The Arab world is now dominated by one strong and fierce religion. But, during the

dynasties of such nobles as the Achaemenids, a truly noble and proud religion appeared;

Zoroastrianism. The word of this religion was brought to the world by the Persian

prophet Zoroaster. The origins of the religion and the beliefs of Zoroastrianism were and

still are the cornerstone of the religion. During time, the religion depleted in size because

of Mohammed, who introduced and brought the faith of Islam into the world.

Also, Zoroastrianism played a major part in everyday life. Because of its beliefs,

Zoroastrianism could once again arise as a dominate religion. This is not just because of

its beliefs, but also that its roots as a religion are strong and present in many families

today.

The religion of Zoroastrianism is based mainly on two aspects of life. The people

who tell the truth are on the side of Asha, and are know as the people of righteousness.

The others, who are know as the people of the lie, or the Druj, followed the dreary way of

evil. Zoroastrianism is a polytheistic religion which shows people ways of life but lets the

person make a choice of truth or lie. But, it is also believed in Zoroastrianism that a

judgment day will occur when good will defeat evil. In this great battle, Ahura Mazda,

the Lord wisdom would fight Angra Mainya, the Fiendish spirit for control over the

world. During this war between good and evil, Ahura Mazda and his assistants would

defeat the evil Angra Mainya. Furthermore, all evil would be eliminated on earth in an

ordeal in which fire and molten metal would burn away all evil and only leave behind

good.

It is believed that Zoroastrianism first appeared as a religion during the reign of

Darius I in Persia. Zoroaster, as he was know by the Greeks, proposed this religion to

Darius I and it was accepted. It was believed that Zoroaster had saw an invision from the

Lord Wisdom Ahura Mazda. Zoroastrianism continued to grow under Grecian rule with

the likes of the Seleucids ruling Persia. Also, under the Parthian Arsacids, Zoroaster was

a dominate religion. From 226-641 AD, Persia was finally back under Persian rule with

the Sassanids. During this time, Zoroastrianism grew rapidly and was the most powerful

religion in Persia. Eventually under the Sassanids, who were of Zoroastrian belief, made

Zoroastrianism the official state religion. This meant that everyone was

now of this belief since that a emperor ordered it. Overtime, Zoroastrianism soon

depleted in size mainly because of the ascension of another religion, Islam. During the

7th century, Persia was slowly converted to the faith of Islam by the Arabs. Because of

this, people of this religion were not safe in a dominate Islam society and most were

faced with another dilemma, death. The Islamic people converted the Zoroastrian people

with force. However, Zoroastrian still lives on in eastern parts in India because the Islam

crusaders never reached this far away place.

Even though not much is know how Zoroastrianism played a role in the

household of Persians, it is know that it did help their lives. Zoroastrianism brought the

people of Persia a religion which based on two ideologies, old and new. Zoroastrianism

had brought along many aspects from the past which included the Magi. This tribe of

people, which produced the prophet Zoroaster, were though to have had a pre-Zoroastrian

religion. But, after the rise of this religion, they headed Zoroastrianism as priests and

pretty much ran the temples of Zoroastrianism. They were though to have reputed power

over demons and this gave rise to the word magic. The main new ideology of

Zoroastrianism was that of good conquering evil. With this combination of old and new,

a very well balanced, high moral religion was produced.

Zoroastrianism has played a major role in the way our world works today. For

example, this religion shows the people of the world very strong and righteous morals

such as telling the truth and telling lies. It was believed by them that truth overcomes lies,

which today is still taught. It is also seen as the right thing to do. Nevertheless, this

religion knew that this would not always be the case and showed us that everyone has the

choice of truth or lie. No one is ever forced to lie, it is there choice. This is what was

taught many centuries ago and it can been still seen like this today. There is no reason

why Zoroastrianism could not arise to be powerful again because the beliefs which were

used so many years ago have not considerably faded or changed and are still seen in the

same way. This is why Zoroastrianism is such a wonderful religion which should not be

over looked, but cherished.

Bibliography

Zoroaster Microsoft Bookshelf 1994. CD-ROM

Columbia University Press, 1995

Zoroaster Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM

Funk & Wagnals Corporation, 1994

Zoroastrianism Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM

Funk & Wagnals Corporation, 1994

Zoroastrianism The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus. Cd-ROM

McClelland & Stewart Inc. 1996

Zoroaster The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus. Cd-ROM

McClelland & Stewart Inc. 1996

Magi The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus. Cd-ROM

McClelland & Stewart Inc. 1996

Zoroaster and Avesta: Overview and FAQ:

Zaehner, R. C. “Zoroastrianism” World Book

Encyclopedia. 1996

Boyce, Mary, R.C. Zaehner, J.H. Moulton “Zoroastrianism”

Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia. 1992

Word Count: 807