Quiz: Life of Prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra)

Name: ____________________________
Date: _____________________________

Instructions: Answer the following questions based on your knowledge of Prophet Zoroaster’s early life, revelation, teachings, and historical context. Each question is worth 2 points.

Multiple Choice (2 points each)

1. Where was Zoroaster born? a) Persia
   b) India
   c) Mesopotamia
   d) Greece
2. At what age did Zoroaster receive his divine revelation? a) 20
   b) 30
   c) 40
   d) 50
3. Who did Zoroaster encounter during his divine revelation? a) Ahura Mazda
   b) Vohu Manah
   c) Mithra
   d) Anahita
4. What is the primary principle of truth and order in Zoroastrianism called? a) Druj
   b) Asha
   c) Fravashi
   d) Yasna
5. Who was the key royal supporter of Zoroaster’s teachings? a) Cyrus the Great
   b) Darius I
   c) King Vishtaspa
   d) Xerxes I

True/False (2 points each)

6. Zoroaster’s teachings were initially accepted without any resistance.
   • True
   • False
7. The Gathas are hymns attributed to Zoroaster himself.
   • True
   • False
8. Zoroaster preached the existence of many gods, similar to the beliefs of his time.
   • True
   • False
9. Asha represents falsehood and chaos in Zoroastrian teachings.
   • True
   • False
10. Zoroaster’s revelation took place while he was performing a religious ritual at a temple.
    • True
    • False

Short Answer (2 points each)

11. Briefly describe the significance of Zoroaster’s encounter with Vohu Manah.
12. What are the core teachings of Zoroaster?
13. How did Zoroaster’s early life influence his teachings?
14. Explain the concept of Asha in Zoroastrianism.
15. What were the major challenges Zoroaster faced in spreading his message?

Answer Key:

1. a) Persia
2. b) 30
3. b) Vohu Manah
4. b) Asha
5. c) King Vishtaspa
6. False
7. True
8. False
9. False
10. False
11. Zoroaster’s encounter with Vohu Manah marked the moment when he received his divine revelation, which profoundly influenced his teachings about monotheism and the duality of good and evil.
12. The core teachings of Zoroaster include the worship of Ahura Mazda as the supreme god, the duality of good and evil, and the importance of living according to the principle of Asha (truth and order).
13. Zoroaster’s early life, including his interactions with nature and society, influenced his emphasis on ethical living, truth, and the need for reforming religious practices of his time.
14. Asha in Zoroastrianism represents truth, righteousness, and the cosmic order, guiding individuals to live moral and ethical lives.
15. Zoroaster faced significant resistance from the established religious authorities and political leaders of his time, who were opposed to his monotheistic teachings and reforms.