Zoroastrianism - tell me more
Facts and information
The Zoroastrian holy book is called the Avesta, which was written hundreds of years after Zarathushtra lived. The Gathas are the Prophet Zarathushtra’s sacred hymns. The Gathas are part of the Avesta.
One of the strongest parts of the Zoroastrian faith is thinking, saying and doing good things. Zoroastrians believe that by thinking good thoughts (or Humata) they will speak good words (or Hukhta). Because of this they will do good deeds (Hvarshta). are dedicated to ethical and moral excellence.
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Their understanding of god
Zoroastrianism was probably the first religion to have one God, called Ahura Mazda. He created a good world made of seven things, which were sky, water, earth, plants, cattle, humans, and fire.
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How it began
This religion began with the prophet Zarathushtra. He is sometimes called Zoroaster, which is the Greek way of saying Zarathustra.
Zarathustra lived in Eastern Iran sometime between 1500 to 1000 BCE. No-one knows exactly when he lived. Zarathushtra taught that there are 2 forces in the world, good and bad. People are free to choose between good and bad, but honest people will only choose the good.
Zoroastrianism became the Persian Empire’s main religion around 600 BC.
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About worship
Zoroastrians pray at fire temples. Zoroastrians respect fire as the symbol of Ahura Mazda, but they do not actually worship fire.
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How many people believe in this faith?
There are around 140,000 Zoroastrians in the world. The Parsee community is the largest group of Zoroastrians.
There are 100,000 Zoroastrians in India, 30,000 in Iran, 4,000 in Pakistan, and around 7,000 in Britain.
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| Diet
Zoroastrians do not have to follow any rules on diet, but many choose not to eat pork and beef or are vegetarian. This maybe a personal choice, or out of respect to the other religions of India and Iran.
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