Arrka, The God of Tajir
The Tajiran god is simply known as Arrka, god of the genies and the ruler on the moon. Arrka's teaching was taught to the people of Tajir by the Nameless Prophet beginning in the caravan town of Al Artacca. It was he who unified the Tajiran and banished invaders and monsters alike. His symbol is that of a crescent moon, and it can be seen on many Tajiran standards, and even the shape of their shield; something that his worshippers believe will bless them in battle, not too dissimilar to the cross and torch of Nilush. Almost all Tajiran share a pattern of prayer despite the independence of the many city states. Usually city citizens requires one to wash before every formal prayer, using a small bowl of water. It is also customary to prostate oneself upon the ground to pray, perhaps rising and kneeling several times. However, truly all that is required is that men and women bow their heads toward Al Artacca and pray for guidance along the path of goodness. So most people simploy wash and then bow their head, as its faster, but some do still prefer to be more elaborate with it.
At least once in their lives, Tajiran citizens are expected to make a pilgrimage to Al Artacca, specifically to the mountains nearby. It is here that the greatest mosques and relics of the faithful can be found, specifically the Golden Mosque, where the House of Arrka lies. The pilgrimage is always a worthy undertaking, but the experience is especially prized on the Day of Ascension and on the Great Sultan’s birthday. On those two days, the Grand Sultan is sure to appear before the people. The faithful receive his personal wish that fortune and compassion may smile upon each and every one, that the gods may guide them to goodness, and that Arrka may guide them to glory. Many desert nomads also strive to make the pilgrimage. However all that's truly required is at least a representative of their tribe has made the trip at least once.
Divine Origins
From the Nameless Prophet, who was said to have been contacted directly from Arrka to spread his name across the lands
Cosmological Views
Arrka represents the moon, for he alone cools the lands at night and even during the hot scorching day he watches over the world carefully, always making sure that his flock is well protected and faithful. He also maintains the after world, where every tajiran will go after they die. For the faithful, the after world resembles a garden abundant in water fountains, pools, shady date palm trees, and lush shrubs and flowering plants. Here there is no hunger, for all are fed. For here there is no sadness, for all is cared to. There is no want or jealousy, for every need is cared for by beautiful angels for all of eternity. This is the reward for living a just and good life,
Tenets of Faith
The faith of Arrka revolves around 4 core philosophies: Faith, defense, good will, and pilgrimage.
Faith represents the need to show faith for Arrka. While worship of the other genies is encouraged and even necessary in some cases, all should still acknowledge Arrka as the genie of genies, for all these powerful genies came from him alone
Defense represents the need to defend the blazing sands. If the infidel rears its head screaming for the blood and gold of tajir, they must answer in kind. War serves as the catalyst for this defense, and while trade is far more profitable than war, in dire circumstances sometimes war is the only way to secure the safety of Carall.
Good will represents both the love for family and community/tribe. Donations are expected to be made by every tajiran citizen to each other in local programs, and even volunteering to help others is considered a truly blessed act. However this good will cannot come from a simple want for attention or praise, it must come from the kindness of ones heart to help their fellow community member.
Pilgrimage represents the expectation that every tajiran must make a pilgrimage to Miraca at least once in their life.
Ethics
Faith, good morals, and a life of devout contemplation are paramount to the worship of Arrka and likewise the genie gods.
Worship
While prayer is expected three times a day (dawn, no later than 2 hours past midday, and no later than 2 hours past sunset) it is not as busy or time intensive as one may think. There are Monostaries called Mosques that are always open until the late hours of night for people to pray in, but they are by no means required. A gong sounds for each expected time of prayer, from beggining to the end, and this results in cities coming alight with beautiful noise and prayer. There is no real punishment for missing a prayer time, if anything the only real punishment is more social embaressment if anything. It is expected to make more time for future prayers to make up for the missed time.
Prayers can last from around 10 minutes to as little as 1, among some nomadic groups it is even a simple bow of head and whispered prayer. While setting out a prayer mat (a practice many wandering Nilushan holy men also partake in if traveling to foreign nations) is customary it is not a requirment. This is something that can be observed of Tajiran religion, being its practicality and flexiable rules to adapt to the situation.
Priesthood
Imam are the holy men of Arrka, who help guide the faithful in prayer. It is a rather informal tital and carrer path in actuality, as there is no true organized church and just lose collections of cults and groups being represented by the name of "The Cults of the Djinn". In truth the path to priesthood is an incredible personal journey for each and every Imam, and as such there is no codified method of ascending to the rank of holy man/woman.
Granted Divine Powers
Bravery is widely considered one, for the faithful have nothing to fear with Arrka watching over them. Depending on what local Djinn they worship, it is said some holy men and women can be infused with divine elemental power like wind, fire, water, and the ground itself.
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Alternative Names
The God of Genies, The Genie of Genies
Permeated Organizations
