The Oldest Religion in the World?
1. The Most Complex Question: Which is the Oldest Religion in the World?
The word “religion” in itself is a question that cannot have a single answer, nor can it be defined by just one definition. I believe it is like an ocean – just as many rivers flow into the ocean and ultimately become one with it, similarly, the word “religion” encompasses Sanatan, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Jain, Islamic, and Christian faiths all together. It becomes very difficult to decide which religion is the best.
“Which is the oldest religion in the world?” – This has been a question in everyone’s mind for centuries. So, in this article, let us explore all religions one by one in detail and try to solve this puzzle: “Which is the oldest religion in the world?” Without further delay, let’s begin –
2. What Will Be the Basis for Being the Oldest Religion in the World?
The question “Which is the oldest religion in the world?” is not as simple as it seems. How should “old” be measured? What should be its basis? How should the scale be determined? If we find the answer to this question, solving this mystery will become very easy.
I think we should examine it on three criteria, which are as follows:
(A) Written Records
Through this, we can try to verify what the oldest written evidence is. If we look for the oldest written religious manuscripts, the Vedas of Hinduism date back to approximately 1500–1200 BCE, and the Gathas of Zoroastrianism also date back to around 1200–1500 BCE. Judaism is also believed to have been written around the same period.
Scholars believe that written evidence does not tell the whole story because many ancient traditions were never written down, and even if they were, their records have been destroyed. For example, the ancient beliefs of Mesopotamia and Egypt are the oldest in written history, but they do not exist in the present day.
(B) Oral Tradition
Written evidence for any religion came later; before that, all evidence was oral. In ancient times, gurus used to make their disciples memorize all the Vedas and Puranas, which were passed down through generations. Three elements play an important role in oral tradition – time, memory, and faith. If there is any discrepancy in these three elements, the meaning gets distorted. Therefore, oral tradition does not have as much stability as written tradition.
(C) Practices Still Alive Today
Now, when I look beyond written and oral criteria, I find that Hinduism is 99% intact in its original form. In Judaism, where animal sacrifice was once prevalent, it has now stopped. Prayers used to take place in the Temple in Jerusalem, but now they have ceased and are held in synagogues – meaning this religion is 50% of its original form. Jainism has preserved about 60% of its original form. Buddhism has preserved only about 40% of its original form. Zoroastrianism has preserved 85%, but tribal religions have preserved 90% of their original form, although they are not organized.
3. The Oldest Religion in the World – Origin of Sanatan (Hindu) Dharma
Today, as I sit down to write this article “Which is the Oldest Religion in the World?”, I am reminded of something my grandmother used to say. She would say, “Beta, our religion is eternal (anadi). It has neither a beginning nor an end.” Earlier, I used to consider this just a statement, but when I read books, saw archaeological findings, and observed astronomical events, I too began to feel that these things are true.
Even today, in Hinduism, all rituals are performed in the morning with the same method, the same mantras, and the same devotion as they were in ancient times. Hinduism is considered the oldest religion in the world. It is also called “Sanatan” or “Eternal Dharma”. It has no founder. It is self-manifested. Christianity (Jesus), Islam (Mohammad), Buddhism (Buddha), and Jainism (Mahavir) all had founders, but Hinduism is formless and eternal.
I feel that its practices did not originate from a single individual but from a collective consciousness, which is why it remains in its original form even today. Some scholars trace the roots of Hinduism back to the Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to 2500 BCE or even earlier.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the Rigveda was composed around 1500 BCE. Its manuscripts have been included in the World Heritage list.
Sanatan Dharma has preserved its original form the most. How? Let us try to understand this –
(A) Agnihotra (Yajna)
This ritual is described in the Vedas. In it, offerings are made into the fire (Agni). This tradition is still seen in almost every puja today. Whether it is the Satyanarayana Katha, the chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, the Rudra Abhishekam, or any other ritual, the tradition of offering oblations through Yajna at the end is still prevalent.
