Unfortunately, some people out of wickedness or mere misunderstanding regarded Zoroastrianism as a fire-worshipping religion. The accusations not only damaged the theological basis, but also put holes in follower's faith. Even today, the followers of Zoroaster are ridiculed as "fire worshipers". (Waida 47, Clark 93)Zoroaster's death appears to be as sketchy as his birth. Currently there are several possible accounts of the prophets death; two are relatively similar in effect, but vary in tiny details. One account states that he was murdered by a rival priest while attending to his regular rituals. The other recorded possibility is that Zoroaster was slain, along with other priests, by the rival priests (Kavis) during a raid on a Zoroastrian sanctuary. Not all texts make a claim for a violent death. One researcher reports that Zoroasters departureto the best existence, when seventy-seven years had elapsed onwards from his birth. (Clark 24) Gaining of power through the name of God, and sacrificing of animals, were both large sources of income for other religious leaders. Zarathustras three principles of good reflection, good words, and good deed; lead to eternal life. Therefore, there was no need for religious leaders to assume the role of mediator between God and people like other religions. Zarathustra beliefs even deprived the clergies from the temples that they had built. As these priests were deprived of their followers and money, they developed animosity toward Zoroastrianism. After Zoroasters death, priests of other religions incorporated Ahura Mazda to their own religions in hopes of winning Zoroasters people and money. In this manner, the religion of Mithra became so popular in Iran that even King Xerxes (of Greece) was worshiping Mithra next to Ahura Mazda. A century later, Alexander of Macedonia ordered his army to set fire to libraries of Iran. The destruction of didactic literature is why history in that area...
