Zoroastrianism - frequently asked questions

Questions people often ask…

What sort of influence has Zoroastrianism has on the world’s other major religions?
Zoroastrian ideas have played a vital role in the development of religious thought in the east and west. For example, just some of the theological concepts that the faith shared with Judaism and Christianity include:

• Belief in one supreme and loving God
• Heaven and hell, and individual judgement
• Ultimate triumph of good over evil
• Strict moral and ethical codes
• Messiah coming for the final restoration
• Resurrection, final judgement and life everlasting
• Satan, paradise and amen are words with Zoroastrian origins

Interestingly, the three Wise Men (Magi) that heralded the infant Christ, were Zoroastrians. Even today, frankincense and myrrh are offered at the altars of Zoroastrian temples.

What rituals do Zoroastrians carry out after someone dies?
Zoroastrians believe that death represents the victory of evil over good. As a result, they dispose of corpses as quickly as possible, with minimum impact on the living. In India and Pakistan, this has traditionally meant laying the body in a dokhma – a confined consecrated building also known as the tower of silence. Here, dead bodies are consumed by vultures and their bones destroyed by lime in a deep pit.

Do Zoroastrians believe fasting and celibacy?
No. Zoroastrians believe that such practices weaken people, making it more difficult for them to battle evil. They also believe that the good life is a gift from Ahura Mazda (God). People should live life to the full while practising moderation.