Zoroastrianism (al-Majus / Magians)

Biography

The Quran mentions al-Majus once, listing them separately from the believers, Jews, Sabians, Christians and polytheists (22:17). Historically, Zoroastrianism traces to the Iranian prophet-figure Zarathustra (Zoroaster), whose dates are heavily disputed. Its scripture, the Avesta, centres on Ahura Mazda as the wise lord, with a cosmic struggle against Angra Mainyu (Ahriman). It was the religion of the Iranian empires, becoming the state religion of the Sasanians until the Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE.

In Sahih Bukhari, Umar ibn al-Khattab did not take jizya from the Majus until Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf testified that the Prophet ﷺ took it from the Majus of Hajar (Bahrain region). A report in the Muwatta of Imam Malik states 'treat them according to the practice for the People of the Book', though jurists generally did not permit marrying their women or eating their slaughter.

Scholarly opinion: some early Muslim scholars, relying on a report attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib (its chain is considered weak by many hadith critics), held that the Majus once had a revealed book that was lifted or lost. Some modern Muslim writers also note the strong monotheistic emphasis of the earliest hymns (Gathas). On this view, original monotheism later shifted into a dualistic theology and fire-temple ritual. This is presented as scholarly opinion, not established fact.

Academic note: scholars debate whether early Zoroastrianism was monotheistic, dualistic, or henotheistic; the Islamic reading is one interpretive lens.