Mandaeaism

Mandaeism is practised in the marshlands and along the rivers of southern Mesopotamia, with Jewish influences as well. Its followers take their name from manda, knowledge, and are called Sabians by their neighbours. They revere Adam, Seth, Noah and Shem.

Baptism in flowing water, the masbuta, is repeated every Sunday, so every mandi, or temple, stands beside a river. Being identified with the Sabians of the Quran won the community the protection due to People of the Book.

Portuguese Jesuits in 1559 called them Christians of Saint John. In 1831 cholera killed most of the priests of Shushtar, and two surviving acolytes restored the priesthood at Suq al-Shuyukh.