Manichaeism

Manichaeism appeared after the teaching of Jesus (may peace be upon him) Son of Mary (may peace be upon her) and before the birth of the Holy Prophet (may the peace and blessings be upon him and his pure family). Founder of this religion/sect is Mani (a citizen of Babylon; Southern Iraq 215-277 AD).

Mani (a self-styled Prophet or Guru) professed the Religion of Light; a hybrid religion by combining elements from Christianity, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism.

Mani eventually fall out of favor with the Persian Kings and Zoroastrian Priests. He was tortured, decapitated and then hanged to rot (his head) on the city gate.

Mani's version of theology and cosmology sounds like something out of science fiction.

There is a kingdom of Light and Darkness. The darkness attacks light. Light is being defended by Primal man (not Adam; maybe not even human) and his five sons (light breeze, wind, light, water and fire). Behind the enemy lines are smoke, fire, darkness, fog and scorching wind. Primal man and his children were defeated by the darkness. A rescue mission by God of Light to save the Primal man left the soul behind. This brings to a new mission/task. Separating soul (or the light) out of darkness. The story doesn't end here. Read more here.  

The following statistics about Manichaeism may not be very accurate

• Locations: Unsure (Mostly in Iraq)
• Est. population: Extinct
• Important literature: see on wikipedia 
• Written/Spoken: Syriac and old Persian
• Established (year):  Since 230-277 AD
  
• Membership: Extremely secretive
• Symbols: Unknown