Hukhta Publications

About Zoroastrianism

The First Monotheistic Religion

Zoroastrianism is one of the significant religions of the world in spite of guesstimates putting its followers at only 200,000 worldwide, with around 5,000 of them in Canada. Its significance lies in the fact that it is the oldest living monotheistic religion, which influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Zarathushtra Spitama (referred to as Zoroaster by the Greeks hence the term Zoroastrians used for those who follow his message) was born sometime between 4,000 BCE – 650 BCE. The actual era is debated by various scholars. In the primitive time when Zarathushtra lived, people believed in a pantheon of gods and demons. Zarathushtra observed the Laws of Nature and saw that events in Nature had cycles, that there was cause and effect, that Nature followed a system. He was the first to realize that there is only ONE force behind the creation, maintenance and progression of our Universe. He called this force Ahura Mazda meaning Lord (Ahura) Wise (Mazda).

Mazdao sakhare mair ishto

Mazda alone is the most adorable. (Ha 29-4)

This revelation came to Zarathushtra when he was thirty years old, and for the next half century till his death at the age of seventy-seven, he practiced, preached, and spread the Truth that was revealed to him. His teachings were collected into five Gathas or “holy hymns” in which he promoted a life of free choice, respect for all creations, and social justice for all humankind.