Iranian Studies

Philanthropy and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism

Farahnaz Shams; Kolsoum Ghazanfari

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2026, , Pages 31-48

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2025.380726.1303

Abstract

Among the important concepts in Zoroastrianism, philanthropy is highly recommended and has received special attention. Philanthropy has a wide scope and dimensions, and knowing its ... Read More Among the important concepts in Zoroastrianism, philanthropy is highly recommended and has received special attention. Philanthropy has a wide scope and dimensions, and knowing its examples, scope and mechanisms can clarify its individual, social, spiritual and cultural functions. Considering the impact of philanthropy on the morality and life of individuals and society, the explanation of this concept can clarify the perception and view of society and individuals towards it. The purpose of this article is to examine philanthropy and its dimensions in Pahlavi texts that were formalized in the Sasanian period or the first Islamic centuries. Depending on the period in which these texts were written, it is possible to learn about the definitions and activities of individuals, religious institutions and the state apparatus in this field, which required interaction between them. Studies show that the interests of the individual and the family, the community and the religious community were taken into account in the discussion of philanthropy.Among the important concepts in Zoroastrianism, philanthropy is highly recommended and has received special attention. Philanthropy has a wide scope and dimensions, and knowing its examples, scope and mechanisms can clarify its individual, social, spiritual and cultural functions. Considering the impact of philanthropy on the morality and life of individuals and society, the explanation of this concept can clarify the perception and view of society and individuals towards it. The purpose of this article is to examine philanthropy and its dimensions in Pahlavi texts that were formalized in the Sasanian period or the first Islamic centuries. Depending on the period in which these texts were written, it is possible to learn about the definitions and activities of individuals, religious institutions and the state apparatus in this field, which required interaction between them. Studies show that the interests of the individual and the family, the community and the religious community were taken into account in the discussion of philanthropy.

Dervish Study of the Qajar Era from the Perspective of Travelogues of European Travelers

Kolsoum Ghazanfari; Amin Babadi

Volume 12, Issue 2 , March 2023, , Pages 101-123

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2022.344823.1123

Abstract

European's travelogues are important in understanding "another view", in anthropology and cultural-social history studies area. Sufism and Dervishes are one of the prominent ... Read More

Wisdom in Persian Epic Poems and Comparing it with Zoroastrian Texts (Case Study: Garshasb-name, Bahman-name, and Kush-name)

Kolthom Ghazanfari; ehsan mohammadi

Volume 7, Issue 2 , March 2017, , Pages 67-82

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2018.68283

Abstract

Persian epic poems often recite the narratives related to ancient Iran. Besides Shahname, other epic poems may root back in the Sassanid era, therefore, one can expect that the Zoroastrian ... Read More

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Author = Ghazanfari, Kolsoum

Philanthropy and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism

Abstract

Dervish Study of the Qajar Era from the Perspective of Travelogues of European Travelers

Abstract

Wisdom in Persian Epic Poems and Comparing it with Zoroastrian Texts (Case Study: Garshasb-name, Bahman-name, and Kush-name)

Abstract