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.

Inscribing of Zoroaster's poems; Before or after Alexander's invasion?

Sorena Firouzi; Mahsa Veisi

Volume 14, Issue 4 , February 2025, , Pages 83-102

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2023.354928.1184

Abstract

Regarding the background of the inscribing of Zoroaster's poems, there are two general views: archaic and contemporary. The archaic view is documented in Pahlavi texts and reflected ... Read More

Ahurānῑ: Ahura’s Wives? Attributes of waters in Yasna 38 and its Zand

Ali Shahidi; Soulmaz Javadpour

Volume 14, Issue 3 , December 2024, , Pages 113-130

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2024.382933.1310

Abstract

Yasna 38, which is the middle Yasn of the Haft (seven) Ha(t), is devoted to the praise of waters and women/goddesses. In the third and fifth paragraphs of this Yasna, some attributes ... Read More

Indo-Iranian Heritage of “Haft karšvar” in the Old Iranian and Indian Texts

Ehsan Afkande; Bagher Ali Adelfar

Volume 6, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 1-19

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2016.60591

Abstract

Geographical concept of “Haft karšvar” could be traced back to the Proto-Indo-Iranian period. After the separation of Indians and Iranians, due to geographical circumstances ... Read More

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Keywords = Avesta

Philanthropy and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism

Abstract

Inscribing of Zoroaster's poems; Before or after Alexander's invasion?

Abstract

Ahurānῑ: Ahura’s Wives? Attributes of waters in Yasna 38 and its Zand

Abstract

Indo-Iranian Heritage of “Haft karšvar” in the Old Iranian and Indian Texts

Abstract