The Religious Evolution of Zoroastrians in Iran from the Advent of Islam to the Sixth Century AH

The Sasanian dynasty, which reigned over the Iranian plateau for approximately four centuries and withstood the Byzantine Empire, ultimately succumbed to defeat in the early Islamic era (7th century CE) when confronted by the emerging Islamic state of Medina. Founded by a recognized prophet grounded in divine revelation, this nascent Islamic government aimed to eliminate oppression, ignorance, and idol worship. As Islamic influence spread across Iran, the once-powerful Sasanian dynasty and its cultural achievements crumbled briefly, transforming social structures and ideologies. The ensuing stratified society’s response to these changes varied greatly, influenced by individual beliefs and communal interests. Some embraced Islam, others sought peace while retaining their original faith, and some migrated to India to escape the shifting landscape.Over time, Islam gradually took root in Iran, shaping it into a predominantly Muslim nation. Nonetheless, certain historical accounts suggest that Zoroastrian fire temples continued to operate for centuries. A substantial population persisted in the fourth century in regions like Fars, the heartland of the Sasanians and Zoroastrians. Employing a library-based methodology, this study underscores how Zoroastrians responded with religious and literary initiatives, accentuating illuminated fire temples to promote cultural and social rejuvenation. Particularly during the third and fourth centuries, works such as Denkard, Bundahishn, Karnamak-i Artakhshir Papakan, and Dēnkard were penned, contributing to preserving Zoroastrian spiritual heritage.Amid these developments, movements like the Ab-Afrid, Sinbad, Eshtad-Sis, Isaac, and Magian emerged as responses to challenges under Umayyad and Abbasid rule. While these movements grappled with the difficulties faced by Zoroastrians, history reveals their inability to alter the faith’s trajectory substantially. Instead of military resistance, the Zoroastrian community predominantly engaged in intellectual debates and protests against Islam. This endeavor occasionally placed Zoroastrian Mobeds (priests) within the framework of the caliphate.