(B) Tulsi Puja
Evidence of this can be found in the Indus Valley Civilization in the form of Mother Goddess tree worship. There is perhaps no Hindu household where a Tulsi plant is not present. Every morning, Tulsi is worshipped and venerated in every home, and when the Tulsi Vivah festival arrives, the entire community becomes ecstatic. Therefore, I can say that in Hinduism, not only gods and goddesses are worthy of worship, but plants also hold the same place as deities. For example, the Banyan tree, which is worshipped during Vat Savitri.
(C) Surya Namaskar
In Vedic times, the Sun was considered a direct deity, and even today, Surya Namaskar is performed as a form of yoga. Everyone offers water to the Sun after bathing in the morning.
(D) Cow Worship and Use of Cow Dung/Urine
In the Rigveda, the cow is considered “Aghnaya” (never to be killed), and even today, cow donation (Godaan) and cow service (Goseva) are performed. The cow dung and urine obtained from it are used in making medicines.
(E) Pilgrimage
The tradition of pilgrimage described in the Puranas is still alive today. People still undertake journeys to the Char Dham with full devotion.
(F) Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is also called the festival of Sun worship. It is connected to the Surya Sukta of the Rigveda. Earlier, this festival was mainly celebrated only in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but today it is celebrated throughout India.
(G) Chanting of Vedic Mantras
The Gayatri Mantra, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, and many other mantras are chanted daily by millions of people. All these mantras are approximately 5,000 years old, yet they are chanted in the same tone (pronunciation).
According to the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) and the World Religion Database’s 2025 data, the number of Hindus worldwide is approximately 1.2 billion, which is about 13.85% of the global population, making it the third-largest religion in the world.
Hindus are not only found in India but also in other countries, such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Mauritius, and many others.
After seeing all this, I would like to say that being the “oldest” is secondary. What is important is being “Sanatan” (eternal), and this definition completely stands with Hinduism on this criterion.
(H) Some Famous Sayings of Hinduism
“Aa no bhadrah kratavo yantu vishwatah” (Rigveda 1.89.1)
Meaning: This is the most famous mantra of the Rigveda, which teaches that knowledge and goodness are not limited to any one religion, country, or tradition, but are worthy of being received from the entire world.
“Ekam sad viprah bahudha vadanti” (Rigveda 1.164.46)
Meaning: This is the most fundamental teaching of Hinduism. It states that all the deities worshipped by different religions point to the one Supreme Truth, whether called by any name (Ram, Allah, Waheguru, Ishwar).
“Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana, ma karmaphalaheturbhurma te sangostvakarmani” (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
Meaning: This immortal verse of Lord Krishna teaches that a person should focus on their duty (karma) and not on its results (fruits). This is the principle of selfless action (Nishkam Karma).
“Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”
Meaning: This saying is by Swami Vivekananda. It conveys the message of self-empowerment and perseverance by giving up laziness, fear, and despair. It is one of the most inspiring thoughts for the youth.
“Hinduism has not given itself a name because it has not given itself a sectarian limit; it is less a creed and more a continuously evolving tradition of the Godward journey of the human soul.”
Meaning: Sri Aurobindo emphasizes the generosity, openness, and global vision of Hinduism — that it is not a closed religion, but an endless search for truth.
4.Judaism – Is It the Oldest Religion in the World?
Judaism is considered the oldest monotheistic (Abrahamic) religion in the world. Its oral tradition is approximately 4,000 years old. It was the first to present the concept of an invisible, omnipotent God (Yahweh), which was a revolutionary idea for the polytheistic societies of that time.
The most sacred scripture of this religion is the Torah, which is a collection of teachings given by God to Moses (Moshe). It is believed to date back to approximately 1200 BCE and forms the basis of Jewish law, history, and ethics. Besides the Torah, texts like the Talmud and Midrash also guide the Jewish way of life.
(A) Features of Judaism
Judaism, being the oldest monotheistic religion in the world, also has many distinctive features:
The most significant feature of Judaism is its principle of the “Chosen People” and “Covenant” – the belief that God made a special pact with Abraham and Israel. Rituals such as the Sabbath (weekly day of rest), Kashrut (kosher dietary laws), and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) are extremely important in this religion.
