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Document Details : Title: Problems on the Muslim Understanding of the Mandaeans Author(s): GÜNDÜZ, Şinasi Journal: ARAM Periodical Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Date: 1999-2000 Pages: 269-279 DOI: 10.2143/ARAM.11.2.504468 Abstract : From the beginning of the Islamic era onwards, Muslims have been interested in the Sâbians, because the Sâbians as a religious group are mentioned in the Qur'an. However, the Qur'an mentions them only by name among the ahl al-kitâb with the Jews and the Christians; it does not give any information about their identity, cults and beliefs. Muslim scholars from the early period to the modern time have therefore been interested in this term and tried to explain the religious identity of the Sâbians of the Qur'an. It is quite clear that the Sâbians of the Qur'an who were described by the early scholars are the Mandaeans of southern Iraq. But from the Abbasid period onwards they were confused with the Harranians (pagans, adherents of the planet cult of ancient Mesopotamia). This had of course consequences for the Muslim understanding of and attitude towards the Mandaeans. |
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