“Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest religions and philosophical belief systems, originating around 1200 BCE with the teachings of Zarathushtra Spitama. Zoroastrians believe there is a single creator of existence, Ahura Mazda, which is ever-present in nature and attainable by the living. Moreover, it is believed that Ahura Mazda designed existence to progress towards its best or ideal state, in part by the aid of humanity. As such, Zoroastrianism heavily emphasizes ethical behavior, believing it is each person’s responsibility, man or woman, to aid in this process and do good by their thoughts, words, and deeds. The search for truth and knowledge is also a key aspect of the religion, emphasized for its own intrinsic value and how it enables one to make existence better.

Zarathushtra originally taught his teachings as a philosophical and spiritual system to a small group of followers somewhere in Central Asia, perhaps modern day Badakhshan. However, this later evolved into an organized religion and spread across many lands. It existed as the primary religion of ancient Iran, or Persia, for thousands of years. In these times, Zoroastrians produced much science, philosophy, and religious literature and had a profound impact on Judaism and Greek philosophy. Unfortunately, this was put to an end during the Muslim conquest of Persia (642–651 AD), and Zoroastrians were steadily persecuted over many centuries, leading to the eventual decline of the religion.

Today, Zoroastrianism exists primarily among small communities in Iran and India, as well as in small diaspora communities throughout Europe and North America.” –  Zarathushtrian Assembly