Solitary

The holiday of Solitary is celebrated throughout the Sirdabi Caliphate, taking place in the week and a half following the spring solstice. It is the chief religious observance of the Azadi faith, and commemorates the Prophet al-Azad's time locked away in solitude in the Black Cloud prison of Bargha in Rahoum. It was during this time that al-Azad received the Surah of Oneness, the first of the verses of the Perfected Song of God, as well as additional verses that came to him through the many dark days of his imprisonment.

Observing Solitary

Solitary begins at sunset on the solstice, the evening of Rashani 21st.

The first day of Solitary following the solstice (Rashani 22nd) is the Day of Reckoning, during which people will settle their affairs to prepare for the days ahead. Although in practicality this preparation is performed in anticipation of a withdrawal from worldly affairs lasting only a little over a week, it is treated in the solemn manner of someone preparing for their death. The second day (Rashani 23rd) is the Day of Farewell, when each person visits family and friends to ceremonially bid them farewell. At sunset on this day, Solitary proper begins, which lasts through the end of the month (Rashani 31st).

On each day of Solitary, at least half of the day must be spent in isolation and quiet meditation. In the earlier years of the faith the entire day, from the first light of dawn until sunset, would be spent this way, but in more recent centuries the observance has become somewhat more relaxed. Religious purists dislike this, and will observe the entire period in isolation in the old way. But most people adhere to the more relaxed standard, and there is no stigma attached to this.

The practice of mindful solitude allows one to reflect upon the life of the Prophet, upon the teachings of the Perfected Song of God as revealed through the Prophet, and also upon the Song itself and one's own part in it. The holiday as a whole inspires mindful compassion for those who are isolated and alone in the world or wronged by others, including orphans, invalids, refugees, and those who dwell at the margins of society. Compassion towards prisoners as well as slaves is also a key component of the holiday. Most of the large cities of the caliphate will have a ceremonial pardoning and release of selected prisoners that takes place early in the morning of Pavana 1st, and some slave owners (including the caliph and the provincial governors) will also manumit slaves of their choice on that day.

Pavana 1st is the first day of the new year, and both the completion of Solitary and the start of the year are celebrated with the Feast of Reunion. This occasion is marked not only by feasting, but with a special service at the communal mosque, much song and music, and the exchange of gifts.

Strictures

These are the basic strictures for properly observing the holy days of Solitary:

• At least half the day should be spent in solitude and meditation. Where true solitude is impossible, people should simply turn away from others and retreat into their own thoughts and prayers. Stricter interpretations assign the entire day between sunrise and sunset to silence and meditation.
• Where possible, between the hours of sunrise and sunset people should communicate only in lowered voices. Stricter interpretations allow communication during these hours only by sign or gesture.
• Neither voice nor fist is to be raised in anger during this time.
• Violence towards others is strictly prohibited. There is some dispute as to whether this is meant only to apply to other Azadi, or to all peoples of the caliphate, or if it in fact encompasses all peoples regardless of religion or community.
• No animals may be killed during this time, whether for food or any other purpose.
• The only foods allowed from sunrise to sunset are gaolbread and water, or other similarly impoverished meals.
• There must be no singing or playing of musical instruments. At the hours of prayer the faithful may engage in al-ansijam, but this is all that is allowed.
• Regarding conduct of daily business, only essential services for the aid of others may be conducted during this time, such as preparing food or medical remedies, healing the sick and injured, and caring for prisoners, orphans, invalids, and other vulnerable people.
• Any profit that might be incurred during this time (such as by selling gaolbread) must be given away as charity.
• Those who are already isolated may also observe Solitary to the best of their ability, but they are under lesser obligations, as are children under the age of 8. Travelers are also allowed some leeway in cases where their journey cannot be interrupted for the whole period.

Observation by Other Faiths

Nirzalism

Nirzali worshipers of the caliphate also observe Solitary. For them, Solitary is an occasion of mindful solidarity with the goddess who remains outcast, yet from afar still serves as a guide and beacon for mortals. Many of them do honor al-Azad as well, seeing him as an incarnation of Nirzali's friend and lover Nthanda. Among the Nirzalites who also participate in Solitary, it is believed that the wetter and stormier the weather is during this time, the more favor Nirzali is showing to her people. Outside the caliphate, many Nirzalites of sub-Hazaran Idiri also observe a holy period of self-isolation and meditation similar to Solitary.

Elestaarianism

Some Elestaarians also more or less observe Solitary, seeing it as a holiday that promotes virtue and useful self-reflection. However they don't tend to do so as rigorously as Azadi, and they significantly downplay the ascetic emphasis on isolation and self-denial, while focusing more on meditation upon the Good. One of the most popular ways for Elestaari to spend Solitary is by actively performing charitable acts -- stepping up efforts care for the sick, the hungry, and the poor while the Azadi faithful are in seclusion.