Zoroastrians

Zoroastrians are followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest continuous religions, native to ancient Iran. The religion centers on the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra), traditionally dated to the first millennium BCE. Zoroastrianism emphasizes a single creator, Ahura Mazda, who embodies truth and order, in a cosmic struggle against Angra Mainyu, the destructive spirit. Humans are urged to choose truth, order, and good thoughts, words, and deeds.

Core beliefs include the concepts of asha (truth and cosmic order) and free will, with a dualistic outlook rather than a simple trinity. The Amesha Spentas are divine emanations that guide righteousness. After death, souls cross the Chinvat Bridge to judgment; the righteous enter the bright realm of Ahura Mazda, while the wicked may suffer until final judgment. Ethical conduct, charity, and compassion are emphasized as essential duties of daily life.

The Avesta is the primary sacred text, comprising hymns (Gathas) attributed to Zoroaster and later liturgical writings in Avestan and Middle Persian. Zoroastrian worship is commonly conducted in fire temples, with fire seen as a symbol of divine light. Initiation through Navjote marks entry into the faith, and life-cycle rites cover birth, marriage, and death. Traditional funerary practices in some communities involve exposure in towers of silence.

Today, global Zoroastrian populations are estimated at around 120,000 to 190,000. The historic core comprises Parsis in India and Iranis in Iran, with sizable diasporic communities in North America, Europe, and Australia. The community faces demographic pressures from low birth rates and emigration, prompting ongoing preservation, outreach, and intercommunity dialogue to sustain the tradition.