Niyazov issued the first part of the work in 2001, saying, "Ruhnama was issued to eliminate all shortcomings, to raise the spirit of the Turkmen." The second part, which covers morals, philosophy, and life conduct, was issued in 2004. The book is a substantial part of Niyazov's personality cult, is required to be prominently displayed in Turkmen bookstores and government offices, and is also required to be displayed next to and equal to the Islamic Qur'an in Turkmenistan's mosques. The work is a central part of education from primary school to university, and knowledge of the text - up to the ability to exactly recite passages from it - is required for passing education exams, holding any state employment and to qualify for a driving license.
Public criticism or even insufficient reverence of the text is seen as equivalent to disrespecting the president himself, and harshly punished by dispossession, imprisonment or torture of the offender or the offender's whole family if the violation was grave enough.