We often perceive religions as separate, distinct islands, but a closer look at their core doctrines reveals profound, shared currents—especially when seen through the unifying lens of Tawhid (the absolute Oneness of God).

Our recent journey into Zoroastrianism, the ancient faith of Persia, uncovers startling parallels with Islam, suggesting not just influence, but potentially a singular Divine source. The question emerges: Could Zarathustra (Zoroaster), the founder of this ancient religion, be one of the unmentioned prophets sent by God?

1. The Bridge of Destiny: Chinvat vs. As-Sirāt

The most dramatic similarity between Zoroastrianism and the Islamic conception of the afterlife lies in the Bridge of Judgment.

• The Chinvat Bridge (Zoroastrianism): In Zoroastrian eschatology, every soul, after three days, must cross the Chinvat Peretav (Bridge of the Requiter). This bridge serves as the ultimate test of one’s life:
  • For the righteous (Ashaone), the bridge becomes wide and easy—a welcoming path to the Garo Demana (House of Song/Paradise).
  • For the wicked, the bridge shrinks to the width of a razor’s edge or a strand of hair, causing the soul to fall into the Druj-demana (House of Lies/Hell).
• The As-Sirāt (Islam): This concept is strikingly mirrored in Islamic tradition (Hadith), where the As-Sirāt is described as the narrow bridge spanning the fires of Jahannam. It is famously said to be finer than a hair and sharper than a sword. The faithful pass swiftly to Jannah, while sinners lose their footing and fall.

The deep mythological and functional parallels here are so strong that many scholars acknowledge the Chinvat Bridge as a direct conceptual precursor to the Islamic As-Sirāt, demonstrating a consistent tradition of Divine judgment across regions and centuries.

2. The Scales of Justice and Divine Monotheism

Beyond the bridge, the principles of judgment align perfectly with the core Islamic emphasis on free will and accountability.

Accountability

Zoroastrianism is fundamentally an ethical religion centered on the principle of Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds (Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta). One’s destiny is based entirely on the Mīzān (Scales), where deeds are weighed. The Zoroastrian figure of Rashnu (the Judge of the Dead) is sometimes depicted holding the scales, which perfectly echoes the Islamic concept of the Mīzān on the Day of Judgment.

Monotheism

The original message of Zarathustra centered on the worship of a single, uncreated God: Ahura Mazda (“Wise Lord”). Zarathustra forcefully rejected the polytheism of his time to teach the absolute supremacy of one Divine Creator. This foundational message of Monotheism is, in essence, Tawhid—the absolute Oneness of God. This consistent, preserved emphasis on a singular, wise Creator further bolsters the argument for a shared prophetic heritage.

3. The Prophetic Question: Zarathustra as a Messenger

The Qur’an clearly states that God has sent messengers to every nation and that the stories of many of these prophets have not been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger…” (Qur’an 16:36)

“And We have already sent messengers before you. Among them are those whom We have related to you, and among them are those whom We have not related to you…” (Qur’an 40:78)

Given these principles, the presence of a strong monotheistic core, coupled with an elaborate and ethically consistent eschatology, provides powerful evidence.

By looking beyond labels and literalist differences—focusing instead on the substance of the teachings—we can argue that the original message of Zarathustra was highly likely a pure Divine revelation, making him a true prophet of God sent to the people of ancient Iran and Central Asia.

This continuity doesn’t just make for fascinating comparative theology; it offers a beautiful testament to the belief that the Divine message of justice, accountability, and the worship of one Creator has been ringing out across every land and language since the dawn of humanity.