Religions have been humanity’s guiding lights for centuries, influencing cultures, societies, and lives of individuals.
Let’s delve into ten oldest religions, from the latest to the most ancient, discussing their origins, importance, and some interesting facts.
10. Islam

Date: 7th Century Common Era (CE)
Significance: Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula when Prophet Muhammad received revelations from Allah, documented in the Quran. It spread rapidly due to its egalitarian message and emphasis on community.
Famous Figure: Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, is considered the “Seal of the Prophets,” uniting the Arabian Peninsula under one faith.
Amazing But True: Islam’s Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries) transformed science, mathematics, and medicine, gifting us with algebra and crucial astronomical discoveries.
9. Taoism
4th-3rd Century Before Common Era (BCE)
Significance: Taoism is a Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with the Tao (“The Way”). Its founder is Laozi, the author of the foundational text Tao Te Ching. Taoist influence can be seen in Chinese medicine, martial arts, and governance.
Iconic Figure: Laozi, the legendary founder of Taoism, is often pictured as an old sage riding a buffalo.
Unbelievable Fact: Taoism spawned Tai Chi, a martial art and meditative exercise exercised today around the world for health reasons.
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8. Christianity

Date: 1st Century Common Era (CE)
Significance: Christianity originated from the teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasized love, forgiveness, and salvation. The New Testament documents his life and message. It is the largest religion in the world today with more than 2.3 billion followers.
Famous Figure: Jesus Christ is considered the Son of God and is at the center of Christian faith and salvation.
Unbelievable Fact: The Bible is the world’s best-selling book, with more than 5 billion copies distributed worldwide.
7. Shintoism
Time: 8th Century Common Era (CE) (officially acknowledged)
Importance: Shintoism is Japan’s native religion and is centered on the spirits that dwell in nature and in the ancestors. Unlike other religions, it does not have a founder or sacred text but is a part of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Notable Person: Emperor Jimmu, who is considered Japan’s first emperor, is often related to Shinto mythology as a grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Unbelievable Fact: Since ages, Shinto’s rituals and practices have existed in collaboration with Buddhism in Japan. Adaptability forms a good characteristic of culture.
6. Jainism

Time Period: 7th-5th Century BCE
Importance: Jainism’s central theme, ahimsa, or non-violence, has inspired figures like Mahatma Gandhi. It originated in ancient India and focuses on self-control, meditation, and liberation of the soul through proper behavior.
Key Personality: Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara. He forms the major reformationist and reformer of Jainite thoughts.
Amazing Fact: Jain monks and nuns walk barefoot and sweep the floor as not to injure an even the minutest living creature.
5. Confucianism
Introduced: 6th-5th Century BCE
Impact: Established by Confucius in the Warring States period in China, Confucianism may be more like a way of life than a religion. It deals with morality, education, and reverence in relationships and has had a deep effect on the culture of East Asia.
Famous Figure: Confucius, a philosopher and teacher, is known for his wisdom and moral teachings that shaped Chinese governance and education.
Unbelievable Fact: Confucius’ teachings have been used to justify both democracy and authoritarianism, illustrating their interpretative breadth.
4. Buddhism

Date: 6th Century B.C.E.
Importance: Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, founded Buddhism after attaining enlightenment. It emphasizes removal of suffering via the Eightfold Path while leading to Nirvana. Its doctrinal teachings have spread all around the world.
Famous Person: Gautama Buddha, the “Enlightened One,” for whose teachings Buddhism exists.
Unbelievable fact: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism and is said to be a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
3. Zoroastrianism
Period: 1500-1200 BCE
Importance: One of the world’s earliest monotheistic religions, Zoroastrianism was founded by Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia. The religion brought about ideas such as heaven, hell, and free will, which were later borrowed into Abrahamic religions.
Famous Person: Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, is considered the prophet who founded Zoroastrianism.
Amazing Fact: Traditionally, Zoroastrians use sky burials, which place the body in a tower of silence for vultures to consume, thus avoiding polluting the elements.
2. Judaism
Origin Date: Approximately 2000 BCE
Meaning: The Hebrew patriarch Abraham is Judaism’s founding figure. Its monotheistic belief in Yahweh shaped Christianity and Islam. The Torah, part of the Hebrew Bible, is its central text.
Famous Figure: Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments, is a key figure in Judaism.
Unbelievable Fact: The weekly Sabbath observance in Judaism has influenced labor laws around the world, contributing to the concept of a work-free weekend.
1. Hinduism

Date: 5000-3000 Before Common Era (BCE)
Importance: Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion. It has its roots in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. It encompasses various philosophies, rituals, and deities. The Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita are its core scriptures.
Famous Figure: Vyasa, the sage who composed the Mahabharata, is a significant figure in Hinduism.
Unbelievable Fact: The Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage, is the largest human gathering on Earth, with over 100 million attendees in recent years.
Why are the people following Islam & Hinduism divided?
The religious landscape is dominated by Hinduism and Islam, even though these religions originated hundreds of years apart. Hinduism is the oldest living religion and succeeds on the diversity and profound philosophical roots. The pantheon of deities, rituals, and scriptures such as the Vedas and Upanishads make for a rich spiritual heritage unmatched anywhere else. In contrast, Islam emerged as an explosive movement of transformation under its egalitarian message, clear monotheistic principles, and leadership of Prophet Muhammad.
Yet historical and cultural wars among these faiths have generally served to segregate. This was mainly a product of different philosophies and past interactions, particularly between the middle ages when the Muslim empires penetrated the Indian subcontinent. Introducing the newly imposed administration and religious practices contrasted the existing traditionalism of Hindus; this thus produced conflicts which are still told as history.
In addition, divisions were compounded due to colonialism, because many imperial powers relied on religion to divide and govern. Religious identity was at the heart of partitioning India in 1947, creating more division between Hindus and Muslims. Over time, both political discourses and socio-economic inequalities have preyed upon such divisions while marginalizing shared cultural and historical heritages between them.
Despite their differences, both religions have shaped each other’s cultures in profound ways. From the architecture of the Taj Mahal to the shared linguistic influences, the interactions between Hindu and Islamic traditions have created a unique tapestry of art, music, and cuisine in South Asia.
In the end, reconciliation can only be achieved by embracing shared values of compassion, justice, and respect for diversity. Fostering dialogue and understanding will enable these ancient religions to pave the way for harmonious coexistence, honoring their rich legacies while building a unified future.