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Zoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet [[Zoroaster]] (Zarathushtra, Zartosht). Mazdaism is the religion that acknowledges the divine authority of [[Ahura Mazda]], proclaimed by Zoroaster to be the one uncreated Creator of all.

Zoroastriansim was founded by Zoroaster, probably around 1,000 BC. Zoroaster 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 became the state religion of the Persian empire.

The [[Avesta]] is the Zorastrian holy book. In it, the words of Zarathushtra 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.

Zoroastriansim teaches in a single, supreme God known as Ahura Mazda. There is also a powerful evil spirit, Angra Mainyu, opposing Ahura Mazda and so somme see Zoroastriansim 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.

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

Small Zoroastrian 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 communities comprise two main groups of people: those of Indian Zoroastrian background, who are known as [[Parsis]] (or Parsees), and those of Iranian background.

In 1996, the number of Zoroastrians worldwide was estimated to be "at most 200,000" (Melton, 1996:837). India's 2001 Census found 69,601 Parsi Zoroastrians. 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 remaining there. North America is thought to be home to 18,000–25,000 Zoroastrians of both Parsi and Iranian background. Iran's figures of Zoroastrians have ranged widely; the last census (1974) before the revolution of 1979 revealed 21,400 Zoroastrians.

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{{returnto}} [[Religions]]