Differences between Zoroastrianism and Sufi Islam

Comparison between Sufi Islam and Zoroastrianism. Data table, Data visualization.

1. Aspect Sufi Islam Zoroastrianism Why Irreconcilable
Concept of God and DualismStrict monotheism (Tawhid)
with no partners for Allah,
though Sufism's pantheism
softens this by seeing divine
essence in creation. Evil stems
from human or satanic rebellion
(Iblis as a created being with
free will), not an independent
force.
Monotheism with ethical
dualism: Ahura Mazda as the
good creator, opposed by Angra
Mainyu (destructive spirit) as a
rival force emanating from but
challenging the divine. Evil is an
external, cosmic opponent.
Islam (including Sufism) views
dualism as shirk (associating
partners with God), an
unpardonable sin. Sufism's
borrowed dualistic metaphors
(e.g., good/evil contrasts) are
reframed Islamically, but
Zoroastrianism's inherent
dualism cannot be squared with
Tawhid without dilution.
Prophetic Authority and
Scriptures
Muhammad as the final
prophet, with the Quran as the
ultimate, unaltered revelation.
Sufis revere additional mystical
insights (e.g., from saints like
Rumi) but subordinate them to
Islamic foundations.
Zoroaster (Zarathustra) as the
prophet, with the Avesta
(especially Gathas) as sacred
texts. No recognition of later
prophets like Muhammad.
Islam requires the Shahada
(testimony of faith in Allah and
Muhammad), which
Zoroastrianism rejects. Sufism,
as Islamic, cannot accept
Zoroaster as superseding
Muhammad without heresy.
Relationship with the DivineEmphasis on submission (islam)
to God's will, even in mystical
union (fana). Sufi paths involve
surrender to Allah through
devotion.
Focus on active free will and
partnership with Ahura Mazda;
no concept of submission but
infinite paths to ethical living
and divine alignment.
Sufism's "passive submission"
clashes with Zoroastrianism's
empowerment of human
agency, making joint practice
incompatible without
redefining core attitudes toward
divinity.
Historical and Social RelationsSufism developed amid Islamic
conquests of Zoroastrian Persia,
leading to accommodations
(e.g., shared festivals) but also
persecution, temple
destruction, and forced
conversions. Zoroastrians were
labeled non-believers (kafir),
facing taxes and discrimination.
Viewed Islam as an invading
force that suppressed
Zoroastrian institutions, with
atrocities under Sufi-influenced
regimes (e.g., Safavid Iran).
Historical enmity, including
modern discrimination in Iran,
creates irreparable trust issues.
Zoroastrians not being "people
of the book" in Islam bars full
social integration (e.g.,
marriage, food sharing).
Intermediaries and WorshipSufis often venerate saints (pirs)
for intercession, seen by critics
as echoing pre-Islamic
paganism but opposed by
orthodox Islam.
Direct worship without saints;
fire as a symbol of purity, not
intermediaries.
Sufi saint veneration risks shirk
in strict views, while
Zoroastrianism avoids such
hierarchies, leading to doctrinal
conflict.