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In Mandaeism, ṣauma (Classical Mandaic: ࡑࡀࡅࡌࡀ) is a term that means fasting. Although ṣauma can refer to physical fasting, it is more often used in Mandaeism to refer to spiritual piety and abstaining from sin.[1]

On some days of the Mandaean calendar, Mandaeans perform light fasting. Unlike the Islamic tradition of sawm during Ramadan, Mandaeans do not completely forgo food and water for long periods of time. Instead, Mandaeans typically perform light fasting, such as abstaining from meat during certain mbaṭṭal (ominous) days.[2]

Spiritual fasting

The Mandaic term Ṣauma Rabba (Classical Mandaic: ࡑࡀࡅࡌࡀ ࡓࡁࡀ, romanized: Ṣauma Rba, lit. 'Great Fast') refers to a kind of "spiritual fasting" in which devout Mandaeans do not partake in the vices of the world and abstain from performing sinful activities.[1]: 41 

The precepts of the Ṣauma Rabba, which exemplify the Mandaean tenets of pacificism, are mentioned in Book 1 and Book 2, Chapter 1 of the Right Ginza. Both have eight precepts that are identified with different parts of the body.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Nasoraia, Brikha H.S. (2021). The Mandaean gnostic religion: worship practice and deep thought. New Delhi: Sterling. ISBN 978-81-950824-1-4. OCLC 1272858968.
  2. ^ Aldihisi, Sabah (2008). The story of creation in the Mandaean holy book in the Ginza Rba (PhD). University College London.
  3. ^ Gelbert, Carlos (2011). Ginza Rba. Sydney: Living Water Books. ISBN 9780958034630.
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