زرتشت ازم کے شعائر، رسوم اور روایات: اسلامی تناظر میں اجمالی جائزہ

Zoroastrianism is an ancient Iranian religion founded by an Iranian Prophet and scholar Zoroaster. It is claimed by some foremost scholars that this is the most ancient religion of the world which influenced the other major religions of the world like, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The main source to know the Zoroastrianism is Avesta, Denkart and Bundahishn (sacred books) from which we know the terminologies and traditions of this religion. Main two spirits are Ahura mazda (god of pleasure and goodness) and Ahriman (god of evil) and seven more main spirits which are called as angels are Amesha spentas which show the actual spirit and direction of this ancient religion. Some of the concepts and traditions are same which exists in Islam but with different names and features, like prayers and matters after death, heaven and hell. In this article, main focus is on tradition and terminologies of this ancient religion to know its actual spirit to get the basic information and main themes for initial reader of this religion from Islamic theological pers-pective. No doubt, Zoroastrianism is one the amended religions exist on earth yet because of the similarity of various rituals with Islam. However, Zoroastrianism is being considered reve-aled religion and Zoroaster as true prophet of Allah.

Physical, Biochemical and Genetic Properties of Indigenous Walnut Juglans Regia L. Genotypes in Malakand Division

Malakand division of North West Frontier Province, Pakistan is famous for the production of walnuts and it alone contributes about 82% of the total country’s walnut production. However, the specie is being aggressively cut due to multiple uses of walnut bark and wood, leading to the extinction and genetic erosion of valuable walnut germplasm. To conserve this specie, surveys were conducted in four walnut growing districts of Malakand division during the years 2005 and 2006 and nut samples from 226 walnut genotypes were collected. Data were recorded on various qualitative and quantitative traits. On the basis of data analyses 18 superior walnut genotypes along with two exotic varieties were selected for further detail study. Results revealed that several of our indigenous genotypes excelled the existing exotic varieties growing in Pakistan in various quality aspects. Bio-chemical composition of the selected genotypes revealed that the percent crude fat ranged from 54.7 to 63.8% whereas crude protein from 10.45 to 14.50% and carbohydrates between 13.10 to 26.95 percent. At molecular level genotypes showed various levels of genetic polymorphism for the loci detected by using primers GLA-05 and GLA-10. Maximum genetic distance (100%) was observed between Payne and Sw-58 and Payne and Serr, closely followed at 94% dissimilarity between Payne and Dr-67. Based on the data from the dendrogram, the walnut genotypes were classified in to four major groups. Maximum numbers (13) of genotypes fall in group-I. Sw-58 was the only genotypes in group-IV and the most distinct from others. The response of selected walnut genotypes to graft take success was also studied. Results revealed that graft take success was highest (75.33%) in genotypes Ch-22 and Sw-8 (74.00%), while lowest (40.00%) in genotype Ch-7. During one growing season, Ch-20 attained maximum plant height (192.40cm) compared to minimum (56.63cm) in genotype Sw-46. Three different summer walnut propagation methods on 10 different dates were also examined. Results revealed that among the three methods of summer budding, patch budding performed on 20th July yielded the highest bud take success of 57.5%. Previously there was no concept of budding in walnut nurseries in the region. Thus by practicing summer budding along with winter grafting in walnut nurseries will certainly increase farmers income.