Religion has shaped human history for thousands of years, influencing culture, traditions, and the way societies live. But which religion holds the title of the oldest in the world? The answer depends on how we define “oldest” — by historical records, continuous practice, or ancient belief systems.
Is Islam the Oldest Religion?
Yes, many Muslims believe that Islam is the oldest religion. This is because they see Islam not as a new faith, but as the original message of God revealed to earlier prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad was the final messenger, continuing the same true faith from the beginning of humanity.
Hinduism – The Oldest Religion Still Practiced
When historians talk about the oldest religion, Hinduism is often named first.
- Origin: Around 4,000 years ago in the Indus Valley (modern-day India and Pakistan)
- Sacred Texts: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
- Key Beliefs: Dharma (duty), karma (action & consequence), and moksha (liberation)
Hinduism is unique because it doesn’t have a single founder and has evolved over thousands of years while maintaining ancient traditions.
Other Ancient Religions That Shaped the World
While Hinduism is the oldest living religion, there were many belief systems before it that influenced human spirituality.
Zoroastrianism
- Origin: Around 3,500 years ago in ancient Persia (Iran)
- Belief in one god, Ahura Mazda, and the constant battle between good and evil.
Ancient Egyptian Religion
- Origin: Over 5,000 years ago along the Nile River
- Worship of gods like Ra, Osiris, and Isis; belief in the afterlife.
Sumerian Religion
- Origin: Around 4,500–5,000 years ago in Mesopotamia
- Earliest recorded polytheistic belief system with gods tied to nature and city-states.
Judaism
- Origin: Over 3,000 years ago in the Middle East
- The first major monotheistic religion, worshipping one God.
Which Religion Came First?
- If we talk about living religions, Hinduism takes the crown.
- If we talk about ancient religions overall, Sumerian beliefs are the earliest recorded in history.
- Some prehistoric spiritual practices like animism and shamanism existed long before written history, but they were never formally organized.
Oldest Religions in History
| Religion/Belief System | Estimated Age | Region of Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | 4,000+ years | India & Pakistan |
| Zoroastrianism | 3,500 years | Ancient Persia |
| Judaism | 3,000+ years | Middle East |
| Ancient Egyptian | 5,000 years | Egypt |
| Sumerian Religion | 4,500–5,000 years | Mesopotamia |
FAQs
1. What is the oldest living religion?
Hinduism is the oldest religion still widely practiced today.
2. Which religion is older, Hinduism or Judaism?
Hinduism is older by at least 1,000 years.
3. Is Zoroastrianism older than Christianity?
Yes, Zoroastrianism predates Christianity by more than 1,000 years.
4. Did humans have religion before writing?
Yes, early humans practiced animism and shamanism.
5. Which is the oldest monotheistic religion?
Zoroastrianism is considered the oldest recorded monotheistic faith.
6. When did Hinduism begin?
Around 2000 BCE in the Indus Valley.
7. What religion did ancient Mesopotamians follow?
They practiced a polytheistic belief system centered on gods linked to nature and cities.
8. Is Buddhism older than Christianity?
Yes, Buddhism began around the 5th–4th century BCE.
9. Which religion influenced Judaism and Christianity?
Zoroastrianism influenced concepts like heaven, hell, and angels.
10. What is the oldest known form of spirituality?
Animism, the belief that natural objects have spirits, is the oldest form of human spirituality.