Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. It was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Iran around 3500 years ago. For more than a 1000 years, Zoroastrianism was one of the most powerful and most important religions in the world and was for a time the official religion of Ancient Persia.
    There is some confusion as to how many followers there are with reported numbers ranging from a mere 200,000 to over 2.5 million.

• Zoroastrians believe there is one God who is called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and  that he created the world.
• Zoroastrians have gained a reputation as fire-worshipers, however, Zoroastrians believe that the elements are pure and that fire only represents God's light and wisdom.
• Ahura Mazda revealed the truth of the world through the Prophet Zoroaster.
• Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day.
• Zoroastrians worship in a Fire Temple or Agiary.
• The Zoroastrian book of Holy Scriptures is called The Avesta.
• The Avesta can be split into two main sections:
  • The Avesta is the oldest and is central to the scriptures, which contain the Gathas. The Gathas are seventeen hymns believed to be composed by Zoroaster.
  • The Younger Avesta - explains the older Avestan and was written years later. It also contains myths, stories and details of rituals