Prophet

== Zoroastrianism ==
{{main|Zoroaster}}
[[File:CIMRM_44-Mithraic_pater_(Dura_Europos)_B.jpg|thumb |upright|3rd-century [[Mithraic]] depiction of Zoroaster found in [[Dura Europos]], [[Syria]] by [[Franz Cumont]]]]

[[Zoroastrianism]], among the world's earliest recorded [[Monotheism|monotheistic religions]], holds a significant position in shaping the concept of prophets and prophecy. Founded by the revered figure [[Zoroaster]] (or Zarathustra) in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE, Zoroastrianism introduced fundamental ideas that profoundly influenced subsequent religious and philosophical traditions, particularly in its portrayal of prophetic figures.{{sfnp|Boyce|2001|p=26}}

At the heart of Zoroastrian belief lies the concept of a singular supreme deity, [[Ahura Mazda]], engaged in an eternal struggle against the forces of darkness and chaos, embodied by [[Angra Mainyu]]. Zoroaster, as the primary prophet of this faith, received divine revelations and visions from Ahura Mazda, which formed the basis of the [[Avesta]], the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism.{{sfnp|Boyce|1984|p=1}}

Zoroaster's role as a prophet established a template for future religious leaders and visionaries. He articulated monotheistic principles, [[ethical dualism]], and the idea of a cosmic battle between good and evil, influencing not only the religious landscape of [[ancient Persia]] but also later traditions such as [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], [[Islam]], and [[Thelema]].<ref>{{cite book |first=John Joseph |last=Saunders |chapter=II The Prophet |isbn=978-1-134-93005-0 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_d2KAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT30 |title=A History of Medieval Islam |year=2002 |publisher=Routledge }}</ref>

The legacy of Zoroastrianism in shaping the understanding of prophets is profound. Zoroaster's direct communication with the divine, his role as a mediator between humanity and the divine will, and his teachings about moral righteousness laid the groundwork for the concept of prophethood as it evolved in subsequent religious traditions.{{sfnp|Kriwaczek|2003}}

Influence from Zoroastrian thought can be seen in the characterization of prophets as individuals chosen by a single supreme deity to convey divine messages, guide communities, and uphold moral principles. The structured prophetic tradition established by Zoroaster set a precedent for future prophets, shaping how societies perceive and interact with visionary figures throughout history.<ref>{{cite book |last=Levitin |first=Dmitri |year=2015 |title=Ancient Wisdom in the Age of the New Science: Histories of Philosophy in England, C. 1640-1700 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1107105881}}</ref>

While other ancient civilizations may have had individuals who served similar functions, Zoroastrianism's systematic approach to prophecy and its enduring influence on subsequent religious thought solidified its place in history as a foundational example of prophetic tradition, enriching humanity's understanding of the divine and the role of prophets in conveying its will.{{sfnp|Kriwaczek|2003}}