Early Muslim Scholars in Religionswissenchaft: A Study of Zoroastrianism in Islamic Religious Traditions

Abstract

The Quran is not only the book of wisdom, it is also the book of the science of religion (religionswissenchaft). Apart from delivering theological teachings, the Quran is a bona fide source of other religious traditions. Considered the speech of Allāh, it not only provides divine guidance to its audience but also dispenses references and information concerning religions, religious beliefs, norms, and basic principles, which are related to various aspects of life. Hence, it is based on Qur’ānic directives that the Muslims can devise their approach to understand other religious traditions. Zoroastrianism is portrayed in the Quran as a tradition worthy of further study. This paper attempts to examine Zoroastrianism from an Islamic perspective.