Tikkun Olam (World Repair Principle) – Judaism teaches that it is humanity’s duty to make the world a better place, rather than merely worrying about salvation. This is why Jews have made pioneering contributions to social justice, medicine, science, and human rights.
Waiting for the Messiah – Jews still await a human Messiah (who is not the son of God) who will re-establish Israel and bring peace to the entire world.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Judaism is as ancient as its 4,000-year-old oral tradition. Some written parts of Judaism may date back to the middle of the millennium BCE.
According to the World Religion Database, the total population of followers of Judaism is 1.58 crore (15.8 million), which is merely 0.2% of the world’s population. More than 85% of the Jewish population lives in just two countries – Israel (45%) and the United States (40%). The remaining 15% reside in other countries around the world.
(B) Some Famous Sayings of Judaism
Jews carry out every task with full responsibility, which is reflected in these lines:
“It is not your duty to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
Meaning: This saying teaches that the task of repairing the world (Tikkun Olam) is so vast that no one can complete it alone, but that does not mean one should stop making efforts.
“Who is wise? One who learns from every person. Who is strong? One who conquers their passions. Who is rich? One who is satisfied with their lot. Who is honored? One who honors others.”
Meaning: This saying of Ben Zoma replaces society’s material definitions with internal qualities. It shows that true wisdom, strength, wealth, and honor lie not in external things but in our outlook and actions.
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”
Meaning: This is the famous saying of Hillel. It teaches a person self-responsibility, duty towards others, and the importance of acting at the right time (now).
In the end, I would say that if we look at the entire history of the Jews, they have suffered greatly. They were accused of deicide, ritual murder, and were blamed for the Black Death. During World War II, Hitler carried out the “Final Solution” operation in three phases, in which 6 million Jews were killed in gas chambers filled with poisonous gas called “Zyklon B”.
5. Is Zoroastrianism the Oldest Religion in the World?
Zoroastrianism is a 3,500-year-old religion. It originated in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). It is a monotheistic religion. Their primary deity is Ahura Mazda, and their main scripture is the Zend Avesta. Some scholars believe that their hymns are even older than the Rigveda. They date back to approximately 1200–1500 BCE (contemporary with Hinduism).
(A) Features of Zoroastrianism
The features of Zoroastrianism are as follows:
Dualism (Struggle between Good and Evil) – The most unique feature of Zoroastrianism is its “dualistic philosophy”. Two forces are always at war in the world –
(a) Spenta Mainyu – the Holy/Good Spirit (truth, light, life)
(b) Angra Mainyu – the Destructive/Evil Spirit (falsehood, darkness, death)
Humans must choose between these two. This emphasizes free will.Three Pillars –
(a) Humata – Good thoughts
(b) Hukhta – Good words
(c) Hvarshta – Good deeds
This threefold principle is the essence of Zarathustra’s teachings and the foundation of spiritual and moral life.Farohar – Every human has a Farohar. It is a form of their soul that exists before birth and after death, both protecting and guiding the individual. The famous symbol of Zoroastrianism (a winged angel) is also a symbol of the Farohar.
In Zoroastrianism, earth, fire, and water are considered sacred, so cremation and burial of the dead are prohibited. They place the dead body on a “Tower of Silence”, where vultures and other birds consume it. This method is also called “sky burial”, It is considered environmentally friendly and in accordance with religious commandments.
Zoroastrianism has the concept of a final judgment. After death, the soul must cross the “Chinvat Bridge” (Bridge of Judgment). For those who have done good deeds, this bridge is wide and easy to cross. For those who have done evil, it is as narrow as a razor’s edge, and they fall into hell. Ultimately, good will triumph, and the entire creation will be resurrected to form an ideal world.
According to the World Religion Database, the Zoroastrian population is between 1.2 and 1.5 lakh. Their largest populations reside in India and Iran.
(B) Some Famous Sayings of Zoroastrianism
The Zoroastrian community has contributed to every field. In India, their contributions have been in education, industry, the military, and the arts. Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, and Ratan Tata have been pioneers in the industrial world. Dr. Homi Bhabha, the father of the Indian nuclear program, also belonged to this community.
