TheIranian religions, also known as thePersian religions, are, in the context ofcomparative religion, a grouping of religious movements that originated in theIranian plateau, which accounts for the bulk of what is called "Greater Iran".
Scythian religion: The religion of theScythians and precursor to modernAssianism. Some researchers further speculate thatDaevas may partly be based on Scythian gods, hence further influences across Iranian religions as a whole.[4]
Zoroastrianism: The present-day umbrella term for the indigenous native beliefs and practices of the Iranian peoples. While present-day Zoroastrianism is monolithic, a continuation of theelite form of theSasanian Empire, in antiquity it had several variants or denominations, differing slightly by location, ethnic affiliation and historical period. It once had large population and high diversity.
Zurvanism: By the lateAchaemenid Empire, Zoroastrianism was also evident as Zurvanism (Zurvanite Zoroastrianism), amonistdualism that had a following as late as the Sasanian Empire.
Mazdakism: A late-5th or early-6th century proto-socialist, gnostic offshoot of Zoroastrianism that sought to do away withprivate property.
Mithraism: A mystery religion centred around the proto-Zoroastrian Persian god Mithras that was widely practised in the Roman Empire from about the 1st to the 4th centuries.
Manichaeism: A 3rd centurydualist religion that may have been influenced byMandaeism. Manichaeans believe in a "Father of Greatness" (Aramaic:Abbā dəRabbūṯā, Persian:pīd ī wuzurgīh) and observe Him to be the highest deity (of light).
The early Islamic period saw the development ofPersian mysticism, a traditional interpretation of existence, life and love with Perso-IslamicSufi monotheism as its practical aspect. This development believed in a direct perception of spiritual truth (God), through mystic practices based on divine love.
Khurramites, a 9th-century religious and political movement based on the 8th century teachings ofSunpadh, who preached a syncretism of Shia Islam and Zoroastrianism. UnderBabak Khorramdin, the movement sought the redistribution of private wealth and the abolition of Islam.
Behafaridians, an 8th-century cult movement around the prophetBehafarid. Although the movement is considered to have its roots in Zoroastrianism, Behafarid and his followers were executed on charges (made by Zoroastrians) of harm to both Zoroastrianism and Islam.
Yarsanism, a religion which is believed to have been founded in the late 14th century. The basis of faith is belief in one God, who manifests in 1 primary form and 6 secondary ones, and together they are the Holy Seven.
Druze faith: an esoteric, monotheistic ethnic religion whose tenets include reincarnation and the eternity of the soul. It was founded by the PersianHamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad, an Ismaili mystic from Khorasan, and another important early preacher and 'prophet' of the religion was the Persianad-Darazi, after whom the religion has taken its name.
Media related toIranian religions at Wikimedia Commons
