- Zoroastrians are not insulated from Iran’s tribulations, Jamsheed K. Choksy says
- Followers of this ancient faith are disparaged as “sinful animals,” he says
- Choksy: Many Muslim Iranians are rejecting the Shiite theocracy’s intolerant ways
- President Ahmadinejad now uses Zoroastrianism’s past for political ends, Choksy says
Editor’s note: Jamsheed K. Choksy is professor of Iranian studies, senior fellow of the Center on American and Global Security, and former director of the Middle Eastern studies program at Indiana University, Bloomington.
Bloomington, Indiana (CNN) — As Zoroastrian funerary processions enter the graveyard overlooking the Tehran suburb of Ray, their sobriety is often shattered by the sound of explosions and gunfire. Frequently, the way forward is blocked by Islamic Revolutionary Guards conducting a combat exercise among the tombs. According to Zoroastrian custom, burial needs to take place within 24 hours, and the Revolutionary Guards will not halt their training activities there for the funerals.
This is just another sign of religious freedom fading in the Islamic Republic.
Much that is written about the Zoroastrians of Iran portrays them as a venerable and quaint religious community. But these followers of an ancient faith are not insulated from the tribulations of their country.
Zoroastrianism is named after its founder, the prophet Zarathustra — or Zoroaster, as he came to be known in the West — who preached sometime between 1800 and 1000 B.C. Zoroaster spoke of humans siding with God (called Ahura Mazda, or the Wise Lord) against the devil (called Angra Mainyu, or the Angry Spirit) and fighting for all that is right. In time, those concepts became central to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. So did Zoroastrian beliefs that each soul faces judgment after death before entering heaven, limbo or hell, and that all of humanity will experience resurrection, final judgment and heaven on Earth.
Ancient Persian kings like Cyrus and Darius followed their faith’s basic tenet of doing good by freeing Israelites from the Babylonian Exile and supporting construction of the Second Temple at Jerusalem. Zoroastrianism’s clergymen, or magi, are known around the world as the wise men in attendance at the nativity of Jesus. Until Arabs conquered Iran during the seventh century, Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians there could practice their own devotions unhindered. Thereafter, they became minorities who were persecuted and largely converted to Islam.
When the Islamic revolution occurred in 1979, fundamentalist Shiites stormed the fire temple at Tehran. There, Zoroastrians worship in front of a blazing fire, as a symbol of God’s grace, just like Christians face a cross and Muslims turn to a qibla pointing toward Mecca. The portrait of Zoroaster was tossed down, a photograph of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was put up in its place, and the congregation was warned not to remove the image of Iran’s new leader. Only months later could the prophet’s picture be mounted upon an adjacent wall.
Their schools and classrooms began to be covered with images of Supreme Leaders Ayatollah Khomeini and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and with verses of the Quran that denounce non-Muslims. Those who do well academically nonetheless find no openings within state-controlled universities.
When the bloody war with Iraq raged from 1980 to 1988, young Zoroastrians were involuntarily drafted for suicide missions in the Iranian army. Rejecting the Shiite mullahs’ claim that military martyrdom would lead them to a heaven full of virgins was futile. Failing to offer their lives on the battlefield could result in execution for treason.
Then in November 2005, Ayatollah Ahmed Jannati, chairman of the Council of Guardians of the Constitution, disparaged Zoroastrians and other religious minorities as “sinful animals who roam the earth and engage in corruption.” When the Zoroastrians’ solitary parliamentary representative protested, he was hauled before a revolutionary tribunal. There, mullahs threatened execution before sparing his life with a warning never to challenge their declarations again. A frightened community subsequently declined to re-elect him.
Over the past two years, many Muslim Iranians have begun publicly rejecting the Shiite theocracy’s intolerant ways by adopting symbols and festivals from Zoroastrianism. Those actions are denounced as causing “harm and corruption” by ayatollahs like Khamenei and Jannati.
