Understanding AL-MAJŪS (المجوس): The Magians 🔥
Comprehensive Definition
AL-MAJŪS (المجوس), the plural form of Majūsī, refers to the Magians, an ancient sect from the East known for their philosophical traditions and religious practices predominantly surrounding fire worship. Mentioned in the Qurʾān once, the Magians are grouped with Jews, Sabeites, and Christians as People of the Book who had a divine revelation that is now considered lost.
Etymology
The term “Majūs” (مَجوس) is derived from the Old Persian word “Magus,” which refers to the Zoroastrian priestly caste during ancient Persian times. The term was absorbed into Arabic and Islamic literature to denote Zoroastrians.
Background
The Magians historically were the priests of the Zoroastrian religion. The Magians or Zoroastrians are believed to have originally studied cosmology and held fire as the purest symbol of the Divine Being, which distinguished them from their contemporaries like the Sabeans who worshipped heavenly bodies directly. Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra) reformed this religion in the 6th century BCE.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Differences:
- Rituals: The Magians used fire in their rituals, considering it a divine symbol, quite different from other monotheistic Abrahamic religions which do not prioritize fire in religious practice.
- Scriptures: The Magians’ primary religious text is the Zend Avesta, different from the other Abrahamic texts like the Torah, Bible, and Qurʾān.
Similarities:
- Monotheism: Like Abrahamic religions, Zoroastrianism promotes worship of a single deity, Ahura Mazda.
- Prophet Principle: The concept of a prophet delivering God’s message is present in both Zoroastrianism and Islam.
Synonyms
- Zoroastrians
- Fire-Worshippers (though not accurate in theological terms)
- Gabrs (in modern Persia)
- Pārsīs (in India)
Antonyms
- Polytheists
- Idol Worshippers
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Zend Avesta: The sacred texts of Zoroastrianism.
- Ahura Mazda: The supreme god in Zoroastrianism.
- Zoroaster/Zarathustra: The prophet and religious reformer of Zoroastrianism.
- Shīʿah: A branch of Islam where prominent Islamic scholars speculate about former revelations possessed by Magians.
Exciting Facts
- The Magians were reputed astrologers and were among the wise men said to have visited Jesus following his birth, as per Christian tradition.
- Zoroastrianism significantly influenced other major religions with concepts like heaven, hell, and final judgment.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“As to those who believe, and the Jews, and the Sabeites, and the Christians, and the Magians, and those who join other gods with God, of a truth, God shall decide between them on the Day of Resurrection: for God is witness of all things.” - The Qurʾān Sūrah xxii. 17
References and Suggested Literature
- The Zend Avesta, translated by A. H. Bleeck (1864)
- The History of Zoroastrianism by Mary Boyce
- A Comparative Study of Religions by William Owen Cole
- An Introduction to Islam by Frederick Mathewson Denny
- Studies in Zoroastrian Mysticism by R.C. Zaehner
Quizzes
Farewell Thought: “Exploring different faiths deepens our respect and understanding for the myriad ways humanity seeks the Divine. Let’s embrace diversity in our journey towards wisdom.” — Zayd Al-Yamani, October 2023
