Ittarites

Ittarites were a small, heterodox Jewish sect that emerged in the 8th century CE. Their name is derived from the Arabic word "ittar," meaning perfumer, which is believed to be a reference to their founder, Abu 'Izz al-Muzhir al-Baghdadi, also known as "al-Ittar." The sect's theological beliefs and practices diverged significantly from mainstream Rabbinic Judaism, leading to their condemnation by prominent Jewish authorities of the time.

The Ittarites held a number of unique doctrines. They reportedly rejected the Oral Law, as codified in the Mishnah and Talmud, and instead emphasized a literal interpretation of the written Torah. Some sources suggest they also held views on the nature of God and prophecy that were considered unorthodox. Their social customs and rituals also differed, though specific details are scarce and often relayed through polemical accounts.

The Ittarite movement appears to have been relatively short-lived and geographically confined, primarily associated with Mesopotamia. They faced strong opposition from Rabbinic leaders, including prominent figures like Saadia Gaon, who actively debated and refuted their theological positions. Due to the limited and often biased nature of the surviving sources, a comprehensive understanding of Ittarite beliefs and history remains challenging. The sect eventually faded into obscurity, leaving little direct trace of its existence beyond critical accounts from their opponents.