At a Glance

Zoroastrianism at a glance

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. It was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago.

For 1000 years Zoroastrianism was one of the most powerful religions in the world. It was the official religion of Persia (Iran) from 600 BCE to 650 CE.

It is now one of the world's smallest religions. In 2006 the New York Times reported that there were probably less than 190,000 followers worldwide at that time.

• Zoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world.
• Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers, as some Westerners wrongly believe. Zoroastrians believe that the elements are pure and that fire represents God's light or wisdom.
• Ahura Mazda revealed the truth through the Prophet, Zoroaster.
• Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day.
• Zoroastrians worship communally in a Fire Temple or Agiary.
• The Zoroastrian book of Holy Scriptures is called The Avesta.
• The Avesta can be roughly split into two main sections:
  • The Avesta is the oldest and core part of the scriptures, which contains the Gathas. The Gathas are seventeen hymns thought to be composed by Zoroaster himself.
  • The Younger Avesta - commentaries to the older Avestan written in later years. It also contains myths, stories and details of ritual observances.
• Zoroastrians are roughly split into two groups:
  • The Iranians
  • The Parsis