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.

proposals for reading some phrases in Ayādgār ī Zarērān

meysam mohammadi

Volume 9, Issue 2 , December 2020, , Pages 105-122

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2020.291163.741

Abstract

Ayādgār ī Zarērān (Memorial of Zarēr) is a text that in its original version has been composed in Parthian language. This text has been amended and distorted in the process of ... 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 = Pahlavi texts

Philanthropy and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism

Abstract

proposals for reading some phrases in Ayādgār ī Zarērān

Abstract

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

Abstract