Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest known monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra) in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE. Zoroastrianism emphasizes the battle between good and evil, with Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity, representing light, truth, and goodness, and Angra Mainyu (Ahriman) representing darkness, falsehood, and evil. Followers of Zoroastrianism believe in the concept of free will and individual responsibility for one's actions. They also practice rituals such as fire worship and believe in a cosmic cycle of creation, destruction, and ultimate purification of the universe. Although Zoroastrianism was once a major religion, it has significantly declined over the centuries and is now primarily practiced by a small population in Iran and India.
