Mazdaism

Mazdaism is the ancient Iranian religious tradition centered on the worship of Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord. It originated on the Iranian plateau and is traditionally associated with the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra). Dating of Zoroaster is debated, but the movement is commonly placed in the early first millennium BCE. Mazdaism is closely linked with what later generations would call Zoroastrianism.

Beliefs center on Ahura Mazda as the supreme creator who embodies order (asha) and wisdom. The cosmos is depicted as a struggle between good, led by Mazda, and the destructive influence of Angra Mainyu (Ahriman). Humans possess free will to choose righteous thoughts, words, and deeds, maintaining order and promoting truth. After death, the soul faces judgment, and in the end there is a restoration of the world and the ultimate triumph of good.

Texts and practice: The sacred writings are in the Avesta, with the Gathas attributed to Zoroaster as the oldest hymns, complemented by later liturgical and doctrinal works in Middle Persian (Pahlavi). Worship historically centers on fire temples, guided by priests, with emphasis on ritual purity, prayer, and ritual ceremonies such as the Yasna.

History and legacy: Mazdaism flourished in ancient Iran and persisted through the Sassanian era. Its influence declined after the Islamic conquest, though communities survived in Iran, among the Parsis in India, and in the diaspora. In modern usage, the term Mazdaism is sometimes used interchangeably with Zoroastrianism, though scholars often favor the broader term Zoroastrianism for the tradition.