Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, the religion of ancient Persia (now Iran and Afghanistan). Ahura Mazda also is known as Ohrmazd. The name Ahura Mazda means “wise lord.” According to Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda created all things. However, an evil spirit named Ahriman tries to cause destruction in the universe through evil creatures. Consequently, Ahura Mazda and Ahriman oppose each other in a huge, ongoing struggle.
Zoroastrianism, with its struggle between Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, introduced the concept of dualism into religion. Dualism is the idea that two opposing forces—good and evil—exist in direct conflict with one another. According to Zoroastrian dualism, human beings have free will to choose a side in the battle between good and evil. At the end of time, Ahura Mazda will judge everyone depending on which side they chose.
Zoroastrianism is named for the prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathushtra or Zarathustra). Zoroaster lived between 1200 and 1000 B.C. in what is now northeastern Iran. He composed a number of songs, known as the Gathas, that contain the earliest words credited to Ahura Mazda. The Gathas are collected in a sacred book called the Avesta. They are written in a language known as Avestan.
