comparative study of the story of the creation of women in Zoroastrianism and Islam (with emphasis on bundahshn and Al-mizan)

The account of creation is the most important narrative and event that each religious tradition presents from its own perspective. The Macro-narrative of creation is an account from which other sub-narratives has come out of it. Bundahishn is one of the most important Pahlavi texts containing the narration of the creation of the man and woman from the perspective of Zoroastrianism; At the core of this narrative, we encounter an unjustified sexual inequality and conflict between men and women that led to the inferiority and subordination of women. As we have shown in this treatise by descriptive-analytical method, Excerpts from Pahlavi texts –especially Bundahishn -have highlighted gender bias, institutionalized gender discrimination, and legitimized it, in addition to religious rulings and fatwas. Reflection on Zoroastrian jurisprudential and legal laws that have been enacted regarding family, marriage and divorce, inheritance, etc., proves this claim well. The account of creation in the Qur’an briefly deals with the narration of the first human couple (Adam and Eve); The center and main axis of this narrative from the perspective of Judaism and Christianity is the discussion and fulfillment of the “Original Sin” by Eve and through it the descent (Fall) of Adam and Eve into this world. The Qur’an alters the central meaning of this narration, that is, the implement of sin by Eve alone, and attributes the fulfillment of sin to both. The Qur’an considers the foundation of the creation of man and woman as a single soul with equal intrinsic value and does not prefer anyone over anyone else. However, the tradition of interpretation in the Islamic world has in some cases deviated from this view of equality due to the domination of the Israelites as well as the Gnostic and Sufi influences. At the same time, among Muslim commentators, there are those like Allameh Tabatabai who have considerable points about women’s equality in al-Mizan’s interpretation.

By examining mythological and religious beliefs, we can get to the beginning and dawn of the birth and emergence of many views and ideas about human life. This study seeks to show that the status of women in the text of the tradition of the Zoroastrian religion reflects her position in the mythical narrative of the creation of that religion. This situation, which is defined for women in the narrative of creation, determines their destiny and quality of life in that religious tradition. Bundahishn, the most important Pahlavi text according to the narration of the myth of creation, places a woman in the realm of the devil and under the control of a demon named Jah or Jahi, who is the daughter of the devil. Zoroastrian priests of the Sassanid period are undoubtedly familiar with this myth and with this mentality have set rules and laws for women. The rules of marriage, family, as well as special qualities and conditions of women such as Dashtan and childbirth are all adjusted according to the position of women in the process of creation. In other words, it is the narrative of creation that shapes the special quality of life of Zoroastrian women in the Sassanid period.