselves isolated and alone. The regular visitation of prisoners is strongly encouraged, as well as other people physically or socially isolated by their current circumstances such as widows and those confined to their homes through illness. The offer of redemption for those imprisoned or in bondage is equally important, with freeing of prisoners and slaves occurring on certain holy days.
	# '''Solitary Retreat:''' During the ~~fortnight~~ of Solitary, all Azadi faithful should isolate themselves from others from dawn to dusk, and may speak only by sign or gesture during these hours. The only sustenance allowed during this time is water and a plain, crusty kind of flatbread called gaolbread. Solitary retreat is balanced out by the commitment of charity to the community and the reaffirmation that those in bondage still belong to the Sirdab.		# '''Solitary Retreat:''' During the week and a half of [[Solitary]], all Azadi faithful should isolate themselves from others from dawn to dusk, and may speak only by sign or gesture during these hours. The only sustenance allowed during this time is water and a plain, crusty kind of flatbread called gaolbread. Solitary retreat is balanced out by the commitment of charity to the community and the reaffirmation that those in bondage still belong to the Sirdab.
	# '''Tending the Garden:''' At least once in their lifetime, each adult who is able should travel to the Sirdab to tend the garden there. This may take the form of actually physically tending the Sirdab, through trimming, weeding, planting, and other tasks, or it may consist of a purely spiritual tending consisting of praying while walking the garden paths according to the proper formulae. Both the physical and spiritual tending involve prescribed prayers and recitations. "Tending the garden" is also used to refer to perfecting one's internal spiritual state and tending one's relation with the God.		# '''Tending the Garden:''' At least once in their lifetime, each adult who is able should travel to the Sirdab to tend the garden there. This may take the form of actually physically tending the Sirdab, through trimming, weeding, planting, and other tasks, or it may consist of a purely spiritual tending consisting of praying while walking the garden paths according to the proper formulae. Both the physical and spiritual tending involve prescribed prayers and recitations. "Tending the garden" is also used to refer to perfecting one's internal spiritual state and tending one's relation with the God.

Aleph: /* Solitary Retreat */

2024-04-13T13:40:45Z

Solitary Retreat

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	===Solitary Retreat===		===Solitary Retreat===
	Although considered essential to achieving a fuller understanding of the One God's wishes, retreat is not strictly governed outside the holy days of Solitary. It is expected that the believer will retreat from time to time as their own spiritual needs or those of their community demand. Some people may spend time every week in retreat, contemplating the God and Its Song or seeking self-knowledge through Tending the Garden, while others may retreat only occasionally when confronted with significant trials in their life or faith.		The most important time for solitary retreat is during the holy days of [[Solitary]], the chief religious observance of the Azadi faith. Although considered essential to achieving a fuller understanding of the One God's wishes, retreat is not strictly governed outside the holy days of Solitary. It is expected that the believer will retreat from time to time as their own spiritual needs or those of their community demand. Some people may spend time every week in retreat, contemplating the God and Its Song or seeking self-knowledge through Tending the Garden, while others may retreat only occasionally when confronted with significant trials in their life or faith.

	===Tending the Garden===		===Tending the Garden===

Aleph: /* Beginnings */

2024-03-22T22:58:16Z

Beginnings

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	The Azadi faith began with the Rahoumi prophet called al-Azad, the Redeemed. Al-Azad was born Fadil bin Ahmad of the [[Banu Shirayd]], a tribe of the southern deserts. His childhood and youth were originally recorded as unexceptional, as he was raised by a merchant family of middling means and was trained in the business of his mother. From an early age Fadil was remarked upon for his honesty, intelligence, and diligence, but also for his explosive temper. He was both curious and literate, reading when he had the opportunity, and conversing with many people with a wisdom beyond his years. Fadil was entrusted with overseeing his mother's business interests while still in his teens, and for twenty years traveled widely across Rahoum to trade and settle accounts in distant market towns.		The Azadi faith began with the Rahoumi prophet called al-Azad, the Redeemed. Al-Azad was born Fadil bin Ahmad of the [[Banu Shirayd]], a tribe of the southern deserts. His childhood and youth were originally recorded as unexceptional, as he was raised by a merchant family of middling means and was trained in the business of his mother. From an early age Fadil was remarked upon for his honesty, intelligence, and diligence, but also for his explosive temper. He was both curious and literate, reading when he had the opportunity, and conversing with many people with a wisdom beyond his years. Fadil was entrusted with overseeing his mother's business interests while still in his teens, and for twenty years traveled widely across Rahoum to trade and settle accounts in distant market towns.