Sensing that popular sentiment among Iran’s Muslim majority is shifting away from the mullahs, even President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has begun utilizing Zoroastrianism’s past for his own political ends. In September 2010, he arranged for the Cyrus Cylinder, a sixth-century B.C. document that speaks of religious tolerance and Iranian greatness, to be loaned from the British Museum. During a public ceremony in Tehran, Ahmadinejad lauded indigenous traditions as superior to Arab-imposed Islam. Privately, his chief of staff, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, even referred to King Cyrus as “a messenger of God.”
Their tottering political base has sharpened the Shiite clerics’ ire. Like members of the Christian, Jewish and Baha’i minorities, Zoroastrian activists who protest the theocracy’s excesses are sent to Tehran’s notorious Evin prison on charges of sedition. At the ayatollahs’ instigation, Iranian media characterizes the followers of Iran’s ancient faith as polytheists and devil worshipers. Lesser mullahs rant against Zoroastrians not only in Iran, but even at mosques in Toronto.
The Zoroastrian cemetery outside Tehran now faces another challenge: The municipality seeks to lay a highway through it. Some schools and devotional centers in other Zoroastrian strongholds like Yazd and Kerman have also been notified of pending annexation. Communal gatherings are routinely monitored by fundamentalist Muslim authorities who allege that Zoroastrianism “threatens national security and subverts the Islamic revolution.”
Protections offered by the Islamic Republic’s constitution have been rendered meaningless in practice. Not surprisingly, the daily regimen of discrimination makes Zoroastrians feel wholly unwelcome in their Iranian homeland. Only between 35,000 and 90,000 now remain in a country of approximately 74 million citizens — and, fearing persecution, many do not readily identify themselves as Zoroastrians.
Yet, Zoroastrians are no mere footnote in human history and religiosity. Their ideas still determine how many of the globe’s residents behave. The end of Zoroastrianism in Iran should be prevented. Making religious freedom a priority in U.S. and EU foreign policies will help achieve that goal.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jamsheed K. Choksy.
Pingback: News World: Opinion: Iran’s oldest religion at risk by Farigo - by admin Carpet - Oriental Carpet Hongkong
Pingback: Patios and Brickwalls in North London
Pingback: hot tub cover
Pingback: collection agency
Pingback: collection agency newsletter
Pingback: เกมส์รถแข่ง วิบาก
Pingback: iPhone 5
Pingback: เพลงใหม่ online
Pingback: green
Pingback: orbea
Pingback: เกมส์ ผีดิบ
Pingback: obtain your free credit report online
Pingback: letalske karte
Pingback: blog
Pingback: breast actives reviews
Pingback: gluten free soy sauce
Pingback: red deer photographer
Pingback: \Lexapro side effects\
Pingback: hardwoodflooringcost.org
Pingback: what is a veterinary assistant
Pingback: games mario
Pingback: allergies or cold
Pingback: Aleesha Schwab: Editor
Pingback: angry bird nest
Pingback: business development
Pingback: Para Ma
Pingback: window cleaning se6
Pingback: shoes for flat feet
Pingback: Villas in Mauritius
Pingback: compensation
Pingback: Electronic Cigarette
Pingback: architects in Las Vegas
Pingback: Jobs Uganda
Pingback: luisa via roma
Pingback: Malaysian News
Pingback: club dresses
Pingback: drop safes
Pingback: cna training in michigan
Pingback: Cafe Rouge Vouchers
Pingback: ATM processor
Pingback: taroto gratuito
Pingback: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lawyer Riverside
Pingback: eurojackpot
Pingback: Ile Maurice Location Vacances
Pingback: online business
Pingback: painting service thousand oaks
Pingback: flag football plays
Pingback: MK Escorts
Pingback: Escorts In Milton Keynes
Pingback: chicago bjj
Pingback: acai berry diet
Pingback: Location Maurice
Pingback: social bookmark
