Zoroastrianism is considered to be one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. Founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster nearly 3500 years ago in the area of what is now northeast Iran and southwest Afghanistan, Zoroastrianism grew to be one of the most powerful religions in the world. Zoroastrianism is a dualist religion, meaning that they believe in the duality of two conflicting forces that are in a constant struggle. The supreme deity of Ahura Mazda is the force of good and the creator of the world, and the force of evil is known as Ahriman. There are some philosophers who believe that this duality of good vs. evil and other Zoroastrian doctrines, helped to set the foundation for other religions such as the Christian and Jewish faiths.
The following is a look at some basic beliefs and practices in the Zoroastrian religion.
The Concept of Hell
Like Christianity, Zoroastrianism is an apocalyptic religion. Zoroastrians believe that Ahura Mazda will return one day to triumph over evil, that evil doers will be punished and that the good will be rewarded in heaven. However, unlike Christians, Zoroastrians believe that hell is only a temporary place where the sinners will be cleansed by fire.
The symbolism of Fire
Fire holds great significance in the Zoroastrian religion. They believe that fire represents Ahura Mazda's wisdom. A living flame is one of the symbols of Zoroastrianism. Although some people mistakenly believe that Zoroastrians worship fire, this is not true. More accurately, Ahura Mazda is worshipped through a sacred fire that is believed to contain his presence.
Holy Scriptures
The Avestas are the main Zoroastrian Holy Scriptures. A portion that contains hymns thought to have been written by the prophet Zoroaster is called the Gathas. Another portion that contains ethical codes of conduct is known as the Venidad.
Customs and Holidays
The initiation ceremony for Zoroastrian children is known as a Navjote. This ceremony typically takes place sometime between the ages of 7 and 15.
All initiated Zoroastrians wear a white sacred shirt known as a sudre or sudrah. A cord known as a kushti is worn around the waist and it is untied and retied several times throughout the day, mainly before prayers and mealtimes. The untying and retying of the kushti is a small ceremony in itself consisting in part of a short prayer before and after.
Two main Zoroastrian holidays are Farvardigan and No Ruz. Farvardigan is a ten-day observance when the souls of the departed are remembered. Zoroastrians from India, who are known as Parsis, refer to Farvardigan as Mukhtad. During this time believers say prayers for the departed at the fire temples and have traditional congregational worship. Afterwards, families will have individual rituals conducted by a priest in the temple, where they will leave offerings of fruit, incense or money to the souls of their ancestors and departed loved ones.
No Ruz (also known as Nawruz and Nowruz) is New Year's holiday that is celebrated at the time of spring equinox. No Ruz is typically celebrated with worship, prayers, family celebrations and feasts.
Iranian Zoroastrians, who are called Gabars, currently number about 10,000. In India, where a fairly significant number of Zoroastrians reside, they are known as Parsis. Worldwide there are approximately 200,000 people who practice the Zoroastrian religion.
