5 of the world’s oldest religions

For thousands of years, humans have looked to the skies, pondered the mysteries of life and death, and sought meaning in the world around them.

This deep curiosity and yearning for understanding led to the birth of religions – belief systems that provide answers to these big questions and offer guidance for living a good life.

While there’s no single starting point for religion, archaeologists and historians believe early forms of spiritual practices emerged alongside the development of human civilisation. These practices involved rituals, offerings to appease unseen forces, and beliefs in the spirit world. Over time, these practices evolved into more complex systems with established doctrines, founders, and sacred texts.

Today, religion continues to shape cultures, societies, and individual lives. It provides comfort, community, and a framework for moral behaviour. With a vast array of religions practised worldwide, let’s take a look at five of the oldest belief systems that have stood the test of time, influencing millions throughout history:

Hinduism is regarded as the world’s oldest religion, with origins tracing back to around 1500 BCE in the Indus Valley (modern-day Pakistan and India). Unlike many other religions, Hinduism doesn’t have a single founder. Instead, it developed gradually through the synthesis of various beliefs and practices over centuries. Central to Hinduism is the concept of Dharma (moral law) and the belief in reincarnation—where the soul is reborn in a new body after death, influenced by one’s actions in previous lives.

Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion, originating around 2000 BCE in the Middle East. It is centred on the belief in one God who revealed Himself to the Hebrews through prophets like Abraham and Moses. The Torah, Judaism’s sacred text, lays down laws and ethical guidelines for Jews to follow. Over 3,500 years, Judaism has influenced other major religions, including Christianity and Islam.

Zoroastrianism emerged in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) around 1500 BCE. Founded by the prophet Zoroaster, this religion teaches the duality of good and evil and the eventual triumph of good. The religion’s followers worship Ahura Mazda, the supreme god, and strive to live righteous lives. Though Zoroastrianism’s influence has waned, its principles are thought to have impacted other religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Jainism began in India around the 7th–5th century BCE and emphasises non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and asceticism. The religion’s spiritual guides, known as Tirthankaras, taught that liberation from the cycle of rebirth is achieved through a disciplined life of harmlessness and renunciation. Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, is credited with consolidating Jain teachings, which continue to inspire millions, particularly in India.