Divine Agents and Kings with a Farr(ah) of Iranshahr, from Kiyomars to Ardawan the Parthian, in Tabari's History

In ancient Iran, the concept of "Farr(ah)" was associated with the divine and social legitimacy of kings. It was believed that God bestowed "Farr(ah)" upon them, linking and guiding them. References to "Farr-e-Shah" have been prominent in sources predating Islam, and Iranian scholars after Islam have become familiar with this concept through access to some of these sources. The historian, Quran interpreter, jurist, and renowned Iranian theologian Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, before other Muslim scholars, mentioned the concept of the Iranian "Farr." In his work "Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk", he refers to the kings of ancient Iran using terms such as "Beauty," "Support," "Aid," "Glory," "Majesty," and "Dominance" to describe the "Farr" of Iranian kings. According to him, these kings were sacred and owner of Farr. This "Farr," which represented divine support and guidance, granted kings qualities such as wisdom, knowledge, awareness, vigilance, prudence, purity, righteousness, justice, beauty, strength, bravery, and power. With the aid of "Farr," these monarchs undertook great and diverse actions within their domains—such as developing lands, building homes, cities, constructing channels and rivers, extracting various minerals, creating prosperity and comfort, establishing social classes and ranks, utilizing plants, domesticating animals, fighting enemies, and combating evil spirits and sorcerers. The kings of ancient Iran, as servants of God and holders of the "Farr" bestowed by the divine, are mentioned in al-Tabari's history, ranging from kings such as key mythic figures like Keyumars, Hushang, Tahmuras, Jamshid, Fereydun, Iraj, Manuchehr, Zo, Keyqobad, Keykavus, Kavoos, Siyawash, Keykhosrow, Loharasp, Bishtasp, Ardshir Bahman, Khomani, the Great, the Dara, Alexander, and Ashk.