Final answer:
Ahura Mazda is the central deity of B) Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster. Followers of Zoroastrianism engage in a continuous cosmic battle between good and evil through their actions, contributing to the ultimate victory of Ahura Mazda over the evil spirit Angra Mainu.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ahura Mazda and Zoroastrianism
Ahura Mazda is the one and only true God of B) Zoroastrianism. This monotheistic faith was founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, in the first millennium BCE. The principal belief in Zoroastrianism is the existence of a perpetual battle between the force of good, Ahura Mazda, and the force of evil, Angra Mainu.
Followers of Zoroastrianism play an essential role in this cosmic struggle through their actions, striving for good deeds, holding good thoughts, and practicing rituals of purification, which contribute to Ahura Mazda's victory over evil.
Furthermore, Zoroastrianism was the state religion of ancient Persia under the Achaemenid Empire, and it significantly influenced other monotheistic religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The religion's theology encompasses elements of dualism, suggesting a world created inherently good by Ahura Mazda, which is under attack by the destructive spirit of Angra Mainu. The ultimate triumph is foretold to result in a day when Ahura Mazda vanquishes the forces of evil, offering salvation to the righteous and condemnation for the wicked.
In addition to their distinctive cosmology, Zoroastrians worship in fire temples and follow unique funeral practices such as the use of Towers of Silence due to their avoidance of earth burials.
Although the number of adherents has significantly reduced over time, mainly due to conversions to Islam, Zoroastrianism remains a living faith, particularly among the Parsi community in India and small populations in Iran.