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Sexual orientation in Zoroastrianism is, as in many other religions, a controversial topic with differing consensus over time.
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| Zoroastrianism |
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| Religionportal |
Sexual orientation in Zoroastrianism is, as in many other religions, a controversial topic with differing consensus over time.
Within the Gathas, the sacred hymns attributed directly to Zarathushtra, there exists a singular reference which is considered to touch upon homosexuality. This reference appears in Yasna 51.12, a rhymed verse line. In this verse, the prophet strongly condemns a figure referred to as a “sorcerer poet” or 'vaēpiia'. This term has been translated by Nanavutty to mean 'sodomite' and by Humbach to mean 'passive sodomite'. [1] [2] The term “ vaēpiia” bears significance, in the Vedic tradition, it denotes an inspired, frenzied poet, one whose emotions, feelings, and poetry resonate with a vibration, swinging rhythm, and frenzy. However, intriguingly, the same term is also associated with wanton sexual behavior. In all the other Avestan works, “vaæpyö” takes on a strictly derogatory connotation related to sexuality. The Südgar Nask commentary on the Gathas reinforces this condemnation of sodomy. This understanding of Yasna 51.12 is still prevalent amongst conservative Zoroastrians today. [3] Zoroastrians associated with reformist movements tend to reject this interpretation, this includes Rohinton Nariman's translation and D.J. Irani's translation of the Gathas. [4] [5]
Traditionalist Zoroastrians believe that the Vendidad, one of the books of the Avesta, is an inherent part of Zoroastrian oral tradition even though it was compiled far later than the other parts of the Avesta. [6] [7] [8]
The man that lies with mankind as man lies with womankind, or as woman lies with mankind, is a man that is a Daeva [demon]; this man is a worshipper of the Daevas, a male paramour of the Daevas [9] [10]
This passage has been interpreted to mean that homosexuality is a form of demon worship, and thus sinful. Commentary on this passage suggests that those engaging in sodomy could be killed without permission from the Dastur, the high priest. [10]
Zoroastrianism has been said to have a "hatred of male anal intercourse" that is reflected in at least one mythological tale. When Ahriman, the "Spirit of Aridity and Death" and "Lord of Lies", sought to destroy the world, he engaged in self-sodomy. That caused an "explosion of evil power" and resulted in the birth of a host of evil minions. [11]
Apart from the Vendidad, the Pahlavi scriptures, later religious Persian books considered sacred by many Zoroastrians, also strongly forbid sodomy. [12]
Within modern Zoroastrian communities, attitudes towards homosexuality can vary. [13]
While some adherents, especially in Iran and India hold conservative views that align with traditional interpretations, others have adopted liberal stances in diaspora communities, reflecting broader Western societal shifts. [14]
In recent years, debates surrounding same-sex marriage have emerged within Zoroastrian communities, in regions such as India where the religion maintains a significant presence. Zoroastrian religious leaders have historically upheld socially conservative perspectives on marriage and sexuality, and as recently as 2023 they have publicly decried a religious validity for same-sex marriages. [15]
In India, where Zoroastrians are governed by personal laws under the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act of 1936, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized within the community. Religious leaders, such as Dasturji Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, the high priest of Iranshah Atash Behram, Udvada have voiced opposition to efforts to legalize same-sex marriage among Parsis. Dastoor, the high priest of Iranshah Atash Behram, Udvada, expressed that Zoroastrian ancient texts do not mention same-sex marriages as they date back to a time when such unions were not recognized. The texts focus on marriage between a male and female. Dastoor acknowledges that legal judgments, including those from the Supreme Court, should be respected and followed and so if same-sex marriage becomes legalized, individuals will marry according to the law. However, Dastoor clarifies that ceremonies for same-sex couples would not be allowed to be conducted in Zoroastrian places of worship. [15]
The Avesta is the primary collection of religious literature of Zoroastrianism, with all texts in the Avesta are composed in the Avestan language and are written in the Avestan alphabet. It was compiled and redacted during the late Sassanian period although its individual texts were ″probably″ produced during the Old Iranian period. Before their compilation, these texts had been passed down orally for centuries. The oldest surviving fragment of a text dates to 1323 CE.
Mithra is an ancient Iranian deity (yazata) of covenants, light, oaths, justice, the Sun, contracts, and friendship. In addition to being the divinity of contracts, Mithra is also a judicial figure, an all-seeing protector of Truth (Asha), and the guardian of cattle, the harvest, and the Waters.
The following is the timeline of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people's history.
The Gathas are 17 hymns in the Avestan language from the Zoroastrian oral tradition of the Avesta, the oldest surviving text fragment of which dates from 1323 CE. They are traditionally believed to have been composed by the prophet Zarathushtra (Zoroaster) himself. They form the core of the Zoroastrian liturgy. They are arranged in five different modes or metres.
Atar, Atash, Azar or Dāštāɣni, is the Zoroastrian concept of holy fire, sometimes described in abstract terms as "burning and unburning fire" or "visible and invisible fire". It is considered to be the visible presence of Ahura Mazda and his Asha through the eponymous Yazata. The rituals for purifying a fire are performed 1,128 times a year.
