Etymology
The term “Ahl-i Haqq” [Ahl-i Ḥaqq], literally translates from Persian as “People of the Truth.” In Arabic, it would be written as أَهْل ٱلْحَقّ.
Turkish Translation
In Turkish, Ahl-i Haqq is referred to as “Hak Ehlî.”
Overview
Ahl-i Haqq, also known as Ali Ilahis (which translates to “deifiers of Ali”), is a religious sect that emerged in northwest Iran. The group incorporates various elements from Shii and Sufi religious traditions and is associated with Sultan Sohak, a mystical leader believed to have lived in the fourteenth or fifteenth century. Their religious beliefs include the veneration of seven successive incarnations of God, a complex hierarchy of angels, and the concept of metempsychosis or the transmigration of souls. Unlike many other religious groups, Ahl-i Haqq does not have a single primary scripture but relies on a diverse range of texts and oral traditions.
Beliefs and Practices
Incarnations and Hierarchy
Ahl-i Haqq followers believe in seven successive incarnations of God and maintain a complex hierarchy of angels and spiritual beings. These beliefs echo certain Gnostic traditions as well as the Sufi hierarchy of saints.
Metempsychosis
The concept of metempsychosis or the transmigration of souls plays a significant role in the Ahl-i Haqq belief system. They hold that the soul travels through various forms of existence, acquiring greater spiritual purity over time.
Rituals and Practices
Much like Sufi dervishes, the Ahl-i Haqq are known for practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God), and they maintain master-disciple relationships that are crucial to their religious life. Initiation rites similar to those of Sufi brotherhoods (tariqas) are also significant in their spiritual development.
Comparisons with Other Groups
While the Ahl-i Haqq share certain practices with Sufi dervishes, including their method of spiritual remembrance and disciple-master relationships, their unique blend of Sufi and Shii beliefs, along with their specific theological standpoints on the nature of divinity and the afterlife, sets them apart as a distinct religious tradition.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Religion of Truth: The Challenge of Tradition in the Twentieth Century” by Hajar Bayar
- “The Silent Saints: The Cult of Ahl-i Haqq in Contemporary Iran” by Ivan Agirel
- “Metempsychosis and Shii Synthesis in the Islamic West” by Hussein Zeki
Takeaways
- Unique Syncretism: The Ahl-i Haqq sect represents a unique blend of Shii and Sufi elements.
- Spiritual Practices: Their rituals mirror Sufi practices in many respects but remain distinct due to their specific theological constructs.
- Philosophical Depth: Key beliefs in incarnations and soul transmigration highlight their rich theological and philosophical diversity.
Conclusion
Ahl-i Haqq is an intriguing and multi-faceted group within the Islamic religious landscape. It stands out due to its synthesis of Shii and Sufi ideas and the distinctive beliefs and practices that characterize its spiritual life. Understanding this sect provides deeper insights into the diversity of thought and tradition within Islam.
