Why are children of non zoroastrian mothers not zoroastrian?

In Zoroastrianism, religious identity is traditionally passed through the father, meaning that children of non-Zoroastrian mothers are not considered Zoroastrian. This practice stems from historical and cultural norms within the faith, which emphasize patrilineal descent. As a result, the religion maintains its community and lineage through the male line, leading to the exclusion of children with non-Zoroastrian mothers from being recognized as members of the faith.