Religions and Mysticism

Religions and Mysticism

Symbols and manifestations of Farr(ah) during the reign of Bahram Gur of the Sasanian dynasty in al-Tabari’s History

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Religions, Faculty of Religions and Islamic Educations, International University of Islamic Denominations, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Farr(ah) is a divine gift bestowed by God, granting its possessor wisdom, truth, power, victory, light, glory, and beauty. The concept of Farr(ah) was highly significant in the realm of religious and political thought in ancient Iran; particularly during the Sasanian era, it signified the social legitimacy and religious authority of the king. Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, the great Persian commentator of the Quran, jurist, theologian, and influential historian, is the author of the History of the Prophets and Kings, which is the first major Islamic and Persian source to refer to the ancient concept of "Farr(ah). " Tabari had access to the Sasanian Khwaday-Namag (Books of Lords) and through them became aware of this important concept in ancient Iranian thought; he even seems to have transmitted it into Islamic theology in the form of the concept of "Khalifa Allah" (God’s vicegerent). This article examines the symbols and manifestations of "Farrah" during the reign of Bahram Gur, as narrated in Tarikh al-Tabari. The symbols and signs of Bahram Gur’s possession of Farrah appear in lion and elephant hunting, his countenance, crown and adornments, fire, horse, wisdom, good governance and prosperity, courage, strength and martial arts, benevolence and generosity, and victory in wars.
Keywords
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