Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, was a prophet who founded Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest active religions. He envisioned a universe where Ahura Mazda, the wise Lord, is the supreme being and source of all good, while Angra Mainyu, or Ahriman, is the destructive spirit and source of all evil. Zoroaster emphasized that humans have free will and are responsible for their actions, and that their choices between good and evil would determine their fate in the afterlife.
Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, is believed to have been born between 1500 and 1000 BC, although the exact date and place of his birth are uncertain. Some scholars suggest that he was born in eastern Iran, while others believe he was from western Iran. He is thought to have been a priest, but he had a spiritual awakening at the age of 30 when he had a vision of a shining being who introduced him to Ahura Mazda, the wise Lord. This marked the beginning of his prophetic mission to spread the teachings of monotheism. Zoroaster's teachings were initially met with resistance, but he eventually gained a following and royal patronage. He is believed to have lived for about 77 years. The details of his death are also uncertain, but it is generally believed that he was killed during a religious ritual.
As a religious figure who lived millennia ago, Zoroaster did not receive awards or recognitions in the modern sense. However, his influence is significant; he is revered as a prophet and the founder of Zoroastrianism, a religion that was the dominant faith of the Persian Empire for over a millennium and continues to be practiced by communities around the world today. His teachings have also influenced other major religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
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