Revisiting the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism: Its founder and sacred scripture

This research paper seeks to study the founder and sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, which is the religion of the ancient Persia and the Parsees arising out of the polytheistic traditions of Iran and India. Although today its adherents are few in number, yet the study of this religion is very crucial. The objective of this paper is to revisit the ancient Persian religion in order to provide for young scholars and students of comparative religion appropriate historical facts and evidences about the founder and sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism. This study investigates: firstly, the ancient Persian beliefs before the advent of Zoroastrianism; secondly, Prophet Zarathushtra or Zoroaster, the founder of this religion, who preached monotheism – the worship of only one God, called Ahura Mazda – the Wise Lord; and lastly, the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, which is considered by Zoroastrians as a revelation revealed by God to their Prophet, Zoroaster. This paper focuses on the founder and sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, and therefore, a study can be done on the main doctrines and festivals of Zoroastrianism. Descriptive and analytical methods are used in the entire study. The findings of this research paper add important information to the existing literature on Zoroastrianism