#zoroastriansm

[persianatpenn]

زرتشتی

Zoroastrianism, one of the earliest monotheistic religions in the world, has been embedded within Persian culture since its founding in ancient Iran around 1500 BCE. It was the official religion of the Persian Empire. Influencing modern religions today, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra), who received a vision from Ahura Mazda, who emphasized the importance of one god. Zoroaster believed his mission was to spread these teachings to others from Ahura Mazda. The forces of good and evil are heavily moralized concepts. Ahura Mazda, who existed eternally and was the creator of the universe, representing the good, created the world and knew Angra Mainyu, the forces of evil, would try to attack it, causing a longing fight between the two. Angra Mainyu was the darkness that sought to destroy Ahura Mazda and his creations, making the world constantly struggle. These dualistic views established the core beliefs of Zoroastrianism: the balance of good and evil. Zoroastrians believe evil is only temporary in our world, but through good thought, deeds, and words, Angra Mainyu can be defeated, and Ahura Mazda’s principles will triumph over evil forces. 

Maintaining the inevitable humanistic traits of good and evil within everyone. Zoroastrians emphasize the three principles اندیشه ، گفتار و کردار نیک در پیام زرتشت (good thoughts, words, and deeds) which reflect the holistic approach of life. Good thoughts align with Ahura Mazda’s teachings of displaying truth and wisdom, reflecting good words. When you think good thoughts, the words you utter will be positive and promote kindness. Through one’s good thoughts and words, a person’s actions follow, manifesting goodness and truthfulness in their deeds. These founding principles allow Zoroastrans to participate in their battle against evil. 

The four elements—earth, fire, water, air, and soil—are sacred and symbolize life’s essential forces. Fire and the sun expressly represent the light from Ahura Mazda, where Ahura Mazda is light itself. In many temples, this is why Zoroastrians pray towards the sun, light, and fire. A sacred fire in Zoroastrian temples is continuously burning to maintain the light and guidance of Ahura Mazda. The other elements, air, water, and soil, are also essential in their faith. Water symbolizes the purity and cleansing for all of life. While air is vital for living, it represents connecting with all living things. Soil supports growth and sustains life. These four elements are viewed as sacred, each representing life's meaning. Zoroastrians believe it is their responsibility to protect and preserve the earth’s natural resources, aligning with the principles of good thoughts, deeds, and words. 

Although the number of Zoroastrian followers has drastically decreased, the founding principles of maintaining good thoughts, deeds, and words remain deeply influential in Persian culture. As a young child, my family instilled these three principles in my life. Explaining the importance of having good thoughts because they create honesty and wisdom within oneself. The good words we spread to others allow us to have compassion and respect for one another. Good deeds, formulated from our good thoughts and words, show someone's character and values. On the last Wednesday of the year before Nowruz (Persian New Year), my family celebrates by jumping over fire (چهارشنبه سوری), an ancient Zoroastrian ritual. While jumping over the fire, we say,   

“زردی من از تو، سر خی تو از من”  which translates to “May my paleness be yours, and may your redness be mine.” This statement is said to transfer your troubles to the fire. As you enter the new year, the fire cleanses the body and spirit from the old year. Although I do not practice Zoroastrianism, I follow these teachings to honor my heritage and continue a tradition of living righteously. 

~aerisjoon

Iran Chamber Society: Religion in Iran: Zoroaster and Zoroastrians in Iran. (2024). Iranchamber.com. https://www.iranchamber.com/religions/articles/zoroaster_zoroastrians_in_iran.php

Zoroastrianism - Ahura Mazda, Dualism, Fire Worship | Britannica. (2024). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zoroastrianism/Beliefs-and-mythology#ref9194

[persianatpenn]

Research on Zoroastrianism

After our conversation in class today, I found myself interested in Zoroastrianism, something I have heard of as an ancient religion but never really thought of in terms of its influence in modern times, or even its existence now or not too long ago. I have always known Iran to be a Muslim country, and never put much thought into what came before Islam. I researched Zoroastrianism in Encyclopedia Iranica and read a few articles, mainly Zoroastrianism ii. Historical Review: from the Arab Conquest to Modern Times, which had a lot of information.  I learned that Zoroastrians had political control of Iran until the seventh century, when Arab Muslims took over. They were protected because of their status as dhimmi, non-Muslims who were free to practice their own religion. Because of their status as dhimmi, the religion did not die out. Copies of Zoroastrian religious books like Avesta and Zand were made, and their hagiography evolved to correspond with Islamic traditions, while both Sunnism and Shi’ism were also influenced by parts of Zoroastrianism. However, they were still persecuted and pressured to convert to Islam, which many of them eventually did. Throughout the history of Iran, including its conquest by the Mongols and the Il-Khanids in the 13th century, the Timurids in the 14th century, and the violent institutionalization of Shi’ism in the 16th-18th centuries, Zoroastrians continued to be persecuted, forced to convert, and executed. Somehow, though, the religion did not completely die out and communities still exist today. Many relocated to China and India, where they formed communities and had history and influence over the years. Some ended up in other nearby Muslim countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar. Some managed to stay in Iran, where they have communities today are now technically protected as Dhimmis under the Islamic Consitution of Iran.  

It was really interesting for me to research the history of this ancient religion. I knew that Iran often gets falsely called an Arab country because of its proximity to other Arab countries, and its Muslim majority. Researching Zoroastrianism made me realize even more how Iran has its own history and origins, and its history only merged with Arab history in the 7th century with the Islamic conquest.

I also find it very interesting to see how Zoroastrianism has survived, though evolved, as a minority religion throughout years of persecution in various countries.

I have heard of the term Dhimmi before because I knew that at many stages throughout history, Jews were considered Dhimmi in Muslim lands and therefore treated very well, while they were persecuted in Christian lands. Jews, too, have survived through persecution in many different countries. I think it would be so interesting to visit a Zoroastrian community in Iran today and see how their traditions compare with those of the majority religion in Iran.

Jamsheed K. Choksy, “ZOROASTRIANISM ii. Historical Review: from the Arab Conquest to Modern Times,” Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition, 2015, available at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/zoroastrianism-02-arab-conquest-to-modern

-SS