A Comparative Study of the Concepts of Good and Evil in Islam and Zoroastrianism

Abstract

The concept of good and evil forms one of the fundamental bases of human thought and philosophy, profoundly influencing the intellectual and moral frameworks of various religions and civilizations. This study presents a comparative analysis of the Islamic and Zoroastrian perspectives on good and evil. In Zoroastrianism, good and evil are portrayed as two eternal and opposing forces Ahura Mazda representing good and Ahriman representing evil engaged in a cosmic struggle. In contrast, Islam views both good and evil as originating from the will of a single Creator, Allah Almighty, who possesses complete authority over all things. According to the Qur’an and Sunnah, good and evil serve as part of the divine test of human life, wherein mankind is entrusted with free will and moral responsibility. The study explores the theological foundations, moral implications, and philosophical interpretations within both traditions, highlighting how Zoroastrian dualism and Islamic monotheism offer distinct yet insightful understandings of good and evil.

Keywords: Islam, Zoroastrianism, Good, Evil, Monotheism, Dualism, Ethics