This is a little off-topic, but I have an answer.
Originally, the Iranians had a religion similar to other Indo-Europeans.
When they invaded Iran, they were influenced by local religions.
Zoroaster was actually an innovator. He invented a very new
religion. Iranians converted to Zoroastrianism, but continued to mix it
with pagan practises. Strict Zoroastrians don't believe in pagan
Iranian gods like Anahita and Mithra.
While the Jews were in Babylonian Exile, the Persians conquered the
land. The Prophet Daniel became a Persian official. He borrowed nearly
all the main features of the Zoroastrian religion into Judaism. From
there, they were borrowed by Christians and Moslems. In addition,
Muhammed was heavily influenced by a member of the Mazdakist sect of
Zoroastrianism.
Here are some features borrowed from Zoroastrianism:
Moral concepts of Good and Evil
Heaven
Hell
Angels
Judgment of the Dead
Resurrection of the Dead
a Messiah or Savior (Saoshyant)
Apocalypse, or Last Battle
Satan
Struggle between God and Satan (Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu)
Hierarchy of angels
Pray 5 times a day
The bridge over heaven and hell
Eternity
A Chosen Master Race of God
Millennial Kingdom
http://www.delphi.com/zoroastrianism2/messages/?msg=9.1
Here is an online book on the origin of Christianity. Most of it is
about how Christianity derived from Zoroastrianism!
HRP: The Origins of Christianity, TABLE OF CONTENTS
Address:
http://www.ety.com/HRP/booksonline/oliver/toc_ol.htm Changed:12:24 PM on
Tuesday, June 15, 1999