Final answer:
Islamic beliefs and practices in the seventh century were influenced by Zoroastrianism, which was the state religion of the Persian Empire. Zoroastrian ideas impacted Judaism, Christianity, and subsequently Islam. Zoroastrianism declined after the Islamic conquest, with many adherents moving to India.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some historians argue that Islamic beliefs and practices in the seventh century reflected the influence of Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrianism, named after its prophet Zoroaster, was the state religion of the Persian Empire prior to the Islamic conquest. Its teachings about the cosmic struggle between the god of goodness, Ahura Mazda, and the evil spirit, Ahriman, as well as ritual practices, had an impact on later religions, including Islam.
Judaism, and by extension Christianity, were influenced by Zoroastrian ideas, which in turn went on to influence Islam. Additionally, the Delhi Sultanate rulers followed Islam, while the Sufi mystics, representing the mystical Islamic tradition, were present in India from at least the eleventh century. Furthermore, Zoroastrianism declined after the Islamic conquest, and many Zoroastrians migrated to India where they are known as Parsees.