	It was one of these commonplace business trips that took Fadil to [[Bargha]], the largest and oldest city of Rahoum and home to the [[Banu Ghourib]], one of the most powerful and influential families of the land. Angered by the insults and petty hassles inflicted on him by an arrogant youth in the street, Fadil lost his temper and gave the young man a sound thrashing. Very shortly afterwards he was arrested and thrown into the prison known as the Black Cloud for assaulting one of the scions of the Ghourib family, where he was further accused of being part of a known conspiracy against the elites of the city. Fadil was imprisoned for many months and subjected to great privation, but in his darkest hour he ~~heard~~ the ~~Song~~ of ~~Starfall sung to~~ him, the first of the Perfect Verses which he was to receive from the One True God.		It was one of these commonplace business trips that took Fadil to [[Bargha]], the largest and oldest city of Rahoum and home to the [[Banu Ghourib]], one of the most powerful and influential families of the land. Angered by the insults and petty hassles inflicted on him by an arrogant youth in the street, Fadil lost his temper and gave the young man a sound thrashing. Very shortly afterwards he was arrested and thrown into the prison known as the Black Cloud for assaulting one of the scions of the Ghourib family, where he was further accused of being part of a known conspiracy against the elites of the city. Fadil was imprisoned for many months and subjected to great privation, but in his darkest hour he found himself singing the Surah of Oneness as if something of impossible divinity and harmony were speaking through him. This was the first of the Perfect Verses which he was to receive from the One True God.

	Nearly a year passed before Fadil was brought out of his cell, at which point he fully expected to be taken to the infamous al-Barzum Square for execution. He felt at peace with the God and all Its creation, and no longer had any fear of dying or the future. But he was greatly ~~suprised~~ when he was led to al-Azad Square instead, where prisoners were pardoned and freed. There he was told that all charges against him had been expressly dismissed by the Banu Ghourib, and that he was now free to go.		Nearly a year passed before Fadil was brought out of his cell, at which point he fully expected to be taken to the infamous al-Barzum Square for execution. He felt at peace with the God and all Its creation, and no longer had any fear of dying or the future. But he was greatly surprised when he was led to al-Azad Square instead, where prisoners were pardoned and freed. There he was told that all charges against him had been expressly dismissed by the Banu Ghourib, and that he was now free to go.

	Rather than rejoicing, Fadil was suddenly filled with a sense of ~~disoriention~~ and doubt, and entered into another dark period in which he questioned everything which he had experienced during his imprisonment. He was reunited with his mother and told her of his revelations, but although she listened with attention and was moved by his experiences she could offer him little advice. A period of wandering followed, now called the Seeking, in which Fadil wandered without purpose, questioning himself and all things and hoping to find the Song again.		Rather than rejoicing, Fadil was suddenly filled with a sense of disorientation and doubt, and entered into another dark period in which he questioned everything which he had experienced during his imprisonment. He was reunited with his mother and told her of his revelations, but although she listened with attention and was moved by his experiences she could offer him little advice. A period of wandering followed, now called the Seeking, in which Fadil wandered without purpose, questioning himself and all things and hoping to find the Song again.

	It was during this time that Fadil was able to contact a mysterious correspondent who had sent him several letters during his imprisonment (none of which had been delivered to him by his guards until his release). The wisdom of the writer, as well as her belief in Fadil's revelations, helped to renew his confidence in himself, and shortly after the beginning of their correspondence Fadil was sent another verse of the Song as he lay in a reverie upon a hillside above the spring of [[Murid Suruq]]. Inspired and energized by receiving this new verse, the Song of the Sunbeam, Fadil took the name of al-Azad, the Redeemed, and began finally to preach the perfected message of the God to all who would listen. And there were many who listened, drawn by the inspired Song and by its message of justice, equality, and compassion for those who suffered and were alone.		It was during this time that Fadil was able to contact a mysterious correspondent who had sent him several letters during his imprisonment (none of which had been delivered to him by his guards until his release). The wisdom of the writer, as well as her belief in Fadil's revelations, helped to renew his confidence in himself, and shortly after the beginning of their correspondence Fadil was sent another verse of the Song as he lay in a reverie upon a hillside above the spring of [[Murid Suruq]]. Inspired and energized by receiving this new verse, the Song of the Sunbeam, Fadil took the name of al-Azad, the Redeemed, and began finally to preach the perfected message of the God to all who would listen. And there were many who listened, drawn by the inspired Song and by its message of justice, equality, and compassion for those who suffered and were alone.

