Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek)
was the first monotheist. This means he was the first person who
believed in one God.
Zoroastrians call their God
Ahura Mazda. Ahura means "Lord" and Mazda means "Wisdom".
Zoroastrians believe that
Ahura Mazda is their Friend. And their purpose in this world is to help
God make the world a better place to live.
Zarathushtra says there are
two ways of thinking in the world. One is good and the other is bad.
Every one is free to choose
between good and bad. However, only those who choose the good will
achieve happiness and peace.
Zoroastrians pray at fire
temples. They respect fire because it is the symbol of Ahura Mazda. But
Zoroastrians never worship fire.
Zoroastrianism has
influenced Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Ideas like heaven and hell,
afterlife, and coming of a savior all have roots in Zoroastrianism.
The Zoroastrian holy book is
the Gathas, the sacred hymns of Righteous Zarathushtra. The Gathas are
part of the Avesta. The Avesta is an ancient Zoroastrian religious book
written centuries after Zarathushtra. Some beliefs in the Avesta are
against Zarathushtra's views.
Zarathushtra has offered his
sacred Message to all mankind not just the Iranians. Anyone who
is interested in his ideas can convert to Zoroastrianism.
Zoroastrianism is based on
Good Thoughts, Good Deeds, and Good Words.