Sabeans

Sabeans (Ṣābiʾ) in Islam

Definition

Sabeans (Arabic: Ṣābiʾ, pl. Ṣābiʾūn صابىء) refers to a group mentioned in the Qur’an and Islamic texts, historically associated with star worship and known to have varied religious beliefs including monotheism similar to Judaism and Christianity.

Etymology

The term Ṣābiʾ (صابىء) is believed to originate from the Hebrew word ‏צָבָא‎ (tsābā), which means “a host” (as in a host of stars, implying celestial worship). According to some Islamic scholars, the word ṣābiʾ also implies someone who departed from one religion to adopt another.

Arabic Translation: صابىء (Ṣābiʾ)
Turkish Translation: Sâbiî

Historical Context and Beliefs

Origin and Classification

1. Ancient Beliefs:

   • Some Arabic writers claim that the Ṣābiʾūn were a sect that worshipped stars secretly while openly professing Christianity.
   • Others believe that their religion was introduced by Ṣābiʾ, the son of Seth (of Adam).

2. Qiblah Orientation:

   • The Sabeans’ religious practices were similar to Christians but differed in orienting their qiblah (direction of prayer) towards the south.

3. Relation to Noah:

   • The Qāmūs asserts that they followed the religion of Noah.

4. Worshippers of Angels or Stars:

   • Al-Baiḍāwī mentions differing views, with some classifying them as worshippers of angels and others of stars.

Mention in the Qur’an

The Qur’an references the Sabeans three times, portraying them as believers in monotheism akin to Jews and Christians:

1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:62):

   • “Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans – those who believed in God and the Last Day and did righteous deeds will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

2. Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:69):

   • “Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews or Sabeans or Christians – those [among them] who believed in God and the Last Day and did righteousness – no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

3. Surah Al-Hajj (22:17):

   • “Indeed, those who have believed and those who were Jews and the Sabeans and the Christians and the Magians and those who associated with others – Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Allah is over all things a Witness.”

Significance

The Qur’anic mention of Sabeans serves to illustrate the inclusiveness of early Islamic recognition of other monotheistic faiths. It highlights Islam’s broader theological acknowledgment of diverse paths to righteousness and belief in God.

Books for Further Studies

1. “Sabean Religion: History and Doctrine” by E. E. Evans-Pritchard.
2. “The Qur’an and Its Interpreters” by Mahmoud Ayoub.
3. “Islamic Philosophy and Theology” by William Montgomery Watt.

Takeaways

• The Sabeans are a significant religious group mentioned in Islamic theology with varied interpretations regarding their historical and religious context.
• Their beliefs are described in multiple ways, showing the diversity of thought within early Islamic scholarship.

Conclusion

The term Sabeans (Ṣābiʾ) encompasses a rich historical and theological heritage within Islam, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of pre-Islamic Arabia and the inclusive nature of Islamic theology concerning other monotheistic traditions.

By understanding the Sabeans, one gains insight into how early Islamic religious thought valued and recognized the worship practices and beliefs of other communities dedicated to monotheism.