A comparative study of the teachings and social and political functions of the two religions of Mehr and Zoroaster

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student in Pre-Islamic History, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

2 Professor of History, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of History, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

4 Faculty of Humanities, Department of History, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

10.30510/psi.2022.308671.2402

Abstract

The influence of Mehri religion on Zoroastrianism has caused similarities and differences in both religions. The result of this influence has been manifested in the culture of the Zoroastrian religious community and the Iranian society in the form of beliefs, traditions and social functions. By applying the religious teachings of Mehri and Zoroastrianism, commonalities and differences appear in the following three axes: Beliefs include topics such as rituals, iconography and symbols, the transcendence of the number seven, the way through the religious steps and status, and how to live after death, resurrection, the end of time etc.; Attributes include being mysterious, the role of gender, the role of Moghans and clerics, the importance of austerity and monasticism, prayer etc; Social functions include celebration, sacrifice, the use of the names Mehr and Mitra, and the relationship between Mehr and the sun, swearing, and judgment. Attributes include being mysterious, the role of gender, the role of Moghans and clerics, the importance of austerity and monasticism, prayer etc; Social functions include celebration, sacrifice, the use of the names Mehr and Mitra, and the relationship between Mehr and the sun, swearing, and judgment.

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