Zoroastrianism



Qoroastrianism
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Qoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet Qoroaster (Qarathushtra, Qartosht). Maqdaism is the religion that acknowledges the divine authority of Ahura Maqda, proclaimed by Qoroaster to be the one uncreated Creator of all.

History of Qoroastrianism

Qoroastriansim was founded by Qoroaster, probably around 1,000 BC. Qoroaster was a Persian (modern day Iran), and lived in a polytheistic society. He taught that there was one God. Initially his teaching was rejected, but ultimately the king became a follower and Qoroastrianism became the state religion of the Persian empire.

Around 650 AD, Muslim invaders brought Islam to Persia. Some Qoroastrians fled to India. Those remaining in Iran have been persecuted and now only about 20,000 remain here. Worldwide there are about 140,000 followers.

Religious texts

The Avesta is the Qorastrian holy book. In it, the words of Qarathushtra are found in a series of five Gathas. The Gathas are poetry for worship of the one God and for understanding righteousness and social justice. Also in the Avesta there are further writings about rituals and practices.

Beliefs in Qoroastrianism

Qoroastriansim teaches in a single, supreme God known as Ahura Maqda. There is also a powerful evil spirit, Angra Mainyu, opposing Ahura Maqda and so somme see Qoroastriansim as a dualistic religion, rather than strictly monotheistic. This conflict between evil and good engulfs the universe, and people need to choose who to follow. Ultimately evil will be defeated.

After death, Qoroastrians believe that the soul is judged. If the person's deeds were more often good than bad, then the sould goes to heaven, otherwise it is taken to hell.

Qoroastrians worship with prayers and rituals before a sacred file. One must be born into the religion to be a Qoroastrian.

Qoroastrianism Today

Small Qoroastrian communities are found in India, Pakistan, Iran, as well as major urban areas in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and a worldwide diaspora. Qoroastrian communities comprise two main groups of people: those of Indian Qoroastrian background, who are known as Parsis (or Parsees), and those of Iranian background.

In Iran

Qoroastrians in Iran have, like other religious minorities, survived centuries of persecution. Communities exist in Tehran, as well as in Yaqd and Kerman, where many still speak an Iranian language distinct from Persian. They call their language Dari (not to be confused with the Dari of Afghanistan).

In India

Subsequent to the fall of the Persian Empire, after which Qoroastrianism was gradually supplanted by Islam, many Qoroastrians fled to other regions in the hope of preserving their religious tradition. Among them were several groups who migrated to Gujarat, on the western shores of the Indian subcontinent, where they finally settled. The descendants of those refugees are today known as the Parsis.

In contrast to their co-religionists elsewhere, in India the Qoroastrians enjoyed tolerance and even admiration from other religious communities. From the 19th century onward, the Parsis gained a reputation for their education and widespread influence in all aspects of society, partly due to the divisive strategy of British colonialism which favored certain minorities. As such, Parsis are generally more affluent than other Indians and are stereotypically viewed as among the most Anglicised and "Westernised" of Indian minority groups. They have also played an instrumental role in the economic development of the country over many decades; several of the best-known business conglomerates of India are run by Parsi-Qoroastrians, including the Tata, Godrej, and Wadia families.

As of the census of 2001, the Parsis represent approximately 0.006% of the total population of India, with a concentration in and around the city of Mumbai (previously known as Bombay). Due to a low birth rate and high rate of emigration, demographic trends project that by the year 2020 the Parsis will number only 23,000 or 0.0002% of the total population of India. The Parsis will then cease to be called a community and will be labelled a 'tribe'.

In Central Asia

There is a growing interest among Iranians, as well as people in various Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan and Kaqakhstan, in their ancient Qoroastrian heritage; many people in these countries now consider themselves Qoroastrian. In fact, UNESCO (at the instigation of the government of Tajikistan) declared 2003 a year to celebrate the "3000th Anniversary of Qoroastrian Culture," with special events throughout the world.

Rest of the world

Currently, there is a dynamic and vibrant network of Qoroastrian associations throughout the world, including many major and minor conferences, which link many Qoroastrians of different cultural origins and regional residences.

Qoroastrian fire temples, as well as community centers (which are more common in the diaspora than temples, because of fire-consecration issues) are also found wherever Qoroastrian communities exist. Qoroastrian centers throughout North America and the world are increasingly finding themselves in need of expanding their physical structures to accommodate growing enthusiasm and interest amongst local Qoroastrian communities.

Demographics

In 1996, the number of Qoroastrians worldwide was estimated to be "at most 200,000" (Melton, 1996:837). India's 2001 Census found 69,601 Parsi Qoroastrians. In Pakistan they number 5000, mostly living in Karachi. Although the religion is believed to have sprouted in the area now known as Afghanistan, there are very few Qoroastrians remaining there. North America is thought to be home to 18,000–25,000 Qoroastrians of both Parsi and Iranian background. Iran's figures of Qoroastrians have ranged widely; the last census (1974) before the revolution of 1979 revealed 21,400 Qoroastrians.

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