Epistles of Mânûskîhar - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Epistles of Mânûskîhar (also known as the Letters of Manushchihr) represent a significant corpus of 9th-century Zoroastrian religious literature, composed by the high priest Mânûskîhar, son of Juwānjam, during his tenure as the leader of the Zoroastrian community in southern Iran. These epistles, written in Book Pahlavi script, offer invaluable insights into the theological debates and religious practices of medieval Zoroastrianism during a period of significant social and religious transformation.
Dating to approximately 881 CE, the epistles primarily address controversies concerning ritual purity and proper religious observance within the Zoroastrian community. The texts consist of three letters directed to the community of Fars, with particular focus on challenging the teachings of Mânûskîhar's brother Zādspram, whose interpretations of religious law had caused considerable discord among the faithful. The documents provide a rare window into the internal dynamics of Zoroastrian priesthood during the early Islamic period, when the religion faced increasing pressure to maintain its traditional practices.
The epistles are particularly noteworthy for their detailed discussion of religious jurisprudence and ritual procedures, including precise instructions for purification ceremonies and the proper handling of sacred elements. Their preservation has proved crucial for understanding how Zoroastrian authorities attempted to maintain doctrinal uniformity and religious identity in the face of changing social circumstances. The texts reveal a sophisticated system of religious scholarship and legal reasoning that parallels contemporary developments in Islamic law.
The legacy of Mânûskîhar's epistles continues to influence modern understanding of medieval Zoroastrian thought and practice. Their detailed accounts of religious disputes and resolutions provide scholars with essential material for reconstructing the intellectual and social history of Zorostrianism during a critical period of transition. Contemporary researchers particularly value these texts for their insights into how religious minorities navigated periods of significant social change while striving to preserve their traditional beliefs and practices. The epistles remain a testament to the resilience of religious communities in maintaining their identity through careful codification and interpretation of religious law.