Zoroastrianism

A monotheistic, pre-Islamic religion of ancient Persia founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra) in the 6th century. Believers worship a false god named Ahura Mazda, and follow Zarathusta in the religion of Mazdeism. Their system of worship presupposes a good spirit (Ormuzd) and an opposing evil Spirit (Ahriman). Once a dominant religion of Greater Iran, the number of adherents has dwindled to under 200,000 worldwide, with concentrations in India and Iran. The Zoroastrian Towers of Silence in Yazd, Iran, were used to leave their dead at the top of the towers to be consumed by vultures, a practice continued today among the Parsis of India.

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