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Iran Religion shows tolerance and respect for diverse religious beliefs since time immemorial. Islam is the principal Iran Religion, followed by Zoroastrianism Mithraism, Mazdakism and Manichaeanism, which also have a handful of followers in the country.
Islam being the main Iranian religion, an overwhelming 90 percent of the total population is its ardent follower who calls themselves “Muslims”. The Iranian Muslims belong mostly to the Shia community, which had gained popularity much more than the Sunni Islamic sect.
Iran Religion has as many as 12 Imams or “Ithna-ashari” as the heads of the Shia Islamic community. Their dominance on the mainland area and influence on the lives of the countrymen are immense and all-encompassing. The Shia Muslim sects in Iran are believed to originate during the first 3 centuries following the demise of Prophet Mohammad in 632 A.D.
Though dedicated followers of Islam, Iran Religion at some occasional points had displayed quite a strong affinity for Hinduism in the past. In fact, the Native Iranian tribes who invaded the plateau region and ultimately settled there permanently were known to follow a religion similar to that of Hinduism and the Indo-Europeans. There are evidences that the ancient Persian population worshipped Hindu gods as well.
Religion in Iran also comprises a handful of other religious communities who are mostly minorities. Prominent among the minority groups, are the Christians, Bahais and the Jews who had been living on the land since time immemorial. Followers of diverse religions entered the country during repeated filtrations, migrations and invasions in the ancient periods.
The lenience, which Iran Religion displays in matters of accommodating diverse religious communities, must act as an example to other nations who make religious issues the root cause of most fights and confusions on political levels.
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