Aleph: /* Incantation of Prayer */

2024-01-28T18:34:50Z

Incantation of Prayer

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	\| Promise		\| Promise
	\| A		\| A
	\| This is the hour to give thanks for Annur's forgiveness of past errors, to make vows of personal betterment, and to ask Annur's help for future, whether in the hours or years ahead.		\| This is the hour to give thanks for Annur's forgiveness of past errors, to make vows of personal betterment, and to ask Annur's help for the future, whether in the hours or years ahead.
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Prayer of Full Song'''		\| '''Prayer of Full Song'''

Aleph at 16:33, 28 January 2024

2024-01-28T16:33:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:33, 28 January 2024
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	===Incantation of Prayer===		===Incantation of Prayer===
	Although a central part of the Azadi faith, prayer at its most fundamental is a relatively simple affair. The faithful are encouraged to pray three times a day, at daybreak, noon, and evening. Regardless of the hour, the same short verse is sung or chanted, this being the central prayer of Azadi:		Although a central part of the Azadi faith, prayer at its most fundamental is a relatively simple affair. The faithful are encouraged to pray three times a day, at daybreak, noon, and evening, each of these hours being sung out with a call to prayer. Regardless of the hour, the same short verse is sung or chanted, this being the central prayer of Azadi:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>

Aleph: /* Fundamentals: The Six-Pointed Star */

2024-01-28T16:23:55Z

Fundamentals: The Six-Pointed Star

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:23, 28 January 2024
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	# '''Affirming the Faith:''' Believing and affirming that the God is One and the Song is of God, and that Fadil al-Azad is the bringer of the Song's final verses.		# '''Affirming the Faith:''' Believing and affirming that the God is One and the Song is of God, and that Fadil al-Azad is the bringer of the Song's final verses.
	# '''Incantation of Prayer:''' Prayers should be chanted to the One God three times a day: the Prayer of ~~Awakening~~ at daybreak, the Prayer of Full Song at noon, and the Prayer of Dreaming at dusk.		# '''Incantation of Prayer:''' Prayers should be chanted to the One God three times a day: the Prayer of Promise at daybreak, the Prayer of Full Song at noon, and the Prayer of Dreaming at dusk.
	# '''Seeking the Song:''' As Azadi go through life, they must always strive to Seek the Song of God both outwardly and inwardly. Outwardly, they are encouraged to seek it through knowledge of other people and places, and imparting what they have learned to others in the community. Inwardly, they should strive through prayer and Tending the Garden for a better understanding of the Song as manifested through their own lives and experiences.		# '''Seeking the Song:''' As Azadi go through life, they must always strive to Seek the Song of God both outwardly and inwardly. Outwardly, they are encouraged to seek it through knowledge of other people and places, and imparting what they have learned to others in the community. Inwardly, they should strive through prayer and Tending the Garden for a better understanding of the Song as manifested through their own lives and experiences.
	# '''Charity & Redemption:''' Almsgiving is mandated by the faith, with a strong emphasis on providing both material support and compassion for the poor, the weak, the sick, and all those who find themselves isolated and alone. The regular visitation of prisoners is strongly encouraged, as well as other people physically or socially isolated by their current circumstances such as widows and those confined to their homes through illness. The offer of redemption for those imprisoned or in bondage is equally important, with freeing of prisoners and slaves occurring on certain holy days.		# '''Charity & Redemption:''' Almsgiving is mandated by the faith, with a strong emphasis on providing both material support and compassion for the poor, the weak, the sick, and all those who find themselves isolated and alone. The regular visitation of prisoners is strongly encouraged, as well as other people physically or socially isolated by their current circumstances such as widows and those confined to their homes through illness. The offer of redemption for those imprisoned or in bondage is equally important, with freeing of prisoners and slaves occurring on certain holy days.