Yasna is the Avestan name of Zoroastrianism's principal act of worship. It is also the name of the primary liturgical collection of Avesta texts, recited during that yasna ceremony.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people in Iran face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Sexual activity between members of the same sex is illegal and can be punishable by death, and people can legally change their assigned sex only through sex reassignment surgery. Currently, Iran is the only country confirmed to execute gay people, though death penalty for homosexuality might be enacted in Afghanistan.
A daeva is a Zoroastrian supernatural entity with disagreeable characteristics. In the Gathas, the oldest texts of the Zoroastrian canon, the daevas are "gods that are rejected". This meaning is – subject to interpretation – perhaps also evident in the Old Persian "daiva inscription" of the 5th century BCE. In the Younger Avesta, the daeva's are divinities that promote chaos and disorder. In later tradition and folklore, the dēws are personifications of every imaginable evil. Over time, the Daeva myth as Div became integrated to islam.
Yazata is the Avestan word for a Zoroastrian concept with a wide range of meanings but generally signifying a divinity. The term literally means "worthy of worship or veneration", and is thus, in this more general sense, also applied to certain healing plants, primordial creatures, the fravashis of the dead, and to certain prayers that are themselves considered holy. The yazatas collectively are "the good powers under Ahura Mazda", who is "the greatest of the yazatas".
Sraosha, is the Avestan name of the Zoroastrian yazata of "Conscience" and "Observance", which is also the literal meaning of his name.
Ahuna Vairya is the first of Zoroastrianism's four Gathic Avestan mantras. The text, which appears in Yasna 27.13, is also known after its opening words yatha ahu vairyo. In Zoroastrian tradition, the mantra is also known as the ahun(a)war.
The Vendidad /ˈvendi'dæd/ or Videvdat or Videvdad is a collection of texts within the greater compendium of the Avesta. However, unlike the other texts of the Avesta, the Vendidad is an ecclesiastical code, not a liturgical manual.
The airyaman ishya is Zoroastrianism's fourth of the four Gathic Avestan mantras, and one of the most important prayers in Zoroastrianism. It is assumed to be a call toward the community or its hypostasis Airyaman.
The Yasna Haptanghaiti (YH), Avestan for "Worship in Seven Chapters," is a set of seven hymns within the greater Yasna collection, the primary liturgical texts of the Zoroastrian Avesta. It is generally believed that the YH spans Yasna 35.2- or 35.3–41.
Nasu is the Avestan name of the female Zoroastrian demon (daeva) of corpse matter. She resides in the north, where the Zoroastrian hell lies. Nasu takes the form of a fly, and is the manifestation of the decay and contamination of corpses (nasa). When a death occurs, Nasu inhabits the corpse and acts as a catalyst for its decomposition. Nasu appears in various texts within the Avesta, notably the Vendidad, as the Vendidad gives particular focus to demons, purification rituals, and the disposal of corpses and other dead matter. Nasu is commonly considered “the greatest polluter of Ahura Mazda’s world.” Belief in Nasu has greatly influenced Zoroastrian funeral rites and burial ceremonies, as well as the general disdain for corpse matter that is harbored within Zoroastrian practitioners.
The Ashem Vohu is the second most important mantra, and one of the most important prayers in Zoroastrianism. It is dedicated to Asha, a Zoroastrian concept denoting truth, order or righteousness.
The history of LGBT people in Iran spans thousands of years. Homosexuality has been viewed as a sin in Islam, and is outlawed in almost all Muslim-majority countries, including Iran. In pre-Islamic Iran, a tradition of homosexuality existed, however most were intolerant of pederasty and sexual activity between two men, especially the Zoroastrians. According to Ammianus Marcellinus, Iranians were “far from immoral relations with boys”.
LGBTQ people have a long history of persecution in Pakistan.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people generally have limited or highly restrictive rights in most parts of the Middle East, and are open to hostility in others. Sex between men is illegal in 9 of the 18 countries that make up the region. It is punishable by death in four of these 18 countries. The rights and freedoms of LGBT citizens are strongly influenced by the prevailing cultural traditions and religious mores of people living in the region – particularly Islam.
Zoroastrian prayer covers a wide range of invocations and utterances, aimed at connecting the faithful with Ahura Mazda or other Zoroastrian divinities. They may be performed in private, in public or at a fire temple.
In the sacred Zoroastrian text[,] the Vendidad, it is stated: 'The man that lies with mankind as man lies with womankind, or as woman lies with mankind, is a man that is a Daeva (demon): this man is a worshipper of the Daevas, a male paramour of the Daevas
Ahura Mazda answered: 'The man that lies with mankind as man lies with womankind, or as woman lies with mankind, is the man that is a Daeva; this one is the man that is a worshipper of the Daevas, that is a male paramour of the Daevas, that is a female paramour of the Daevas, that is a wife to the Daeva; this is the man that is as bad as a Daeva, that is in his whole being a Daeva; this is the man that is a Daeva before he dies, and becomes one of the unseen Daevas after death: so is he, whether he has lain with mankind as mankind, or as womankind. The guilty may be killed by any one, without an order from the Dastur (see § 74 n.), and by this execution an ordinary capital crime may be redeemed.