Mandaeism facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

"Mandaism" redirects here. For the linguistic term referring to features derived from Mandaic, see Mandaism (linguistics).

Quick facts for kids Mandaeism
A copy of the Ginza Rabba in Arabic translation
Type	Ethnic religion
Classification	Gnosticism
Scripture	Ginza Rabba, Qulasta, Mandaean Book of John (see more)
Theology	Dualism
Rishama	Sattar Jabbar Hilow
Region	Iraq, Iran and diaspora communities
Separated from	Second Temple Judaism
Number of followers	c. 60,000–100,000
Other name(s)	Nasoraeanism, Sabianism

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A Mandaic incantation bowl from Southern Mesopotamia, dating from around 200–600 CE. It is now in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada.

Mandaeism is a very old and special religion. Its followers, called Mandaeans, believe in one great God and follow the teachings of prophets like Adam, Noah, and especially John the Baptist. Mandaeans have lived for a long time in areas around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now Iraq and Iran.

The word 'Mandaean' comes from an ancient language called Aramaic, and it means 'knowledge'. Mandaeans are also sometimes called 'Sabians', a name that helped them gain protection under Islamic law long ago. They are known for their unique rituals, especially frequent baptisms in flowing water.

What Does 'Mandaean' Mean?

The name 'Mandaean' comes from an ancient language called Mandaic. In this language, the word manda means "knowledge." So, Mandaeans are people of knowledge.

They are also sometimes called 'Nasoraeans' or 'Sabians'. The name 'Sabians' comes from a group mentioned in the Quran. This name helped Mandaeans gain legal protection in Muslim lands long ago.

Where Did Mandaeism Begin?

Mandaeans believe their religion is very ancient, even older than Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Their holy texts say that early Mandaeans, who were followers of John the Baptist, left Jerusalem a long time ago because they were facing difficulties. They traveled to different places before settling in southern Mesopotamia (which is now part of Iraq).

Some experts agree with this history, while others think Mandaeism might have started in Mesopotamia itself. Mandaeans see themselves as direct descendants of important figures like Shem, the son of Noah, and the first followers of John the Baptist in Jerusalem.

A Look at Mandaean History

Mandaeans have a long and interesting history. During the time of the Parthian Empire, they were protected by the rulers. However, when the Sasanian Empire took over, they faced challenges because the new rulers favored another religion called Zoroastrianism.

Later, when Muslim rule began around 640 CE, Mandaean leaders showed their holy book, the Ginza Rabba, to the new authorities. They explained that their main prophet was John the Baptist, who is also mentioned in the Quran. This helped Mandaeans be recognized as a "People of the Book" under Islamic law, which gave them legal protection as a minority religion. This is why they are often called "Sabians" today.

Over the centuries, Mandaeans have mostly lived quietly and kept their traditions private. Many of the stories and details about their religion were written down by people from outside their community.

What Mandaeans Believe

Mandaeism has many special beliefs and traditions. Mandaeans see themselves as people who bring healing and light to the world. They value Mind, Light, Truth, Love, and Knowledge.

Main Ideas in Mandaeism

One God: Mandaeans believe in one supreme God, called Hayyi Rabbi, which means "The Great Life" or "The Great Living God." This God is seen as the source of all life and creation.
Living Water: A very important symbol for God is "Living Water" (called Yardena). This is why Mandaeans often live near rivers and use flowing water in their ceremonies.
Power of Light: They believe in a powerful force of light, represented by the "King of Light" (another name for Hayyi Rabbi) and special angels called uthras. These angels bring health, strength, and justice. The Drabsha (a special banner) is a symbol of this Light.
Life After Death: Mandaeans believe that the soul is immortal. After death, the soul goes on a journey where it is rewarded or learns from its actions. They believe God is merciful, so there is no eternal punishment.

How the World Was Made (Cosmology)

Mandaeans have a rich and detailed story about how the universe was created. The supreme God, Hayyi Rabbi, is the eternal creator of everything. From this great Light, many uthras (angels or guardians) came forth. These angels worship God and help in the universe.

Some important angels include:

Manda d-Hayyi: This angel brings manda (knowledge or wisdom) to Earth.
Hibil Ziwa: This angel helps overcome darkness and challenges.

There are also other important beings like Yushamin, Abatur, and Ptahil. Ptahil is seen as the one who created the material world we live in, with the help of a spirit called Ruha. Because of this, Mandaeans believe our world is a mix of 'light' and 'dark' elements. Abatur has a special role in weighing the souls of the dead to help them on their journey.

