Divine Debuts Trivia Quiz

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest living religions, with traditions that reach back over 4,000 years in South Asia. Unlike faiths that trace their origin to a single founder, it developed gradually out of the spiritual and cultural life of ancient India. Some practices may echo symbols and rituals of the Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2500-1500 BCE), though the direct links remain uncertain.

The religion began to take clearer shape during the Vedic period (c.1500-500 BCE), when sacred hymns and rituals, later preserved in the Vedas, introduced central ideas such as dharma (duty and order), karma (action and its results), and the worship of deities like Agni (fire) and Indra (storm). Later texts, especially the Upanishads, shifted the focus toward philosophical reflection and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.

Over the centuries, Hinduism absorbed diverse influences and expanded through epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, devotional (bhakti) movements, and regional traditions. Rather than enforcing one set of doctrines, it grew into a wide-ranging, flexible tradition. Today, Hinduism includes everything from temple rituals and festivals to meditation and philosophy, embracing many paths.

Judaism is one of the world's earliest monotheistic faiths, rooted in the belief in a single, all-powerful God and the covenant made with the ancient Hebrew people. Its story begins with Abraham, who, according to Jewish tradition, lived around 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia and embraced the worship of one God over the many deities of his time. The covenant, God's promise to make Abraham's descendants into a great nation, marks the spiritual beginning of Judaism, even if historians treat Abraham more as a figure of tradition than a datable historical person.

Through Moses, hailed as the supreme prophet, Judaism found its voice and structure. He is said to have led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and received the Torah, including the Ten Commandments, at Mount Sinai. This event, central to Jewish memory, provided the ethical and legal foundation that would define Jewish life. The Torah became the heart of Jewish teaching and law, binding the community across generations.

Jewish identity was shaped by both triumph and struggle, from the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, to the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem, to exile in Babylon and return. These experiences encouraged a faith rooted not only in land or temple, but in texts, rituals, and shared memory. Unlike religions centred on widespread conversion, Judaism has long emphasised continuity through heritage, covenant, and tradition, sustaining a people and a faith that remains vibrant today.

Zoroastrianism is among the world's oldest organised religions, emerging in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) well before the 6th century BCE. It is attributed to the prophet Zarathustra, known to the Greeks as Zoroaster, who broke with the polytheistic traditions of his era by teaching devotion to a single supreme god, Ahura Mazda, the wise creator of all that is good. Central to his vision was the cosmic contest between truth and falsehood, with Ahura Mazda opposed by Angra Mainyu (or Ahriman), the destructive spirit.

Zarathustra's teachings stressed moral choice and personal responsibility. Rather than focusing on ritual sacrifice, he urged his followers to live by the principle of 'good thoughts, good words, good deeds' and to align themselves with asha-truth, order, and righteousness. His hymns, preserved in the Gathas within the Avesta, form the oldest layer of Zoroastrian scripture and reflect his original message.

The faith rose to prominence under the Achaemenid Empire, when rulers such as Darius I upheld its ideals and helped spread its influence across a vast realm. Fire, symbolising divine light and purity, became a central feature of worship and remains so today. Though Zoroastrianism declined after the Islamic conquest of Persia, its legacy shaped later religious thought, especially ideas of judgment, heaven, hell, and the ultimate triumph of good. Today, small but dedicated communities, including the Parsis of India, continue to keep the ancient flame alive.

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that centres on the quest for spiritual liberation through nonviolence, self-discipline, and truth. According to tradition, it has been guided across the ages by a succession of enlightened teachers called tirthankaras, or 'ford-makers', who help souls cross the river of rebirth. The first of the current cycle is Rishabhanatha, a revered but largely legendary figure. Historically, however, the religion is most firmly rooted in the life and teachings of Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara, who lived in the 6th century BCE.

Born into a noble family, Mahavira renounced worldly life in search of truth. After years of austere practice, he attained kevala jnana, perfect knowledge, and began teaching a path based on radical nonviolence (ahimsa), truthfulness, celibacy, and detachment from possessions. His message stood apart from the ritual sacrifices of Vedic religion, emphasising instead personal effort, ethical conduct, and inner purity as the way to liberation.

Over time, Jainism developed into two major sects, Digambara and Śvētāmbara, each with distinctive interpretations of doctrine and monastic discipline. Despite remaining a minority tradition, it has endured for more than two millennia, deeply influencing Indian culture and philosophy. Its uncompromising commitment to compassion and respect for all living beings continues to inspire both its followers and the wider world.

Confucianism arose in ancient China during the 6th-5th century BCE, shaped by the teachings of Confucius (Kong Fuzi), a philosopher and teacher who lived in an era of political disorder and moral decline. Rather than creating a religion centred on gods or rituals, he offered a vision of ethical living and social harmony. Confucius presented himself as a preserver of ancient wisdom, especially the values and rites of the Zhou dynasty, which he believed could restore order to society.

At its core, Confucianism emphasises key virtues: ren (humaneness), li (ritual propriety), yi (righteousness), and xiao (filial piety). Confucius taught that by cultivating these qualities within the individual, families and communities would flourish, leading to a stable and just state. His ideas were preserved by his disciples in the Analects, a text that became foundational to Chinese philosophy.

