not many religions except Islam goes back to the OLMECS of MAYA...
How can prophet Mohammed have known about the Olmecs, firstly they were on the other side of the world. and secondly most people today know of them only due to the Internet.
My faith has been renewed
Kukulkan/Q'uq'umatz:
- Earliest evidence: Around 15th to 5th century BC, among the Olmecs, who predate the Maya.
- Maya worship: 3rd century BC to 16th century AD, with peaks during the Preclassic and Classic periods (2000 BC - 900 AD).
- Prominent locations: Yucatán Peninsula, particularly in sites like Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Mayapan.
Quetzalcóatl:
- Earliest evidence: Around 9th century AD, with possible earlier roots in Teotihuacan civilization.
- Aztec worship: Post-Classic period (900 AD - 1521 AD).
- Prominent locations: Central Mexico, particularly in cities like Tenochtitlan and Teotihuacan.
Therefore, the worship of Kukulkan/Q'uq'umatz and Quetzalcóatl spanned a long period, with overlaps and influences between the two cultures. However, their specific timelines and peak periods differed based on their distinct origins and historical developments.
Determining the absolute "oldest" religion can be tricky, as it depends on various factors and definitions of what constitutes a religion. However, here's a breakdown of some contenders with their arguments for being the oldest:
Hinduism:
- Adherents often refer to it as Sanātana Dharma, meaning "eternal law" or "eternal way," signifying its belief in existing beyond human history.
- The oldest scriptures, the Rigveda, are estimated to be around 3,500 years old, though oral traditions are believed to be much older.
- Hinduism encompasses diverse philosophical and spiritual traditions, making a precise origin point challenging to pinpoint.
Zoroastrianism:
- Founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) around 1500-1200 BC.
- Considered one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, influencing later faiths like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Its holy book, the Avesta, is estimated to be written around 600-400 BC, but likely arose from older oral traditions.
Judaism:
- The foundation of Abrahamic religions, traced back to the patriarch Abraham around 1800-1500 BC.
- Its religious text, the Tanakh, particularly the Torah, features portions believed to be written as early as the 13th-12th centuries BC.
- Judaism emphasizes historical continuity and covenant with God, contributing to its claim of ancient lineage.
Other contenders:
- Indigenous spiritual traditions and animistic beliefs predate organized religions and hold significant cultural importance.
- Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian religions, though largely defunct, offer complex theological and ritualistic systems dating back millennia.
Ultimately, pinpointing the absolute "oldest" religion depends on what aspects we prioritize. Hinduism boasts the oldest surviving scriptures, Zoroastrianism presents the earliest monotheistic framework, and Judaism claims historical continuity from ancient figures.
Instead of seeking a definitive answer, it's valuable to appreciate the diverse tapestry of human spiritual experiences and the profound historical legacies these religions offer.