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.

Three Preliminary Essays on Sasanian Numismatics

Ehsan Shavarebi

Volume 6, Issue 2 , December 2017, , Pages 77-96

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2017.62825

Abstract

The beginning of studies on Sasanian numismatics goes back to the 18th century. Since then Sasanian numismatics has experienced different periods and schools and remarkably advanced ... Read More

Sasanian Presence on the Persian Gulf Coast Based on Historical Documents and Archaeological Investigations

Meysam Labbaf-Khaniki; Bahman Firouzmandi; Alireza Khosrowzadeh

Volume 3, Issue 2 , September 2014, , Pages 73-91

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2014.51699

Abstract

The Sasanian settlements located Persian Gulf shores proving the economic-political sovereignty of Iran over the Persian Gulf through preislamic era denotes commercial relations between ... Read More

Articles in Press

Current Issue

Volume 16 (2026)

Volume 15 (2025)

Volume 14 (2024)

Volume 13 (2023)

Volume 12 (2022)

Volume 11 (2021)

Volume 10 (2020)

Volume 9 (2019)

Volume 8 (2018)

Volume 7 (2017)

Volume 6 (2016)

Volume 5 (2016)

Volume 4 (2015)

Volume 3 (2014)

Volume 2 (2013)

Volume 1 (2011)

Keywords = Sasanian Period

Philanthropy and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism

Abstract

Three Preliminary Essays on Sasanian Numismatics

Abstract

Sasanian Presence on the Persian Gulf Coast Based on Historical Documents and Archaeological Investigations

Abstract