Novel Revives Forgotten Iranian Commander in Early Islam

Date: 29 October 2025 - 22:12

News ID: ۱۴۵۲۲۰

TEHRAN -- In the annals of early Islamic history, few figures embody the intersection of Iranian heritage and the rise of Islam like Firuz Dailami.
Hussein Omidi’s new historical novel, I Am Firuz Dailami, brings this relatively obscure commander to life, exploring his role as a military leader and cultural intermediary during the transformative years of Prophet Muhammad’s mission.
Dailami hailed from the Dailam region and served under Bazan ibn Sasan, a Sasanian governor stationed in Yemen. He was entrusted with protecting caravans and navigating the complex political and religious landscape of the region.
According to Omidi, Dailami’s story reflects a broader historical reality: the gradual acceptance of Islam among Iranian elites and princes, illustrating the intertwined destinies of Persian and Islamic civilization.
Drawing on historical chronicles such as Tarikh al-Tabari and Tarikh Ibn Asir, Omidi blends meticulous research with narrative imagination. The novel recounts campaigns, political intrigues, and encounters with local rulers and figures claiming prophetic authority.
One episode details encounters with insurgent leaders in Yemen whose religious pretensions echo, in some ways, modern extremist movements. These historical vignettes underscore the enduring tensions between power, faith, and identity.
Critics highlight the novel’s dual function as both literary work and educational tool. Hamid Babaei, a literary scholar, describes Dailami as “a symbol of the history of Islam in Iran,” emphasizing the importance of preserving awareness of early Islamic figures and Iranian contributions to the faith.
Omidi adds that the story is intended to inspire a deeper understanding of cultural and religious heritage among contemporary readers.
Beyond the battlefield, Dailami’s life illustrates a theme central to Persian history: the negotiation of identity amid political upheaval. As a commander navigating the early Islamic world, he exemplifies strategic caution and cultural adaptability, practicing taqiyya—or careful discretion—to protect himself and his community in volatile circumstances.
Omidi’s novel is more than historical reconstruction; it is a meditation on faith, loyalty, and cultural memory. By presenting Dailami’s story, it invites readers to reflect on how early Iranians contributed to the spread of Islam and how their experiences continue to shape national and religious identity today.
Published by Beh Nashr under the auspices of Astan Quds Razavi, I Am Firuz Dailami spans 251 pages, offering a vivid portrait of a pivotal figure at the crossroads of Persian history and Islamic civilization.
Through the lens of Dailami’s life, readers gain insight into the complexities of early Islamic society and the enduring legacy of Iran’s historical actors.