INTRODUCTION OF ZOROASTRIANISM

Zoroastrianism is an ancient Aryan religion that originated in Persia more than 3500 years ago. Though it has relatively few adherents, about one hundred and thirty thousand in the whole world, it is one of the oldest religions. Zoroaster was the founder of Zoroastrianism in the religion of Persia(or Faras) Iran, also commonly known as Parsi-ism. It is also known as the religion of fire worshippers and Magianism.

The Zoroastrian religion is founded on the three tenets of 'Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.' The Parsis believe that fire, water, air and earth are pure element to be preserved and therefore they do not cremate or bury their dead ones but leave them on high towers, specially built for this purpose, to be eaten by hawks and crows. The Zoroastrians are fastidious and meticulous where their religion is concerned, and their festivals are also structured to reflect the chief aims of Zoroastrianism. 

Scriptures

Parsi Scriptures consist of Dasatir and Vesta or Zend-Avesta. Dasatir is further divided into two parts: Khurda Dasatir and Kalan Dasatir. ^{[1] [a]}

Beliefs

Zoroastrians believe in one God, called Ahura Mazda (meaning 'Wise Lord'). He is compassionate, just, and is the creator of the universe. The word ‘KHUDA’ is the Persian word used for calling their god ie, Ahura Mazda.

According to Zoroastrians, Ahura Mazda is:

• Omniscient (knows everything)

• Omnipotent (all powerful)

• Omnipresent (is everywhere)

• Impossible for humans to conceive

• Unchanging

• The Creator of life

• The Source of all goodness and happiness  ^[2]

Prophets

Zoroastrianism was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago. The precise date of the founding of Zoroastrianism is uncertain. An approximate date of 1200-1500 BCE has been established. The name Zoroaster is a Greek rendering of the name Zarathustra. He is known as Zarathusti in Persian and Zaratosht in Gujarati. Zoroaster believed in one creator God, teaching that only one God was worthy of worship. ^[3]

Festivals

• Noruz or New Year

• Khordad Sal

• Gahambar / Gahanbar ^[4]

Quick facts

• Zoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world.

• 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 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.

• Zoroaster consistently contrasts these two peoples as the People of Righteousness ( asha ) and the People of the Lie ( druj ). 

• Zoroastrians are roughly split into two groups:
  • 
    The Iranians
  • The Parsis  ^{[5] [6]}

See also

SCRIPTURES OF ZOROASTRIANISM; CONCEPT OF GOD IN ZOROASTRIANISM; PROPHECY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD ﷺIN ZOROASTRIANISM; THE AQEEDAH OF TAWHEED; Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

References

[1] http://irf.net/zoroastrianism.html

[a] http://globalbhasin.blogspot.in/2012/01/global-cultural-variances.html

[2] http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/beliefs/god.shtml

[3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/history/zoroaster_1.shtml

[4] http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/holydays/calendar.shtml

[5] http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/zoroastrian/ataglance/glance.shtml

[6] http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/society/zoroastrianism-origins-beliefs.html