Though Confucius' influence was limited during his lifetime, later dynasties, especially the Han (206 BCE-220 CE), elevated his philosophy to official state doctrine. Over the centuries, Confucian thought evolved through interpreters such as Mencius and Zhu Xi, blending with other traditions and shaping education, government, and social values across East Asia. Today, Confucianism continues to function less as a religion than as a guide to integrity, family loyalty, and civic responsibility.

Buddhism originated in the 5th century BCE in northern India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, a prince of the Shakya clan born in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal). Raised in comfort, Siddhartha was deeply disturbed by human suffering, ageing, illness, and death, and left his royal life to seek understanding. After years of extreme ascetic practice, he adopted a balanced approach known as the Middle Way and meditated under the Bodhi tree, where he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, the 'Awakened One'.

For the next 45 years, the Buddha travelled across the Gangetic plains, teaching the principles of liberation from suffering. His central teachings include the Four Noble Truths, which identify the nature of suffering and its cessation, and the Eightfold Path, a guide to ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. He welcomed followers from all walks of life and established the monastic community (Sangha) to preserve and spread his teachings.

Over time, Buddhism spread beyond India, developing into traditions such as Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna, each interpreting its teachings in unique ways. While Buddhism does not centre on a creator god, it offers a comprehensive spiritual path emphasising mindfulness, compassion, and awakening. Its ideas have profoundly influenced cultures across Asia and continue to inspire spiritual seekers worldwide.

Christianity began in the 1st century CE in Roman-controlled Judea, based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Born into a Jewish family, Jesus taught love, forgiveness, and the coming of God's Kingdom. His message often challenged religious and political leaders, and around 30-33 CE, he was crucified by the Romans. His followers believed that he rose from the dead, seeing this event as confirmation that he was the Messiah and the Son of God.

After his death, Jesus' disciples formed a devoted community in Jerusalem, continuing to observe Jewish practices while spreading his teachings and the belief in his resurrection. The faith soon expanded beyond Jewish communities, largely through the missionary work of Paul of Tarsus, who helped establish Christian theology and brought the message to non-Jewish populations across the Roman Empire.

Despite periods of persecution, Christianity grew rapidly. By the 4th century, Emperor Constantine legalised the faith with the Edict of Milan, eventually making it the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. From its beginnings as a small Jewish sect, Christianity developed into a global religion centred on Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, with sacred texts, rituals, and diverse traditions that continue to guide billions of followers today.

Islam emerged in the early 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, based on the revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad. Born in Mecca around 570 CE, Muhammad was known for his integrity and reflective nature. At age 40, while meditating in a cave near Mecca, he received a vision from the angel Gabriel, marking the beginning of a series of revelations that continued over the next 22 years. These teachings were later collected in the Qur'an, the sacred scripture of Islam.

Muhammad's message stressed submission to one God (Allah), moral responsibility, and care for the poor and marginalised. His teachings confronted the polytheism and social inequalities of Mecca, resulting in persecution. In 622 CE, he and his followers migrated to Yathrib (later Medina) in an event called the Hijra, where Muhammad became both a spiritual and political leader, uniting the tribes under Islamic principles.

By the time of his death in 632 CE, Islam had spread throughout much of the Arabian Peninsula. His followers continued to expand the faith through teaching, diplomacy, and governance, establishing a powerful and enduring civilisation. Islam regards itself as a continuation of the monotheistic tradition of prophets such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, aiming to restore the original message of devotion and submission to God.

Sikhism was founded in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak, a spiritual teacher from the Punjab region (present-day India and Pakistan). Born into a Hindu family, Nanak was thoughtful and questioned the religious rituals, divisions, and inequalities he observed. He taught belief in one universal God and rejected caste distinctions, idol worship, and religious exclusivity.

Around the age of 30, after a profound spiritual experience, Nanak proclaimed, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim," highlighting the unity of humanity beyond labels. He travelled widely across India, the Middle East, and toward Tibet, spreading a message of devotion to God, equality, and honest living. His teachings were often shared through poetic hymns and songs, accompanied by his companion Mardana on a stringed instrument.

After Nanak, nine successive Gurus guided the Sikh community, each shaping its spiritual and social principles. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the Khalsa in 1699, a collective of initiated Sikhs devoted to justice, courage, and spiritual discipline. Following his death, the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, was declared the eternal Guru. Sikhism emphasises both devotion and action, encouraging service to others (seva), constant remembrance of God (Naam), and standing up against injustice. It is a faith rooted in dialogue, equality, and the dignity of all human beings.

The Bahá'í Faith arose in the mid-19th century in Persia (modern-day Iran) as a movement calling for spiritual renewal and global unity. It began with the Báb ('the Gate'), a young merchant who in 1844 announced that a new messenger of God would soon appear to guide humanity toward peace and justice. His message inspired many but also provoked strong opposition, leading to his execution in 1850.

Nineteen years later, Bahá'u'lláh ('Glory of God') declared himself to be the promised messenger foretold by the Báb. Despite facing imprisonment, exile, and persecution, he wrote extensively about building a unified world where all religions are recognised as part of a single divine plan. He emphasised the oneness of humanity and promoted principles like justice, equality, and universal education as foundations for global harmony.

After Bahá'u'lláh died in 1892, his son, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, continued to spread the faith internationally. Today, the Bahá'í community is led by elected councils rather than clergy, and its teachings encourage service, unity, and independent investigation of truth. Central to the Bahá'í Faith is the idea of progressive revelation: that religious truth unfolds over time through different prophets, including figures such as Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad, each contributing to humanity's spiritual development.