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Posted on 02/23/2026 3:02:37 AM PST by Cronos
In Zoroastrianism, the dog is regarded as an especially beneficent, clean and righteous creature, which must be fed and taken care of. The dog is praised for the useful work it performs in the household, but it is also seen as having special spiritual virtues.
A dog’s gaze is considered to be purifying and to drive off daevas (demons). It is also believed to have a special connection with the afterlife: the Chinwad Bridge to Heaven is said to be guarded by dogs in Zoroastrian scripture, and dogs are traditionally fed in commemoration of the dead. Ihtiram-i sag, “respect for the dog”, is a common injunction among Iranian Zoroastrian villagers.
Detailed prescriptions for the appropriate treatment of dogs are found in the Vendidad (a subdivision of the Zoroastrian holy scripture Avesta), especially in chapters 13, 14 and 15, where harsh punishments are imposed for harm inflicted upon a dog and the faithful are required to assist dogs, both domestic and stray, in various ways; often, help or harm to a dog is equated with help and harm to a human.
The killing of a dog (“a shepherd’s dog, or a house-dog, or a Vohunazga [i.e. stray] dog, or a trained dog”) is considered to lead to damnation in the afterlife.
A homeowner is required to take care of a pregnant dog that lies near his home at least until the puppies are born (and in some cases until the puppies are old enough to take care of themselves, namely six months). If the homeowner does not help the dog and the puppies come to harm as a result, “he shall pay for it the penalty for wilful murder”, because “Atar (Fire), the son of Ahura Mazda, watches as well (over a pregnant dog) as he does over a woman”.
It is also a major sin if a man harms a dog by giving it bones that are too hard and become stuck in its throat, or food that is too hot, so that it burns its throat.Giving bad food to a dog is as bad as serving bad food to a human. The believers are required to take care of a dog with a damaged sense of smell, to try to heal it “in the same manner as they would do for one of the faithful” and, if they fail, to tie it lest it should fall into a hole or a body of water and be harmed.
Both according to the Vendidad and in traditional Zoroastrian practice, dogs are allotted some funerary ceremonies analogous to those of humans. In the Vendidad, it is stated that the spirits of a thousand deceased dogs are reincarnated in a single otter (“water dog”), hence the killing of an otter is a terrible crime that brings drought and famine upon the land and must be atoned either by the death of the killer or by the killer performing a very long list of deeds considered pious, including the healing of dogs, raising of puppies, paying of fines to priests, as well as killing of animals considered noxious and unholy (cats, rats, mice and various species of reptiles, amphibians, and insects). Sagdid is a funeral ceremony in which a dog is brought into the room where the body is lying so that it can look on it. “Sagdid” means “dog sight” in the Middle Persian language of Zoroastrian theological works. There are various spiritual benefits thought to be obtained by the ceremony. It is believed that the original purpose was to make certain that the person was really dead, since the dog’s more acute senses would be able to detect signs of life that a human might miss.
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They are considered loyal and pure creatures, with special care mandated in scriptures like the Vendidad.
This contrasts with that religion which hates dogs, and doesn’t want them in the house.
I will note the three magi noted in the New Testament were most likely Zoroastrian.
It was all one big mistake. Look, they misclassified cats as in the “wolves species”:
https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/cat/mythology-and-folklore/
Aisha reported that Gabriel made a promise with Allah’s Messenger to come at a definite hour; that hour came but he did not visit him. And there was in his hand a staff. He threw it from his hand and said: “Never has Allah or His messengers ever broken their promise.” Then he cast a glance, and by chance found a puppy under his cot and said: “Aisha, when did this dog enter here?” She said: “By Allah, I don’t know.” He then commanded and it was turned out. Then Gabriel came and Allah’s Messenger said to him: “You promised me and I waited for you. but you did not come,” whereupon he said: “It was the dog in your house which prevented me, for we do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture.”Imagine that, the mighty Gabriel being prevented from entering a house by a puppy . . .
—Sahih Muslim 5246
Yeah, but cats are considered noxious and unholy, which doesn’t sit right with me. (I have both a cat and a dog)
From what little I know, I like the Zoroastrians a whole lot better than Muslims.
It will be nice to see Iran filled with dogs.
Shhhh... Don't tell Laz that. :-)
Hope you're enjoying your new kittens Laz! :-D
If it is one thing I know about dogs, It’s that greetings are very important to dogs. My neighbor’s little dog loved me to death as well as all the other neighbor’s dogs.
In the Sirah, the biography of mo (written 200 YEARS after he allegedly lived and died), you have
The Prophet was walking when he heard a voice from the sky, looked up, and saw the same angel (who had previously appeared in human form or pressed him in the cave) now in a majestic form, seated on a throne/chair suspended between the sky and the earth. This terrified him, leading him to rush home and ask to be covered, after which Surah Al-Muddaththir (74:1-5) was revealed: “O you enveloped in garments! Arise and warn...”
In Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (the most authentic hadith compilations), via chains including Az-Zuhri: The Prophet said: “While I was walking, I heard a voice from the sky, and raising my head, I saw the angel who had come to me in Hira’, sitting on a throne between heaven and earth. I was terror-stricken on that account and came back (to my family) and said: ‘Wrap me up, wrap me up!’
In Ephesians 2:2 Satan is called “the prince (or ruler) of the power of the air” (Greek: archōn tēs exousias tou aeros).
This refers to his temporary authority over the spiritual realm in the “air” or atmospheric heavens—the space between the earth and the highest heaven where God dwells. It implies influence in the invisible spiritual domain surrounding the world, where demonic forces operate (see also Ephesians 6:12, “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”).
