Works of Hadj Nemat
Zia ol-Gholoub
Illumination of Hearts is a treatise in Persian prose that was completed in September 1919 during the last months of Hadj Nemat's life. Its 186 pages mostly address those who wish to know more about the rites, rituals, and beliefs of the Ahl-e Haqq, including its history, principles, commandments, prescriptions and prohibitions, what is deemed licit and illicit, and its ceremonies and rituals. As references, he cites to the Koran and the Islamic traditions, and in certain parts emphasizes the exoteric laws set forth by Muhammad.
At the end of the work, Hadj Nemat appends a shorter treatise called Zia ol-Oyun [Illumination of Eyes] that appears to be a continuation of Illumination of Hearts, in which he primarily discusses the practical rituals specific to the Ahl-e Haqq, such as fasting, offerings, ceremonial rites for the blessing of offerings, animal sacrifices, and the like.
Among the noteworthy points raised in this treatise is one that relates to the drinking of tea. Hadj Nemat writes: "[A]nd I have proscribed the drinking of tea, first because it is harmful to one's physical body and financial well-being, and second to distinguish my own path so that seekers of the Lord of the Age are conspicuous in the world, for the path of this lowly one known as the Lord of the Age has now been established; otherwise, tea is not illicit…."
Hadj Nemat considers himself a Jafari Shi'ite and emphasizes that one should "observe all that has been set forth in the Koran pertaining to what is licit and illicit, for it is the eternal and ultimate divine proof that is neither revocable nor subject to nullification."
It should be noted that throughout this treatise, he invites and encourages people to go toward God and to worship the Truth with purity, rectitude, and sincerity. He emphasizes that engaging the divine path is not a matter of words, but a matter of deeds and of seeking divine satisfaction.
