Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Yazd (2)

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Faravahar

Parsee Wedding 1905

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Dinastia tang, shanxi, straniero dal volto velato, 600-750 ca

Ossuary, Mullakurgan (near Samarkand), Uzbekistan, 7-8th century CE

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Young avestan geography

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions. It is a monotheistic faith centered on a dualistic cosmology of good and evil and an eschatology predicting the ultimate conquest of evil with ethical and spiritual principles. At its core, Zoroastrianism promotes the concepts of asha (truth and order), the importance of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, and the worship of Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) as the supreme deity. The religion was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in the early part of the 1st millennium BCE in ancient Iran. It has influenced various religious and philosophical systems, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Beliefs and Practices

Zoroastrianism is characterized by the worship of Ahura Mazda, who is the highest deity and is considered the creator of all good. Ahura Mazda is opposed by Angra Mainyu (or Ahriman), the spirit of destruction, violence, and deceit. Followers of Zoroastrianism are expected to support Ahura Mazda in the battle against evil by promoting truth and righteousness, symbolized by fire, which is considered pure and sacred in Zoroastrian worship.

The Avesta is the holy book of Zoroastrianism, containing its liturgy, hymns, and religious texts. The most important section of the Avesta is the Yasna, which includes the Gathas, hymns believed to have been composed by Zoroaster himself. These texts lay out the religion's key theological concepts and ethical teachings.

Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day, and their places of worship are called fire temples, where a sacred fire is kept burning at all times, symbolizing Ahura Mazda's eternal power. The religion also prescribes various rituals for purification and the celebration of important festivals, such as Nowruz (the New Year) and Yalda (the winter solstice).

History

Zoroastrianism emerged in the eastern part of ancient Iran, a region that was culturally and politically significant. It gained prominence when it was adopted by powerful Persian empires, starting with the Achaemenid dynasty (c. 550–330 BCE). During this period, Zoroastrianism spread across the empire, influencing a vast area and becoming a major world religion.

The religion's status changed with the conquests of Alexander the Great and the subsequent rise of the Parthian and Sasanian empires, during which Zoroastrianism was promoted as the state religion. However, the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE led to the gradual decline of Zoroastrianism in its homeland. Many Zoroastrians migrated to India, where they became known as the Parsis, and to other parts of the world, maintaining their distinct religious identity.

Demographics

Today, Zoroastrian communities are relatively small, with the largest populations in India, Iran, and diaspora communities in North America and Europe. Despite its small size, the Zoroastrian community has played a significant role in the economic, cultural, and social life of the regions where it is present.

Modern Challenges and Revival

Zoroastrianism faces challenges such as declining numbers due to low birth rates and conversions to other religions. However, there has been a recent interest in Zoroastrian philosophy and ecological ethics, leading to a revival of sorts in various parts of the world. Efforts are being made to preserve Zoroastrian heritage and to educate both Zoroastrians and non-Zoroastrians about the religion's teachings and practices.