Aleph at 16:21, 28 January 2024

2024-01-28T16:21:35Z

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 |-
 |'''Founder'''
-|al-Azad
+| Fadil al-Azad
 |-
 |'''Community'''
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 # '''Affirming the Faith:''' Believing and affirming that the God is One and the Song is of God, and that Fadil al-Azad is the bringer of the Song's final verses.
-# '''Incantation of Prayer:''' Prayers must be chanted to the One God three times a day: the Prayer of Awakening at daybreak, the Prayer of Full Song at noon, and the Prayer of Dreaming at dusk.
+# '''Incantation of Prayer:''' Prayers should be chanted to the One God three times a day: the Prayer of Awakening at daybreak, the Prayer of Full Song at noon, and the Prayer of Dreaming at dusk.
 # '''Seeking the Song:''' As Azadi go through life, they must always strive to Seek the Song of God both outwardly and inwardly. Outwardly, they are encouraged to seek it through knowledge of other people and places, and imparting what they have learned to others in the community. Inwardly, they should strive through prayer and Tending the Garden for a better understanding of the Song as manifested through their own lives and experiences.
 # '''Charity & Redemption:''' Almsgiving is mandated by the faith, with a strong emphasis on providing both material support and compassion for the poor, the weak, the sick, and all those who find themselves isolated and alone. The regular visitation of prisoners is strongly encouraged, as well as other people physically or socially isolated by their current circumstances such as widows and those confined to their homes through illness. The offer of redemption for those imprisoned or in bondage is equally important, with freeing of prisoners and slaves occurring on certain holy days.
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 The first three tenets are known as the '''Trivium of the Key''', and the second three as the '''Trivium of the Bolt'''. To faithfully follow all six tenets unlocks the door to spiritual freedom and redemption.
 ==Practices==
 ===Seeking the Song===
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 ===Prayer Leaders & Scholars===
-'''Imams''' are responsible for leading the weekly prayers at community mosques, and are also often respected leaders or elders in local communities.  Other clerical roles are based on interpreting both the Song of God and the Remembrances for use in daily life, including in various legal situations. These interpretations, though considered authoritative once agreed upon by a wide section of the community, are not accorded the reverence due the Song itself and may evolve over time; there are also multiple schools of such thought which wax and wane in influence. The construction of practical interpretations of the Song is the work of individuals of special training called '''mufti''', while '''qadi''' make judgments based upon the mufti's work. The formal name for this divinely inspired social law is al-ansijam (the Harmony).
+'''Imams''' are responsible for leading the weekly prayers at community mosques, and are also often respected leaders or elders in local communities.  Other clerical roles are based on interpreting both the Song of God and the Remembrances for use in daily life, including in various legal situations. These interpretations, though considered authoritative once agreed upon by a wide section of the community, are not accorded the reverence due the Song itself and may evolve over time; there are also multiple schools of such thought which wax and wane in influence. The construction of practical interpretations of the Song is the work of individuals of special training called '''mufti''', while '''qadi''' make judgments based upon the mufti's work. The formal name for this divinely inspired social law is al-ansijam (the Harmony), sharing its name with the resonant hum that begins the Azadi prayer.
 ===The Caliph===

Aleph at 04:25, 17 January 2024

2024-01-17T04:25:29Z

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	'''Azadi''' is a monotheistic faith that reveres the One True God, called ~~Annour~~ by the faithful, and considers the prophet al-Azad to be God's final messenger to humankind. It is chiefly worshiped in the lands of the [[Sirdabi Caliphate]], where it is the official religion, but adherents of the Azadi faith can also be found in places such as [[Jalanjhur]], [[Cadenza]], [[Yalanbari]], and even further abroad.		'''Azadi''' is a monotheistic faith that reveres the One True God, called Annur by the faithful, and considers the prophet al-Azad to be God's final messenger to humankind. It is chiefly worshiped in the lands of the [[Sirdabi Caliphate]], where it is the official religion, but adherents of the Azadi faith can also be found in places such as [[Jalanjhur]], [[Cadenza]], [[Yalanbari]], and even further abroad.

	{\| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 20px;"		{\| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 20px;"

Aleph at 04:25, 17 January 2024

2024-01-17T04:25:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:25, 17 January 2024
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	'''Azadi''' is a monotheistic faith that reveres the One True God and considers the prophet al-Azad to be God's final messenger to humankind. It is chiefly worshiped in the lands of the [[Sirdabi Caliphate]], where it is the official religion, but adherents of the Azadi faith can also be found in places such as [[Jalanjhur]], [[Cadenza]], [[Yalanbari]], and even further abroad.		'''Azadi''' is a monotheistic faith that reveres the One True God, called Annour by the faithful, and considers the prophet al-Azad to be God's final messenger to humankind. It is chiefly worshiped in the lands of the [[Sirdabi Caliphate]], where it is the official religion, but adherents of the Azadi faith can also be found in places such as [[Jalanjhur]], [[Cadenza]], [[Yalanbari]], and even further abroad.

	{\| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 20px;"		{\| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 20px;"