Ratan Tata said: “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”
“One day you will realize that material things don’t matter. What matters most is the well-being of your loved ones.”
“Never underestimate the power of kindness, empathy, and compassion in your dealings with others.”
“…embracing good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, and rejecting bad thoughts, bad words, and bad deeds.”
6. Is Islam Included Among the Oldest Religions in the World?
According to some scholars and historians, Islam began in the 7th century CE (around 610 CE) in the city of Mecca in Arabia, when the Prophet Muhammad began receiving revelations from God (Allah). Interestingly, many Muslims believe that Islam is the oldest religion because, according to them, Islam did not start with Prophet Muhammad but with the first human, Prophet Adam. From this perspective, Prophet Muhammad is seen as the final Messenger, who revived and perfected the same original Islamic message (submission to one God) taught by all previous prophets like Adam, Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), and Jesus (Isa).
The Prophet (also spelled Muhammad) was born in 570 CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims believe that he was the last prophet sent by God to convey His message to humanity.
According to Islamic texts and traditions, in 610 CE, while Muhammad was meditating in a cave, an angel named Jibrail (Gabriel) visited him and commanded him to recite the words of Allah. Muslims believe that Muhammad continued to receive messages from Allah throughout the rest of his life.
In 622 CE, Muhammad traveled with his supporters from Mecca to Medina, a city in present-day Saudi Arabia. This journey is known as the ‘Hijra’. and it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad is credited with building the first mosque in the city’s courtyard. Even today, mosques follow the same principles he established there. For example, Muslim prayers are often offered in the mosque’s large open space or outer courtyard.
(A) Islam After the Death of Muhammad
After Muhammad’s death, two sects emerged in Islam – Shia and Sunni.
Sunni Muslims make up about 90% of the Muslim population worldwide. They believe that the first four caliphs were the true successors of Muhammad.
Shia Muslims believe that only Caliph Ali and his descendants were the true successors of Muhammad. They do not recognize the legitimacy of the first three caliphs. Today, there are significant Shia populations in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and India.
According to the Encyclopaedia of Islam, approximately 1.9 billion to 2.02 billion people follow Islam worldwide. These followers are called Muslims, and they worship in mosques.
(B) Features of Islam
The features of Islam are as follows:
Islam is one of the three Abrahamic religions (along with Judaism and Christianity) and is a monotheistic religion in which one God is worshipped, whom followers call ‘Allah‘. The word ‘Islam’ means “submission or surrender to God”, just as its followers submit themselves to the will of Allah.
Today, this religion is the fastest-growing major religion in the world. While widely followed in the Middle East and North America, its followers are also numerous in Southeast Asia. In fact, Indonesia has the largest population of Muslims.
Islam states that Allah’s message was conveyed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibrail (Gabriel).
Followers worship Allah through prayer and recitation of the Quran. They believe that a Day of Judgment will come and that there is life after death.
The Quran has 114 chapters, which are called ‘Surahs’.
Muslims follow the five fundamental pillars of their faith, which are essential to their belief:
(a) Shahada – Declaring faith in one God and belief in Muhammad.
(b) Salat – Praying five times a day (morning, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening).
(c) Zakat – Giving charity to those in need.
(d) Sawm – Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
(e) Hajj – Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.
(C) Some Famous Sayings of Islam
“So set your face toward the religion (Islam) with devotion. This is the fitrah (nature) upon which Allah has created mankind. There is no change in the creation of Allah. That is the straight religion, but most people do not know.”
Meaning: This quote clarifies the Islamic perspective — that Islam did not bring a new teaching but restores the original nature of humans (monotheism) that began with Adam (peace be upon him).
“According to Islamic beliefs, God did not send different truths through His prophets but different expressions of the same fundamental truth (the oneness of God).”
Meaning: According to scholars, Islam sees itself as the “Primordial Religion” — the truth that began with Adam and was taught by all prophets.
