Latest news with #Mandaean
Shafaq News
7 days ago
- General
- Shafaq News
Honoring creation: Mandaeans celebrate "Dehwa Rabba"
Shafaq News – Baghdad Members of Iraq's Mandaean community began observing the rituals of Dehwa Rabba—their most sacred holiday—on Tuesday, but this year's festivities have been suspended due to their overlap with the Islamic month of Muharram, a period of mourning for Shiite Muslims. The Mandaean religious leadership announced the cancellation of all public celebrations, limiting observances to religious rituals and prayers only, out of respect for the memory of Imam Hussein's martyrdom. Speaking to Shafaq News, Sheikh Sattar Jabar al-Hilu, the worldwide head of the Mandaean religion, explained that Dehwa Rabba marks the Mandaean New Year and the creation of the material world. 'In this holiday, the stars and seven planets were formed, and the secrets from which all worlds emerged were sown,' he said. The holiday lasts for seven days and includes 36 hours of complete seclusion. During this time, Mandaeans refrain from all contact with the outside world, avoid flowing water, and prepare by storing water in advance for household use. They are also prohibited from using razors or grooming tools and must take care to avoid any injuries, as bleeding is forbidden during this sacred time. These rules apply to both children and adults. The Mandaeans, one of the oldest monotheistic religions, trace their roots to the prophet Abraham and follow the teachings of John the Baptist. In Iraq, the community has historically lived in the south, near rivers and marshes, due to the essential role of running water in their rituals. Over the years, Iraq's Mandaeans have faced numerous challenges, including displacement and emigration. Many have relocated from the south to the Kurdistan Region, particularly Erbil, where a temple was established to accommodate their religious needs. The city has also become a new center for Mandaean goldsmiths—a traditional craft closely associated with the community.
Shafaq News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Mandaean community cancels New Year celebrations in respect for Ashura
Shafaq News – Baghdad The head of the Mandaean sect in Iraq and worldwide, Sheikh Sattar Jabbar Helo, announced on Monday the cancellation of New Year celebrations out of respect for the Islamic month of Muharram. In a statement, Sheikh Helo expressed condolences to the Iraqi people and the broader Islamic world on the occasion of Ashura, which commemorates the killing of Imam Hussein bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. He described Imam Hussein's legacy as one of justice, courage, and humility, calling it 'a reformist path that obliges us all.' The Mandaean New Year was scheduled to fall on July 16. However, Sheikh Helo said that, in light of the religious significance of Ashura and as a gesture of solidarity and respect, all public celebrations have been canceled. The community will instead limit its observance to religious rituals and prayers.
Shafaq News
18-05-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
From Iraq to the world: Mandaeans mark Baptism Day in white and water
Shafaq News/ Clad in white and gathered by rivers, Mandaeans in Iraq and across the globe celebrate Dehwa Daimana, the Golden Baptism Day—a sacred rite of renewal and purification that flows through every stage of life. The faithful flock to mandis—their riverside temples—for ritual baptisms and the preparation of thawab, a ceremonial meal offered for the souls of the departed. The occasion marks the baptism of John the Baptist (Yahya ibn Zakariya), revered as the prophet of the Mandaean faith, and is seen as a moment of deep spiritual cleansing. One of the world's oldest surviving monotheistic religions, Mandaeism preserves its teachings in Aramaic, the language of its holy book Ginza Rba (The Great Treasure), which was translated into Arabic by the late poet Abdul Razzaq Abdul Wahid. The text includes the scriptures of Adam and explores the origins of creation, the eternal struggle between light and darkness, and the soul's journey toward the World of Light. The baptism itself—central to Mandaean belief—involves immersion in flowing water, guided by a priest reciting sacred verses, and is performed at birth and repeated throughout life. Participants wear the rasta, a white garment worn by men, women, and children alike. In Iraq, years of persecution have pushed many Mandaeans to seek safety elsewhere. Thousands have relocated from the south to the Kurdistan Region, where Erbil now hosts a vibrant community, a dedicated mandi, and hundreds of goldsmiths—the traditional craft of the faith. