Zoroastrian

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions. It is a multi-tendency faith centered on a dualistic cosmology of good and evil and an eschatology predicting the ultimate conquest of evil. Zoroastrian worship is focused on water and fire, elements regarded as pure in the Zoroastrian religion.

History

Zoroastrianism was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago. The religion was the dominant world religion during the Persian empires (559 BC to 651 AD), and it had a significant influence on other religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Beliefs

Zoroastrians believe in one God, called Ahura Mazda. They believe that Ahura Mazda is the creator of life, the source of all goodness and happiness, and that he is opposed by Angra Mainyu, the destructive spirit. The central ethical tenet of Zoroastrianism is the maxim to "think good, speak good, and do good."

Practices

Zoroastrian worship involves a set of rituals and practices, including prayer and the offering of gifts, carried out before a sacred fire. The most important ceremonies are the Yasna, which includes the sacrifice of the sacred liquor, haoma, and the Nawruz, the New Year festival.

Demographics

Today, the Zoroastrian community is estimated to be under 200,000 worldwide, with the largest communities in India, where they are known as Parsis, and in Iran.

See also

• Zoroaster
• Ahura Mazda
• Angra Mainyu
• Yasna
• Nawruz
• Parsi

Zoroastrian Resources
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