Purpose: Justice, regarded as a central pillar in the sustainability and stability of societies and governments, has always been a subject of profound importance. This study, based on historical and textual analysis, explores the role of the concept of 'Dād' during the Sasanian era in Iran. It focuses on how dynastic structures and moral virtues, shaped by Zoroastrian religious teachings, contributed to the understanding and continuation of justice (Dād) in this period. Method and Research: While the connection between justice and the class-based Sasanian society is well known, this research examines the dynamic and sometimes contradictory relationship between ethical ideals and practical governance. This approach provides a more profound insight into how order and legitimacy were not only upheld but actively strengthened across various levels of Sasanian society. Findings and Conclusions: The term Dād, frequently found in Pahlavi and Avestan texts, is rooted in Zoroastrian moral principles. It refers to the just distribution of duties, power, and resources, and serves to justify the legitimacy of the Sasanian monarchy. Findings show that justice, while grounded in religious ethics, was operationalized through dynastic and class systems that defined responsibilities and maintained fairness in distributing authority and wealth. This interplay played a key role in maintaining social cohesion and political stability, strengthening Sasanian rule. Disregarding this balance, the study argues, could have led to structural decline and even collapse
Najafiardebili, B. and Saneidarebidy, M. (2025). The Role of Dynastic Structures and Moral Virtues in the Realization of Justice during the Sasanian Era. Journal of Iranian Studies, 24(48), 443-464. doi: 10.22103/jis.2025.25043.2714
MLA
Najafiardebili, B. , and Saneidarebidy, M. . "The Role of Dynastic Structures and Moral Virtues in the Realization of Justice during the Sasanian Era", Journal of Iranian Studies, 24, 48, 2025, 443-464. doi: 10.22103/jis.2025.25043.2714
HARVARD
Najafiardebili, B., Saneidarebidy, M. (2025). 'The Role of Dynastic Structures and Moral Virtues in the Realization of Justice during the Sasanian Era', Journal of Iranian Studies, 24(48), pp. 443-464. doi: 10.22103/jis.2025.25043.2714
CHICAGO
B. Najafiardebili and M. Saneidarebidy, "The Role of Dynastic Structures and Moral Virtues in the Realization of Justice during the Sasanian Era," Journal of Iranian Studies, 24 48 (2025): 443-464, doi: 10.22103/jis.2025.25043.2714
VANCOUVER
Najafiardebili, B., Saneidarebidy, M. The Role of Dynastic Structures and Moral Virtues in the Realization of Justice during the Sasanian Era. Journal of Iranian Studies, 2025; 24(48): 443-464. doi: 10.22103/jis.2025.25043.2714
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