The Definitive Zoroastrian Critique of Islam: Chapters 11-12 of the Skand Gumanig-Wizar by Mardanfarrox son of Ohrmazddad

The Škand Gumānīg-Wizār is a crucial text for understanding Zoroastrianism's relationship with other religions in Late Antiquity and the early Islamic period. It is a sophisticated work of rationalist theology that critiques several rival religions, including Islam, and is of fundamental importance for understanding Iran's transformation from a predominantly Zoroastrian society to a predominantly Muslim one during the Early Middle Ages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of the Persian kings, endured even after the Arab conquest, holding a significant place in the hearts of the people in Iran and parts of Central Asia. In this captivating book, we delve into the depths of the Zoroastrian tradition, exploring its most influential polemical treatise, the Škand Gumānīg-Wizār. Written by the theologian and philosopher Mardānfarrox son of Ohrmazddād, this text was composed in the ninth or tenth centuries in Middle Persian, a language rich with cultural and intellectual significance.

The Škand Gumānīg-Wizār stands as a remarkable work of rationalist theology, meticulously critiquing various rival religions of the late antique and early medieval Middle East. Among these, the critique of Islam found in chapters 11 and 12 stands out as a unique and sustained effort. It is the sole comprehensive polemic against Islam in premodern Zoroastrian literature, focusing on the problem of evil. This text holds immense importance in understanding the transformation of Iran from a predominantly Zoroastrian society to a predominantly Muslim one during the Early Middle Ages.

This groundbreaking work is the first dedicated to the Islamic sections of the Škand Gumānīg-Wizār. It offers a fresh translation and insightful commentary of these crucial chapters, accompanied by introductory chapters that shed light on Zoroastrians' interactions with other religions in Late Antiquity and the early Islamic period. The author delves into Mardānfarrox's intellectual milieu, particularly the influence of Islamic theology and interreligious debates, which shaped his thought and the development of Zoroastrian polemics against Islam.

Through this comprehensive exploration, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between Zoroastrianism, Islam, and the broader cultural landscape of the Middle East. The Škand Gumānīg-Wizār serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of religious beliefs and ideologies that shaped the history of this region.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 155 x 219 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802078527