Mandaeism
Mandaeism is a Gnostic, ethnoreligious tradition that originated in the Mesopotamian region in late antiquity. It is practiced by a community primarily in southern Iraq and Khuzestan in Iran, with diaspora populations in Europe, North America, and Australia. Distinct from Islam, Judaism, and mainstream Christianity, Mandaeism preserves its own scriptures, rituals, and priesthood.
The religion centers on a single, transcendent God known as Hayyi Rabbi, the Great Life, and a
Mandaean scriptures are written in the Mandaic language. The core texts include the Ginza Rabba, a two-part
Ritual life centers on the masbuta, the baptism performed by qualified priests to purify the soul and
Historically concentrated in Iraq and Iran, Mandaeans have faced persecution and flight, especially in the late