Persian Prophets: Zoroaster, Mani, Mazdak, Bababk, Mehdi, Bab
- n.p. Ali Keyhani 2019
- 143 p.
Culture takes form by the language, beliefs, values, and norms that combine to make up the way of life. Persian culture core beliefs are based on the teaching of Zoroaster 3500 B.C.E was calling for life based on Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. Zoroaster said to do the right deed because it is the right thing to do. Then, Zoroaster teachings were expanded by Mani in 216 C.E. into dualistic cosmology of the World of light in a cosmic battle with the evil world of darkness. A fundamental idea in Manichaeism is that supreme good power (God), was opposed by the semi-eternal evil power (Satan). The souls are seen as the byproduct of the battle between Human and Satan. In 524 C.E Mazdak proclaimed to follow the path of altruism, communal life, respect for nature and enjoy the pleasures of life, once again expanding on the core beliefs of Zoroastrian teachings. He preached a refined version of Zoroastrianism. His teaching has also displayed influences from Mani. At this time, during Sassanid rule, Zoroastrianism was the state religion. However, most of the Zoroastrian clergies regarded Mazdak's teaching as blasphemy. When 700 years of war between Partain and Sasanian empires against the Roman and Bezintian empires ended, both the empires were exhausted. At that moment in history, the Arab Armies invaded Iran. Over the next several hundred years, Iran became a Muslim country. Samanid Empire was the first Persian speaking dynasty to arise in Iran after the Arab conquest. The rise of Persian speaking ruler gave to Iranians pride in their culture and love learning. For the first time after the Arab Invasion, Persian becomes the official langue of the court with Bukhara as the capital of the new empire. Rudhaki was the first great literary genius of Persian poetry. Rudhaki liberated and created the modern Persian language. Firdowsi followed Rudhaki with his quest to emancipate the Persian language. His love of Persian culture motivated him to spend thirty years to emancipate the myth of Persian culture from the death of forgetfulness. He is deathless because he lives in the souls of the Persian speaking world. Iranian separated their language and literature and their religion from Arabs by following the Party of Alii known as Shia. The Shai religion of Iran followed Iranians beliefs in Mehdi the Imam of all times who will come and restore justice to the world. The Mazdak teachings were resurrected the Khurramites (Persian: خرمدینان Khorram-Dinan, meaning "those of the Joyful Religion"), an Iranian religious and political movement. He said to his followers “Enjoy the pleasures of life and satisfy your appetite in the highest degree. Eat and drink in the spirit of equality, seek good deeds; abstain from evils by shedding blood, and inflicting harm on others. Practice hospitality without reservation.” Babak Khorram-Dinan resurrected Mazdak teaching in the revolt against Caliph against the Arab Caliph. Under Babak's leadership between 816 C.E–837 C.E, he fought against the Caliphate for the preservation of Persian language and culture. The last Persian prophet was Bab who claimed to be a prophet. He started Bahai religion in Shiraz Iran in 1844 C.E.