Zoroastrian Religion

Zoroastrianism: The Ancient Religion of Persia

The History of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions, dating back to ancient Persia. It was founded by the prophet Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, who lived around 1500 BC. Zoroastrianism teaches that there is one god, Ahura Mazda, who is the creator of all things. Ahura Mazda is a benevolent god who is opposed by Angra Mainyu, the god of evil.

Zoroastrianism was the official religion of the Persian Empire for over a thousand years. However, after the Arab conquest of Persia in the 7th century AD, Zoroastrianism began to decline. Today, there are an estimated 2.6 million Zoroastrians worldwide, most of whom live in India and Iran.

The Beliefs of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism teaches that the world is a battleground between good and evil. Ahura Mazda is the god of good, and Angra Mainyu is the god of evil. Humans have a choice to follow either good or evil, and their actions will determine their fate after death.

Zoroastrianism also teaches that there is a afterlife, where the good will be rewarded and the evil will be punished. The afterlife is divided into two realms, heaven and hell. Heaven is a place of happiness and peace, while hell is a place of suffering and torment.

The Practices of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism has a number of religious practices, including prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. Zoroastrians also believe in the importance of good deeds, and they strive to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Ahura Mazda.

One of the most important Zoroastrian practices is the Haoma ritual. Haoma is a sacred plant that is used to make a ritual drink. The Haoma ritual is performed to honor Ahura Mazda and to ask for his protection.

The Impact of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism has had a significant impact on the development of other religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Zoroastrianism teaches about the importance of good versus evil and the afterlife, which are concepts that are found in many other religions.

Zoroastrianism is a rich and complex religion with a long and fascinating history. It is a religion that teaches about the importance of good deeds and living a life in accordance with the teachings of God.

Additional Resources

• The Zoroastrian Association of North America
• Zoroastrianism
• Zoroastrianism: The Ancient Persian Religion