I think much of that comes from the old wives tale about them being “breath stealers” while one is sleeping, especially babies.
The dean of American gun writers, Elmer Keith, mentioned it happening to him as a child in his book “Hell, I was there” and that happened to me too as an adult. I love me some kitties though.
the zoroastrians may be onto something... dogs may be able to tell demons like the ones who visited Muhammad to form the satanic cult called Islam.
I don’t know any but I’m certain I’d have one as a friend before ANY Muslim.
BUMP!
😇 😎
zoroastrian religion
+11
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic faiths, founded in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) between 1500–600 B.C.E.. Centered on the worship of one God, Ahura Mazda, it emphasizes ethical dualism—a cosmic struggle between good and evil—and living by the tenets of “good thoughts, good words, and good deeds”.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+5
Core Beliefs
Monotheism & Dualism: Belief in Ahura Mazda as the supreme creator, opposed by the destructive spirit Angra Mainyu.
Ethical Focus: Life is a battleground where humanity must actively fight evil through truth (asha) and righteousness.
Afterlife: Individuals face judgment based on their moral choices, leading to an ultimate triumph of good.
Symbolism: Fire is considered a sacred symbol of purity, representing the divine light of Ahura Mazda, and is kept burning in temples.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+6
Holy Book & Practices
Avesta: The primary collection of sacred texts, which includes the Gathas—hymns composed by Zoroaster himself.
Worship: Practiced in Fire Temples (Agiyary), where priests tend an eternal flame.
Initiation: Followers wear a sudra (undershirt) and kusti (sacred cord) as symbols of their faith.
New Georgia Encyclopedia
New Georgia Encyclopedia
+3
History & Status
Origins: Originated in Ancient Persia, acting as the state religion for three major dynasties, including the Achaemenids and Sasanians.
Modern Community: Following the Muslim conquest of Persia, many practitioners (called Parsis) migrated to India. Today, it is a small, global minority religion, with adherents located mainly in India, Iran, and the diaspora.
Holidays: Major celebrations include Nowruz (the Persian New Year, March 21) and the Ghambar festivals.
History.com
History.com
+4
Zoroastrianism - New Georgia Encyclopedia
Jul 10, 2018 — Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion based on the teachings of the prophet Zarathushtra. Zarathushtra may have been the first monotheist. He lived about 600 B.
New Georgia Encyclopedia
Zoroastrianism - Wikipedia
Zoroastrianism, also called Mazdayasna and Behdin, is an Iranian religion centred on the Avesta and the teachings of Zarathushtra Spitama, who is more commonly ...
Wikipedia
2:17
Zoroastrianism | HISTORY
History.com·HISTORY.com Editors
Zoroastrianism, an introduction - Smarthistory
Central to Zoroastrianism is the profound dichotomy between good and evil, and the idea that the world was created by God, Ahura Mazda, in order that the two fo...
Smarthistory
Zoroastrianism And Persian Mythology: The Foundation Of Belief
Mar 13, 2021 — Zoroastrian Beliefs And Concepts ... Zoroastrianism revolves around the idea of living through “good thoughts, good words, and good deeds”. The dichotomy of goo...
TheCollector
Ancient Zoroastrianism | History | Research Starters - EBSCO
This religious tradition gained prominence during the reign of the Persian emperor Darius the Great, who actively supported its teachings. Central to Zoroastria...
EBSCO
Zoroastrianism - Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore
Zoroastrians worship in fire temples, called *agiyary* or *atash behram*. The temples have a central altar with a fire that burns day and night. The ashes of th...
Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore
2m
What is Zoroastrianism | The Ancient Religion That Shaped ...
YouTube·FEZANA
Ancient but small in number, Zoroastrians confront depletion of their ...
Jul 1, 2022 — Ancient but small in number, Zoroastrians confront depletion of their faith. ... NEW YORK (AP) — Among the world’s present-day religions, Zoroastrianism, founde...
PBS
Zoroastrianism: History, Beliefs, and Practices
By Dinshaw and Hutoxy Contractor. Zoroastrianism, although the smallest of the major religions of the world in the number of its adherents, is historically one ...
Theosophical Society in America
About Zoroastrianism - ZAMWI
According to Zarathushtra, the world is a battleground between the forces of good and evil. Ultimately, good will prevail over evil. The mission in life is to c...
ZAMWI
An introduction to Zoroastrianism (article) - Khan Academy
In particular, the regions of Sistan and the Helmand basin play an important part in Zoroastrian imagery, suggesting that this area was a center of Zoroastriani...
Khan Academy
Zoroastrianism - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Today. Nowadays, there are about 2.6 million Zoroastrians in the world. Most of them live in Iran, Pakistan and India. In Pakistan and India, they are called Pa...
Wikipedia
Zoroastrianism | URI
Zoroastrianism is a religion that began in Ancient Persia (now Iran). Zoroastrians believe in one God, Ahura Mazda, who created the world. They also believe tha...
URI.org
A few years ago my two black labs would sniff the knees of my Ex when she visited. Looked it up: “you have cancer”. So she went and got checked, yup, breast cancer. The Dr complimented her on early detection. She went thru a year of treatment successfully. From then on the dogs got treats from her.
I have a dog that’s quite a “breath stealer”. When he has an SBD attack, you either wake or perish.
Our neighbors are Zoroastrians and are the nicest people. We raised our families at the same time. Their two sons are very successful. There’s a Zoroastrian young lady at the pharmacy and, after just one prescription pick-up, she called me by name on my next visit. “Hi, Mr. X, nice to see you again!” She is very charming.
But cats should still be worshiped as Gods. ;-)
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