Important Prophets

Mandaeans honor several prophets.

John the Baptist (called Yuhana Maṣbana in Mandaic) is especially important. Mandaeans see him as their greatest teacher, who helped renew and strengthen their ancient faith. They believe John was a messenger of Light and Truth, with healing powers and great wisdom.
Mandaeans do not see Abraham, Moses, or Jesus as Mandaean prophets. However, they believe Abraham and Jesus were originally Mandaean priests.
They also recognize other prophets from ancient times, like Adam, his sons Abel and Seth, and his grandson Enosh. They also honor Noah, Shem, and Aram, whom they consider their direct ancestors.
Mandaeans believe Adam was the founder of their religion, and John the Baptist was the greatest and final prophet.

Holy Books and Writings

Mandaeans have many religious books. The most important is the Ginza Rabba (meaning "Great Treasure"). It contains history, beliefs, and prayers. Experts have found that parts of this book have been copied and passed down for a very long time, possibly since the second or third century CE.

Other important books include:

The Qulasta: This is their main prayer book.
The Mandaean Book of John: This book includes conversations between John the Baptist and Jesus.
The Haran Gawaita: This text tells the story of the Mandaeans' early history and their journey from Jerusalem.

Mandaean religious texts were originally written in Mandaic, an ancient language related to Aramaic. Many Mandaeans today do not speak this ancient language, but some in Iran and Iraq still speak a modern version of it.

Here are some wise sayings from their holy books:

If you see anyone hungry, feed him; if you see anyone thirsty, give him a drink.

Give alms to the poor. When you give do not attest it. If you give with your right hand do not tell your left hand. If you give with your left hand do not tell your right hand.

Ye the chosen ones ... Do not wear iron and weapons; let your weapons be knowledge and faith in the God of the World of Light. Do not commit the crime of killing any human being.

Ye the chosen ones ... Do not rely on kings and rulers of this world, do not use soldiers and weapons or wars; do not rely on gold or silver, for they all will forsake your soul. Your souls will be nurtured by patience, love, goodness and love for Life.

Worship and Special Rituals

Mandaean worship centers around two very important ceremonies: baptism (called Masbuta) and a ceremony for the dead (called Masiqta).

Baptism (Masbuta)

Unlike some other religions, Mandaean baptism is not a one-time event. It is performed every Sunday, which is their holy day, as a way to cleanse and purify themselves. Baptism involves fully immersing oneself in flowing natural water, like a river. All rivers used for baptism are called Yardena, named after the Jordan River. After coming out of the water, worshippers are anointed with holy oil and share a special meal of bread and water.

Ceremony for the Dead (Masiqta)

The masiqta ceremony is a special meal held to remember those who have passed away. Mandaeans believe this ceremony helps the souls of the dead on their journey through the afterlife to the World of Light.

Other Purification Rituals

Rishama: This is a daily washing of the face and limbs, done before prayers, similar to how some other religions prepare for prayer. It can be done without a priest.
Tamasha: This involves a triple immersion in a river, also without a priest. It is done after certain events, like touching a deceased person, to become ritually clean again.
Mandaeans also purify their food, cooking tools, and special ceremonial clothes. They even perform a purification ritual for someone who is dying.

Prayer and Direction

Mandaeans pray three times a day, facing north. Their daily prayer is called brakha. When a Mandaean is buried, their grave must be in a north-south direction. This way, if they were to stand up, they would face north.

Giving to Others (Zidqa)

Zidqa means giving to charity or helping those in need. Mandaean followers regularly offer help and support to their priests and community.

Places of Worship (Mandis)

A mandī (also called mashkhanna) is a Mandaean place of worship. It must be built next to a river because water is so important in their faith. Modern mandis sometimes have a special bath inside the building.

Each mandi has a drabsha, which is a special banner. It looks like a cross made of olive wood, partly covered with white silk cloth and seven branches of myrtle. The drabsha is not the same as a Christian cross. Its four arms represent the four directions of the universe, the white silk stands for the Light of God, and the seven myrtle branches symbolize the seven days of creation.

Family Life and Values

Mandaeans believe in marriage and having families, placing great importance on family life and living a good, moral life. They are generally peaceful people and believe in equality. Interestingly, one of the earliest known Mandaean writers was a woman named Shlama Beth Qidra. There is also evidence that women served as priests in earlier times.

