Islam vs. Zoroastrianism

Attribute	Islam	Zoroastrianism
Founder	Prophet Muhammad	Zarathustra
Holy Book	Quran	Avesta
Belief in One God	Yes	Yes
Place of Worship	Mosque	Fire Temple
Major Holidays	Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha	Nowruz, Gahanbar

Beliefs

Islam and Zoroastrianism are two ancient religions that have shaped the beliefs and practices of millions of people around the world. Islam is a monotheistic religion that believes in one God, Allah, and follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Quran. Zoroastrianism, on the other hand, is also a monotheistic religion that believes in one God, Ahura Mazda, and follows the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster as revealed in the Avesta.

In Islam, the Five Pillars are the core beliefs and practices that every Muslim must follow, including the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Zoroastrianism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds in order to achieve a state of purity and righteousness.

Scriptures

The holy book of Islam is the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran covers a wide range of topics, including theology, morality, and guidance for daily life. Zoroastrianism, on the other hand, follows the teachings of the Avesta, which is a collection of sacred texts that include hymns, prayers, and rituals.

Both religions place a strong emphasis on the concept of judgment after death, with Islam believing in a Day of Judgment where individuals will be held accountable for their actions, and Zoroastrianism believing in a final judgment where the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked punished.

Practices

Islam and Zoroastrianism have distinct practices that are central to their respective faiths. In Islam, Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast during the month of Ramadan, give to charity, and perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they are able. Zoroastrians, on the other hand, participate in rituals such as the Yasna ceremony, which involves the offering of prayers and sacrifices to Ahura Mazda.

Another key practice in Zoroastrianism is the practice of keeping a sacred fire burning in temples, which symbolizes the presence of Ahura Mazda. This practice is not found in Islam, where the focus is more on personal prayer and devotion to Allah.

Afterlife

Both Islam and Zoroastrianism have beliefs about the afterlife that shape the way their followers live their lives. In Islam, the concept of paradise and hell are central to the faith, with the righteous being rewarded with eternal bliss in paradise and the wicked being punished in hell. Zoroastrianism, on the other hand, believes in a final judgment where the righteous will be reunited with Ahura Mazda in the spiritual realm of Garo Demana, while the wicked will be condemned to the realm of darkness.

Both religions believe in the immortality of the soul and the idea that individuals will be judged based on their actions in life. This belief in accountability after death serves as a motivation for followers to live a righteous and moral life according to the teachings of their respective faiths.

Community

Islam and Zoroastrianism both place a strong emphasis on community and the importance of supporting and caring for one another. In Islam, the concept of ummah, or community, is central to the faith, with Muslims encouraged to support one another in times of need and to work together for the common good. Zoroastrianism, on the other hand, values the idea of a close-knit community that practices mutual aid and support.

Both religions also have specific rituals and practices that are meant to strengthen the bonds within the community, such as communal prayers, festivals, and gatherings. These communal practices help to create a sense of unity and belonging among the followers of Islam and Zoroastrianism.