Zoroaster is the founder of
Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest religions in the world. According to the
Avesta, the sacred text of the religion, the prophet was born in Azerbaijan, in northern Persia, around seventh century BC. There is however no concrete evidence to the date of birth.
It is believed that Zoroaster received a divine vision from Ahura Mazda, the wise god of the religion. He was chosen by the god to spread the truth. Gifted with the divine vision, Zoroaster went about preaching the new religion. He is believed to be the earliest proponent of monotheism.
Zoroaster, like many other prophets, had to face lots of hardships. He along with his followers were forced to leave their land. He was however given sanctuary by a king, under whom he became a court prophet. It was during this tenure as the court prophet that Zoroaster composed the Gathas, the prayer songs of the Parsis.