Pingback: Jual Lingerie
Pingback: short hairstyles
Pingback: Thomas Hack San Diego
Pingback: which is the best all in one printer
Pingback: orlando web design
Pingback: Vineyards Naples Florida
Pingback: bankruptcy lawyer in orlando
Pingback: unlock iPhone 4s
Pingback: dispatch software
Pingback: Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes
Pingback: baby shower ideas
Pingback: loans with no credit check
Pingback: chimney services
Pingback: band festivals
Pingback: Escort girl Paris
Pingback: baby keepsakes
Pingback: simulation rachat de credit ficp
Pingback: Villas in Mauritius
Pingback: cupcake birmingham
Pingback: Melody Bread
Pingback: cheap facebook poker chips
Pingback: dotcomsecrets x review
Pingback: Private Krankenversicherung Vergleich
Pingback: how to gain weight
Pingback: CLEP tests
Pingback: raccoon removal Toronto
Pingback: adsense alternative
Pingback: Betting Euro 2012
Pingback: angry birds
Pingback: pension loan
Pingback: Read more
Pingback: more information
Pingback: legal buds
Pingback: payday advances
Pingback: teeth grinding mouth guard
Pingback: pre-construction
Pingback: bullying at school
Pingback: Toronto Movers
Pingback: Caralluma Actives
Pingback: diet solution program
Pingback: natural remedies for acne
Pingback: unemployment advice
Pingback: dubturbo
Pingback: Test X180
Pingback: Testx 180
Pingback: study cash loans fast
Pingback: merchant account provider
Pingback: the boller
Pingback: online storage ftp
Pingback: e-cigarette reviews
Pingback: Location Ile Maurice
Pingback: aspergers book
Pingback: Aramark uniforms
Pingback: steel buildings
Pingback: Dallas TX Emergency Vet 24 Hour
Pingback: dream car
Pingback: pork tenderloin
Pingback: Anaheim Exterminator
Pingback: green coffee extract
Pingback: Chelsea Redfern
Pingback: electric cigarette
Pingback: Spa Cover
Pingback: best online casino Canada
Pingback: football trophies
Pingback: trophy shop
Pingback: website
Pingback: remove frames
Pingback: restaurants basingstoke
Pingback: Pussy
Pingback: information
Pingback: gold one electronic cigarette
Pingback: auto loans for people with bad credit
Pingback: Business Valuation
Pingback: analyze instant approval payday loan
Pingback: electronic cigarette price comparison
Pingback: visit site
Pingback: top software
Pingback: cistilni servis Ljubljana
Pingback: hiring truck drivers
Pingback: interior design birmingham
Pingback: chair covers coventry
Pingback: a guide to payday advances
Pingback: wood burning stoves
Pingback: bad credit payday loan
Pingback: instant payday loan
Pingback: searscard
Pingback: casinos online
Pingback: this page is not affiliated
Pingback: Pool Grout
Pingback: best restaurant franchise
Pingback: cheap hotel rooms
Pingback: open site in new window
Pingback: autoblogger
Pingback: healing cold sores
Pingback: mobile phone analysis
Pingback: payday loans
Pingback: in english
Pingback: Location Ile Maurice
Pingback: alkaline ionized water
Pingback: official website
Pingback: 24hr emergency auto repair rochester ny
Pingback: Roof Repair Columbus OH
Pingback: random facts
Pingback: here
Pingback: roofing perth
Pingback: alternative loans info
Pingback: click
Pingback: result
Pingback: click here
Pingback: link
Pingback: Pension
Pingback: prenuptial agreement
Pingback: Plastic Surgeon in NY
Pingback: Accommodation Portland Dorset
Pingback: faxless online payday loans
Pingback: Flying
Pingback: Gody Furniture Click Here
Pingback: czekoladowe fontanny
Pingback: challenge coins
Pingback: free online games for girls
Pingback: a
Pingback: yuken
Pingback: memphis portrait photographer
Pingback: tree surgeons Cardiff
Pingback: long term car rental
Pingback: czekoladowe fontanny
Pingback: various posts
Pingback: Bridgeport oregon
Pingback: friend's site
Pingback: medical website design
Pingback: Mississippi Youth Evangelist
Pingback: annual free credit report
Pingback: drug rehab centers
Pingback: rent seattle sleep apnea
Pingback: tall singles dating on-line
