Religion is a term that is very well relevant even in today’s world, and there are different sects of people practicing different religions according to their beliefs.
Zoroastrianism and Islam are basically two major religions that have emerged in almost similar historical eras, and even after being similar to some extent, these two are very different from one another.
Key Takeaways
- Zoroastrianism is an ancient Persian religion, while Islam originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula.
- Zoroastrianism believes in dualism, with Ahura Mazda representing good and Angra Mainyu representing evil; Islam is monotheistic, with Allah as the sole deity.
- Islamic followers adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, whereas Zoroastrians follow three basic tenets: good thoughts, words, and deeds.
Zoroastrianism vs Islam
The difference between Zoroastrianism and Islam is that the former basically represents a particular religion in which people tend to believe that there are basically two kinds of forces in which one is the good one, and the other is the evil one. But on the other hand, the latter basically prescribes one almighty for all the individuals and suggests that people should live their life according to the almighty.
In the 7th century BC, a particular religious sect emerged in the country Persia that is known as Iran today. The basic idea behind people following this particular religion was that there are two types of forces in the world, and they need to stand with the good and noble one in order to fight with the evil one.
This particular set of beliefs was named Zoroastrianism.
But on the other hand, Islam is still dated as one of the major religious practices in many countries, especially in the Asian continent.
People following this particular religion believe that there is just one particular almighty whose directions they are bound to follow while living their lives as humans.
They believe in heaven and hell and also believe in reincarnation.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Zoroastrianism | Islam |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It represents a religion that originated in Persia in the 7th century BC. | It represents a religion that originated Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century BC. |
| Founded by | This religion was founded by a person named Zoroaster. | This religion was founded by Prophet Muhammad. |
| Sacred text | The sacred text of this particular religion is known as Avesta. | The sacred text of this religion is known as Quran. |
| Belief as to what is God | Zoroastrianism believes in one God known as Ahura Mazda. | Islam believes in one God that is known as Allah. |
| Followed in | This religion is mainly followed in India or in Iran. | This religion is followed all across the world by numerous people. |
| Population of followers | Around 100,000 people follow this religion. | Approximately 1.5 billion people follow this religion. |
What is Zoroastrianism?
During the 7th century BC, in a country called Persia, a religious sect emerged known as Zoroastrianism. Persia is now known as Iran, and this religion is widely followed by people all across Iran and India.
The basic principle behind this particular religion was that there are two types of forces in the world that are the good ones and the evil ones, and people need to follow this particular religion in order to support the good one.
People who follow Zoroastrianism believe that there is one God known as Ahura Mazda, and they also believe in one evil force known as Ahura Mainyu.
They also follow a religious book or sacred text known as Avesta.
In this particular book, chapters are contained that basically praise the God known as Ahura Mazda and guide the people as to how the rituals have to be performed.
People following this particular religious belief that one day there shall be a particular battle between the evil and the good, and they will have to take part in that, and according to their chosen side, they will spend the rest of their afterlife.
In today’s time, approximately 100,000 people follow this religion.
What is Islam?
Originated in Middle East Asia or particularly in the Arabian Peninsula, Islam is a very prominent religion that is now extended all across the globe throughout its 1.5 billion followers approximately.
Prophet Muhammad is set to found this particular religion, and he is considered as the messenger of 1 almighty known as Allah.
People practicing Islam are known as Muslims, and they practice a certain set of rituals in order to delve deep into the practices of Islam.
A major distinguishing feature of this particular religion is that it prohibits worshipping any idol in the name of God and basically provides that the person should believe in himself and offer namaz as worship to Allah.
In the past 200 years, this religion has spread across the globe due to many reasons, and one of them happens to be the use of force as well.
In Islam, incest is prohibited to a very large extent, but in some cases, there might be certain incidents in which this practice is somewhat allowed.
Main Differences Between Zoroastrianism and Islam
- Zoroastrianism originated in Persia in the 7th century before Christ, while on the other hand, Islam originated in Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century.
- Zoroastrianism was founded by a person named Zoroaster, while on the other hand, Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad.
- Zoroastrianism is basically followed in Iran and India, while on the other hand, Islam is followed all across the world.
- Zoroastrianism this followed roughly by a population of 100,000 people, while on the other hand, Islam is followed by approximately 1.5 billion people.
- Zoroastrianism promotes incest as a ritual, while on the other hand, Islam prohibits insistence to some extent.
References
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