7. Other Ancient Religions (Buddhism, Jainism, and Shinto)
(A) Buddhism – Is It the Oldest Religion in the World?
Origin: Buddhism was founded in India in the 6th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha).
Beliefs: It is a nontheistic tradition that focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Its goal is to attain Nirvana (liberation from suffering).
Core Concept: It believes in the cycle of karma and rebirth (samsara).
Branches: Its two major branches are Theravada and Mahayana.
(B)Is Jainism the Oldest Religion in the World?
Origin: Jainism is also an extremely ancient religion that originated in India, developing around the same time as Buddhism.
Beliefs: Its greatest principle is Ahimsa (non-violence) — not causing harm to any living being. It also emphasizes the Three Jewels (right perception, right knowledge, right conduct).
Core Concept: It views karma as a material substance that sticks to the soul and causes rebirth. Liberation (moksha) from karma is the ultimate goal.
Specialty: It places great emphasis on extreme restraint and asceticism.
(C) Is Shinto Included Among the Oldest Religions in the World?
Origin: Shinto is the indigenous spiritual religion of Japan.
Beliefs: It is based on nature worship (animism), in which countless divine spirits (Kami) residing in nature, objects, and ancestors are worshipped.
Specialty: An interesting fact is that Shinto has coexisted with Buddhism in Japan. It is believed that “Shinto oversees birth and marriage, while Buddhism oversees death.”
Scriptures: Its sacred texts include the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki.
8. Conclusion
Now, as I conclude my article “Which is the Oldest Religion in the World?”, I would say that no matter which religion it is, its purpose has always been to lead human consciousness from darkness to light. The honor of being the “oldest religion in the world” perhaps goes to the religion that has had the longest journey, but according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, it is not right to call any one religion the best. Because whether it is Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, or Islam, their greatest contribution is that they have taught humanity that the relationship between the soul, morality, and the divine is unbreakable.
I believe that these religions are not just old but are ‘living legacies’ that are still striving to show us the right path in life.
Finally, I would also like to say that in this article “The Oldest Religion in the World”, I have only included those religions that originated in BCE or whose core message is connected to primordial traditions like Islam and Judaism. Christianity, although the largest religion in the world, is historically from the first century CE. Since my topic is focused on ‘antiquity’ religions less than 2,000 years old (such as Christianity, Sikhism, etc.) have not been included in this list. My aim is not to compare or criticize any religion, but to highlight the ancient spiritual journey of human civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Hinduism the oldest religion in the world?
Answer: Yes, Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world because its written, oral, and living evidence has been found, and even today, Hinduism retains 90% of its original form. However, some other religions also claim to be older, but no living evidence has been found to prove their claims.
Q2: Was there no religion before Islam?
Answer: No, there were thousands-of-years-old religions before Islam. Sanatan Dharma (the oldest religion in the world), Zoroastrianism, and Judaism are thousands of years old and their living evidence has been found.
Q3: Has any religion been compared or criticized in this article “Which is the oldest religion in the world?”
Answer: No, this article does not criticize or compare any religion. All religions have been presented with respect and dignity. In this article, we are trying to understand how old our religion is and what its core essence is, so that we can understand our roots.
Q4: Are Sanatan Dharma and Hinduism the same (oldest religion in the world)?.
Answer: In common parlance, both are considered the same, but there is a subtle difference in their meanings. ‘Sanatan Dharma’ (meaning ‘eternal duty’ or ‘eternal order’) is an ancient philosophical concept, while ‘Hinduism’ is a more modern, geographical identity (people living beyond the Indus River). Some scholars consider ‘Sanatan Dharma’ broader than ‘Hinduism,’ while others consider it a part of it.
Q5: Which is the oldest religious scripture in the world?
Answer: While answering this question, two names come to mind. The first is ancient Egypt’s ‘Pyramid Texts,’ considered the oldest religious literature discovered so far, dating back to before 3000 BCE. The second is Hinduism’s ‘Rigveda,’ which is not only extremely ancient (around 1500–1000 BCE) but is also the oldest religious scripture in the world that has been continuously used in worship till date