Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Scholars have observed numerous parallels between the Jewish tradition and the Mandaeans, who believe that their religion began with the creation of the first human, Adam.
By Shula Rosen
Jews in Iran constitute a tiny minority of around 10,000. Still, another group that claims to trace its roots back to Second Temple Jewry, the Mandaeans, exists in even smaller numbers in Iran and faces persecution along with the threat of extinction as a group, Israel Hayom reported in a feature published Tuesday.
The Mandaeans, whose tradition extends beyond 1,600 years, have generally lived in southern Iraq and Iran’s Khuzestan province.
However, the majority of the 60,000 to 100,000 remaining Mandaeans live outside the Middle East, with a small number still dwelling in Iran.
Like Judaism and Islam, Mandaeans believe in one God, although they do not accept the prophecy of Muhammad, Jesus or Moses.
Instead, their focus is on the biblical figures of Adam, Abel, Seth, Enosh, Noah and John the Baptist, with the latter having the highest prophetic status.
Scholars have observed numerous parallels between the Jewish tradition and the Mandaeans, who believe that their religion began with the creation of the first human, Adam, according to Israel Hayom.
Mandaean clergy hold the title of “rabbi”; their places of worship are called mishkana, similar to the Hebrew word mishkan, meaning “tabernacle”; and baptismal sites are referred to as Yardena – from Yarden, the Hebrew word for the Jordan River, Israel Hayom noted. The community draws on concepts and terminology associated with the Essene sect of the Second Temple period, as well as language found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Scholars have posited that the Mandaeans evolved from a sectarian group within Judaism, perhaps the Essenes, during the Second Temple period, and relocated to Iran.
They have typically lived in small groups near bodies of water, where they immerse themselves frequently, focusing on morality and family life.
Unlike other non-Muslim religious populations in Iran, including Jews, the Mandeans were not categorized as a religious minority, and many fled to other countries, including Europe and North America.
Today, they exist in Iran in very small numbers and face restrictions on religious expression.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