Pingback: your own dating site
Pingback: packaging design jobs
Pingback: team
Pingback: social network marketing
Pingback: internet sales force automation
Pingback: home income cash system
Pingback: security alarm system
Pingback: platinum plus information
Pingback: open in a new browser window
Pingback: business coaching
Pingback: gambling online sites
Pingback: find cell phone
Pingback: Job Search
Pingback: inflatable life jacket
Pingback: nintendo dsi skins
Pingback: property management co discussions
Pingback: payroll services
Pingback: hostgator
Pingback: email hosting
Pingback: gravity defyer shoes
Pingback: Zobu implantu Cenas
Pingback: freecreditreport.gov
Pingback: how to get into vegas clubs
Pingback: pautan
Pingback: Domain host
Pingback: cd player
Pingback: zenmed reviews
Pingback: Make boobs bigger
Pingback: Sauble Beach cottage rentals
Pingback: buy cash check
Pingback: gratisinnserate
Pingback: new york bankruptcy attorney
Pingback: gout
Pingback: Carpet Cleaning Knoxville Tn
Pingback: paket internet
Pingback: funny
Pingback: host companies
Pingback: keylogger windows
Pingback: http://www.facebook.com/starchimachim
Pingback: cheapest rack cards
Pingback: viral blogs
Pingback: rottweiler training
Pingback: practice partner
Pingback: black magic
Pingback: wholesale rottweiler puppies
Pingback: analysis
Pingback: easyloanfast.com
Pingback: novoline book of ra
Pingback: weddings in long island ny
Pingback: swissdent
Pingback: research ideaangels.com
Pingback: abcès buccal
Pingback: orexis reviews
Pingback: medical coding and billing
Pingback: custom retail counter
Pingback: Sizzling Hot
Pingback: medical billing and coding
Pingback: natural horsemanship training
Pingback: www.easyloanfast.com
Pingback: vacation home rentals
Pingback: Location Villa Ile Maurice
Pingback: Casas de Lujo en Miami
Pingback: Sex show
Pingback: relevant webpage
Pingback: Denver Granite Countertops
Pingback: Bet365
Pingback: Juvederm Denver
Pingback: Interior Design Denver
Pingback: Evidence Dentistry Los Angeles
Pingback: increase youtube views
Pingback: Injury attorneys San Francisco
Pingback: sbo
Pingback: search engine marketing specialists
Pingback: pharmacy technician career
Pingback: car accident Lawyer
Pingback: cheap handbags uk
Pingback: juegos para pc
Pingback: innskuddbonuser
Pingback: Blogs for lawyers
Pingback: egipt sharm el sheik
Pingback: Dealer Profile
Pingback: Nikola Tesla freie Energie
Pingback: web traffic
Pingback: asian girls
Pingback: beautiful people
Pingback: Best Battery Chargers
Pingback: Real Estate Charlotte
Pingback: tn pas cher discussions
Pingback: worth reading
Pingback: go here for more info
Pingback: pictures of pandora s box
Pingback: Agencja Reklamowa Poznań
Pingback: jobsearch
Pingback: uniquesurroundings.biz
Pingback: juegos para nokia c3
Pingback: golshifteh farahani
Pingback: Puppy Shots
Pingback: Hotels In Watertown NY
Pingback: homes in draper utah
Pingback: solar energy
Pingback: http://www.compila.com
Pingback: http://www.hostingent.com
Pingback: intangible
Pingback: debt negotiation canada
Pingback: follow us on twitter
Pingback: copyright
Pingback: click here
Pingback: fast cash payday loans
Pingback: www.easyloanfast.com
Pingback: tragus peircings
Pingback: Social Bookmark
Pingback: ibuprofendosage.info
Pingback: link
Pingback: check this out
Pingback: shredding services
Pingback: website traffic
Pingback: drum kits
Pingback: stomach Cancer
Pingback: TaeKwonDo
Pingback: Viagra
Pingback: upholstery cleaning liverpool
Pingback: commercial painters brisbane
Pingback: read
Pingback: car finance
Pingback: research low cost life insurance
Pingback: ppi claim
Pingback: Seite
Pingback: click to call
Pingback: online insurance ce credits
Pingback: NH dental insurance
Pingback: Darjeeling hotels
Pingback: payday loans
Pingback: zija
Pingback: Zulutrade
Pingback: analyze aurora car loan
Pingback: a guide to social media applications
Pingback: tutor perth
Pingback: get click here!
