| The
Persian civilization spawned three major religions:
Zoroastrianism, Manichaeanism, and the Baha'i Faith.
Other religions such as Mazdakism and Manichaenism
also arose from ancient Iran, with the former having
been dubbed the first communistic ideology, and
the latter heavily influencing Saint Augustine,
hence, indirectly influencing Christianity: Both
religions were sub-branches of Zoroastrianism. The
religion of Zoroastrianism originates from ancient
Persia. Zoroastrianism is said to be the first monotheistic
religion.
Most
Persians in Iran are Shia Muslims, while some
communities of Shia Sufis also exist. There is
also a sizeable number of Sunni Muslims. Historically,
some of the greatest Sunni Muslim scholars in
history were Persian or had Persian descent, including
Abu Dawood, Al Muslim, Hakim al-Nishaburi,Tabari,Ghazali,Bukhari,Termazi,Nesaee
and Abu Hanifa, amongst many others. There are
also smaller communities of Zoroastrians, Christians,
Jews, and Baha'is. There are also Persians who
are Atheist and Agnostic. Also see religious minorities
in Iran. |
