PERCEPTION OF ISLAM IN ZOROASTRIAN ZAND LITERATURE

Abstract

This study analyses the perception of Islam presented in Zandliterature, namely, the exegetical literature of the Zoroastrian traditionthat gradually lost power as a result of Muslim conquests. Zand texts,which grew during the Sasanian era and indicate a lively theologicaldiscourse, were codified and took their final form after the Muslimconquests. Zand literature talks about Islam and Muslims in an implicitmanner by means of concepts such as Tāzīg (Arab) Ag-dēnīh(evil/superstitious religion). Written for guiding Zoroastrian clergy inevery subject, including theology and morals, these texts have a biasedand negative attitude towards Islam and Muslims. Zands initiallyinterpret Muslim conquests in an apocalyptic sense and emphasize thatthe end of world is near and consequently that evil reigns now. On theother hand, due to the obligation of living together with Muslims,Zands advise minimizing relations with Muslims in daily life. Theypresent objections to the doctrinal attitude of Islam and aim atpreserving the religious status of Zoroastrians. This paper stresses theview of the Zoroastrian tradition regarding Muslim conquests, theeventual coexistence experience and Islamic theology within theframework of Zands