Pingback: win at roulette
Pingback: evoluent vertical mouse review
Pingback: Fast weight loss
Pingback: Mallorca Properties
Pingback: auto repair rochester new york
Pingback: kids party places in nj
Pingback: nashville seo
Pingback: hostgator coupon
Pingback: painter brisbane
Pingback: official website
Pingback: sleeping baby
Pingback: medicare fraud laws
Pingback: sleep apnea specialist
Pingback: tell us what you think
Pingback: burn fat and build muscle
Pingback: source
Pingback: buying car with bad credit
Pingback: colored contacts for dark eyes
Pingback: jailbraek me
Pingback: property lawyer in bangalore
Pingback: vitamin c shower filter
Pingback: jailbreak iphone 3.2
Pingback: quality insurance rate
Pingback: affiliate marketing
Pingback: local marketing
Pingback: check out emergency cash loan
Pingback: backlinks
Pingback: standing desk modification
Pingback: click here
Pingback: comptia certification
Pingback: check this website for pallet delivery
Pingback: som anabolic muscle maximizer
Pingback: more info here
Pingback: needs
Pingback: site link
Pingback: painful night grinding
Pingback: prepper
Pingback: homes in lehi
Pingback: Penge Online
Pingback: www.easyloanfast.com
Pingback: Best Airplane Games
Pingback: family day care brisbane
Pingback: Rhinoplasty
Pingback: olive oil for acne
Pingback: can we unlock iphone 4
Pingback: outdoor marijuana seeds
Pingback: selling a business
Pingback: Perfume Joy
Pingback: wedding Bands
Pingback: go here for more info
Pingback: follow us on twitter
Pingback: Debt Settlement
Pingback: wen hair care reviews
Pingback: read this
Pingback: Disney Pins
Pingback: ERP systems
Pingback: car loan for bad credit
Pingback: promo video
Pingback: PhuketCamp
Pingback: legal protection insurance
Pingback: car scratch repairs
Pingback: best manual juicer
Pingback: guaranteed car finance
Pingback: best restaurant franchise chat
Pingback: india jobs
Pingback: Kyle leon
Pingback: http://positivechangecareers.com
Pingback: pharmalife olive leaf extract
Pingback: Las Vegas
Pingback: Selene
Pingback: bed bugs
Pingback: king commissions
Pingback: dubstep software
Pingback: online casino
Pingback: official website
Pingback: Citalopram Side Effects
Pingback: sleeping aids
Pingback: quality sell jewelry
Pingback: www.easyloanfast.com
Pingback: elliptical to lose weight
Pingback: visit logo design
Pingback: secure file transfer server
Pingback: Herpes Simplex 1
Pingback: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Pingback: equity release
Pingback: open in a new browser
Pingback: follow us on twitter
Pingback: conservatory quote service
Pingback: Downline Builders
Pingback: indien
Pingback: How To Recruit In MLM
Pingback: no fax payday advances information
Pingback: seo methods
Pingback: internet atlanta insurance
Pingback: Key To Success
Pingback: after bankruptcy auto loans
Pingback: painting brisbane
Pingback: inspirational quotes
Pingback: NuSkin Training
Pingback: Nikken Help
Pingback: payday advances
Pingback: www.easyloanfast.com
Pingback: violin master pro
Pingback: continue reading
Pingback: found it
Pingback: article
Pingback: click here
Pingback: women tall
Pingback: Natures Sunshine Help
Pingback: custom challenge coins
Pingback: filipino store
Pingback: Scentsy Training
Pingback: shanghai nightlife
Pingback: ps3 reparatie
Pingback: unlock locked iphone