Mandaeans avoid strong alcoholic drinks and most red meat. Any meat they do eat must be prepared according to special rituals. On some days, they choose not to eat meat at all. Fasting in Mandaeism is called sauma. Some Mandaeans have a tradition that their ancestors were vegetarians.

Mandaean Priests

In Mandaeism, there is a clear difference between the general followers (laity) and the priests. Priests have special knowledge and lead the religious ceremonies.

There are different levels of priests:

Tarmidia (disciples): These are priests who are learning and serving.
Ganzibria (treasurers): These are higher-ranking priests.
Rišama (leader of the people): This is the highest position, like a patriarch. The current rišama in Iraq is Sattar Jabbar Hilo al-Zahrony. In Australia, the Mandaean rišama is Salah Chohaili.

The Mandaean priesthood faced a difficult time in 1831 when a disease outbreak in Iran greatly reduced their numbers. However, two surviving students, Yahia Bihram and Ram Zihrun, helped rebuild the priesthood in Iraq, ensuring their traditions continued.

In 2009, there were about two dozen Mandaean priests in the world. However, the number of priests has been growing in recent years.

Understanding Mandaean Origins

Experts have different ideas about where Mandaeism truly began. Some scholars believe Mandaeism has connections to ancient Israel, possibly linked to the followers of John the Baptist. They point to similarities in language and beliefs with other groups from that region.

Other scholars suggest that Mandaeism started in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) much later. There is ongoing discussion about these different theories. Some Mandaean scholars believe their community has roots in both the Jordan Valley of Israel and ancient Mesopotamia, with these groups eventually coming together.

Who Are the Sabians?

The term 'Sabians' is mentioned in the Quran alongside Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians as "People of the Book". This meant they were recognized as a legal minority religion under Muslim rule and received protection.

During the 9th and 10th centuries, several religious groups claimed to be these Sabians. Mandaeans were one of these groups, and they continue to be called Sabians today. This identification was important for their community's safety and legal status.

Mandaean Population Today

It is thought that there are between 60,000 and 100,000 Mandaeans worldwide. Sadly, their numbers in their original homelands have decreased a lot, especially after the Iraq War. Many Mandaeans moved to nearby countries like Iran, Syria, and Jordan. For example, about 2,500 Mandaeans live in Jordan.

In 2011, some reports suggested there could be as many as 60,000 Mandaeans in Iran, though other estimates from 2009 put the number between 5,000 and 10,000.

Many Mandaeans have also moved to other parts of the world, forming communities in countries like Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and especially Australia. About 10,000 Mandaeans live in Australia, mainly around Sydney, making up a significant part of the global Mandaean population.

Since 2002, about 1,000 Iranian Mandaeans have moved to the United States, and Iraqi Mandaeans also received refugee status in 2007. A community of about 2,500 Mandaeans settled in Worcester, Massachusetts, starting in 2008.

Mandaeism traditionally does not allow people to convert to their faith. Also, the religious status of Mandaeans who marry outside their community and their children is a topic of discussion within their faith.

Images for kids

An 18th-century Scroll of Abatur in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.
Image of Abatur from Diwan Abatur.
John the Baptist, by Titian.
Image of Abatur at the scales, from the Diwan Abatur.
A Mandaean priest reads from a religious text, Baghdad, Iraq, 2008.
Mandaean Beth Manda (Mashkhanna) in Baghdad, 2024.
Mandaean Beth Manda (Mashkhanna) in Baghdad, 2024.
Door entrance to the Mashkhanna, written in Classical Mandaic and Arabic. Translation: ࡁࡔࡅࡌࡀࡉࡄࡅࡍ ࡖࡄࡉࡉࡀ ࡓࡁࡉࡀ = "in their name, the great living one" and on the doors, following: ࡊࡅࡔࡈࡀ ࡀࡎࡉࡍࡊࡅࡍ = "truth be upon you".
Inside the Mashkhanna.
Left to right: Ganzibra Dakheel Edan (1881–1964) and Abdullah bar Sam (1890–1981), High Priests of the Mandaeans.
Rishama Sattar Jabbar Hilow, current patriarch of the Mandaeans in Iraq.
Virgin of the Rocks (Louvre) by Leonardo da Vinci showing infant John the Baptist and Jesus.
A copy of the Mandaean Book of John.
Mandaeans celebrating Parwanaya in Amarah, Iraq – 17 March 2019.