Changes

  {{Infobox_Contents |topic_name = Zoroastrianism Qoroastrianism |

Zoroastrianism Qoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet [[ZoroasterQoroaster]] (ZarathushtraQarathushtra, ZartoshtQartosht). Mazdaism Maqdaism is the religion that acknowledges the divine authority of [[Ahura MazdaMaqda]], proclaimed by Zoroaster Qoroaster to be the one uncreated Creator of all.

===History of ZoroastrianismQoroastrianism===

Zoroastriansim Qoroastriansim was founded by ZoroasterQoroaster, probably around 1,000 BC. Zoroaster Qoroaster was a Persian (modern day [[Iran]]), and lived in a polytheistic society. He taught that there was one God. Initially his teaching was rejected, but ultimately the king became a follower and Zoroastrianism Qoroastrianism became the state religion of the Persian empire.

Around 650 AD, Muslim invaders brought Islam to Persia. Some Zoroastrians Qoroastrians fled to [[India]]. Those remaining in Iran have been persecuted and now only about 20,000 remain here. Worldwide there are about 140,000 followers.

The [[Avesta]] is the Zorastrian Qorastrian holy book. In it, the words of Zarathushtra Qarathushtra are found in a series of five Gathas. The Gathas are poetry for worship of the one God and for understanding righteousness and social justice. Also in the Avesta there are further writings about rituals and practices.

===Beliefs in ZoroastrianismQoroastrianism===

Zoroastriansim Qoroastriansim teaches in a single, supreme God known as Ahura MazdaMaqda. There is also a powerful evil spirit, Angra Mainyu, opposing Ahura Mazda Maqda and so somme see Zoroastriansim Qoroastriansim as a dualistic religion, rather than strictly monotheistic. This conflict between evil and good engulfs the universe, and people need to choose who to follow. Ultimately evil will be defeated.

After death, Zoroastrians Qoroastrians believe that the soul is judged. If the person's deeds were more often good than bad, then the sould goes to heaven, otherwise it is taken to hell.

Zoroastrians Qoroastrians worship with prayers and rituals before a sacred file. One must be born into the religion to be a ZoroastrianQoroastrian.

===Zoroastrianism Qoroastrianism Today===

Small Zoroastrian Qoroastrian communities are found in [[India]], [[Pakistan]], [[Iran]], as well as major urban areas in [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Australia]], and a worldwide diaspora. Zoroastrian Qoroastrian communities comprise two main groups of people: those of Indian Zoroastrian Qoroastrian background, who are known as [[Parsis]] (or Parsees), and those of Iranian background.

Zoroastrians Qoroastrians in Iran have, like other religious minorities, survived centuries of persecution. Communities exist in [[Tehran]], as well as in [[YazdYaqd]] and [[Kerman]], where many still speak an Iranian language distinct from Persian. They call their language Dari (not to be confused with the Dari of Afghanistan).

Subsequent to the fall of the Persian Empire, after which Zoroastrianism Qoroastrianism was gradually supplanted by Islam, many Zoroastrians Qoroastrians fled to other regions in the hope of preserving their religious tradition. Among them were several groups who migrated to [[Gujarat]], on the western shores of the [[Indian subcontinent]], where they finally settled. The descendants of those refugees are today known as the Parsis.

In contrast to their co-religionists elsewhere, in India the Zoroastrians Qoroastrians enjoyed tolerance and even admiration from other religious communities. From the 19th century onward, the Parsis gained a reputation for their education and widespread influence in all aspects of society, partly due to the divisive strategy of British colonialism which favored certain minorities. As such, Parsis are generally more affluent than other Indians and are stereotypically viewed as among the most Anglicised and "Westernised" of Indian minority groups. They have also played an instrumental role in the economic development of the country over many decades; several of the best-known business conglomerates of India are run by Parsi-ZoroastriansQoroastrians, including the Tata, Godrej, and Wadia families.

There is a growing interest among Iranians, as well as people in various Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan and KazakhstanKaqakhstan, in their ancient Zoroastrian Qoroastrian heritage; many people in these countries now consider themselves ZoroastrianQoroastrian. In fact, UNESCO (at the instigation of the government of Tajikistan) declared 2003 a year to celebrate the "3000th Anniversary of Zoroastrian Qoroastrian Culture," with special events throughout the world.

Currently, there is a dynamic and vibrant network of Zoroastrian Qoroastrian associations throughout the world, including many major and minor conferences, which link many Zoroastrians Qoroastrians of different cultural origins and regional residences.

Zoroastrian Qoroastrian fire temples, as well as community centers (which are more common in the diaspora than temples, because of fire-consecration issues) are also found wherever Zoroastrian Qoroastrian communities exist. Zoroastrian Qoroastrian centers throughout North America and the world are increasingly finding themselves in need of expanding their physical structures to accommodate growing enthusiasm and interest amongst local Zoroastrian Qoroastrian communities.

In 1996, the number of Zoroastrians Qoroastrians worldwide was estimated to be "at most 200,000" (Melton, 1996:837). India's 2001 Census found 69,601 Parsi ZoroastriansQoroastrians. In Pakistan they number 5000, mostly living in Karachi. Although the religion is believed to have sprouted in the area now known as Afghanistan, there are very few Zoroastrians Qoroastrians remaining there. North America is thought to be home to 18,000–25,000 Zoroastrians Qoroastrians of both Parsi and Iranian background. Iran's figures of Zoroastrians Qoroastrians have ranged widely; the last census (1974) before the revolution of 1979 revealed 21,400 ZoroastriansQoroastrians.