Zoroastrianism and the Baha'i Faith

Two smaller traditions show how religions can be ancient or very new, and influential beyond their size. Zoroastrianism, founded by the Iranian prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), possibly between about 1500 and 1000 BCE though dates are much debated, teaches worship of one wise creator, Ahura Mazda, and a cosmic struggle between truth (asha) and the lie (druj). Followers pursue 'good thoughts, good words, good deeds', revere fire as a symbol of purity, and believe in judgment after death.

It was the faith of Persian empires, and some scholars argue its ideas of a final judgment and heaven and hell influenced Judaism, Christianity and Islam, though this remains debated. After the Arab conquest of Persia, many Zoroastrians migrated to India, where they are known as Parsis. The Baha'i Faith arose in 19th-century Iran with the Bab and Baha'u'llah (1817–1892), teaching the unity of God, of religions and of humanity, including equality of women and men. Baha'is have faced persecution in Iran.