BELIEFS

Original and modern beliefs
There is no formal Rastafari creed and there are slight differences in the views of different groups. To modern Rastafari the most important doctrine is belief in the divinity of Haile Selassie I.
Beliefs about race
Rastafarians regard themselves as the genuine Israelites, the 'reincarnation of ancient Israel', who were enslaved and removed from their homeland by white people.
Haile Selassie and Africa
Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garvey prophesied the crowning of 'a black king' shortly before he became Emperor of Ethiopia. They believe he will lead a repatriation of blacks to Africa.
Women in Rastafari
Rastafarian women are called Queens. Their main role is to look after their King, keep house and raise children. There are certain rules that apply only to women.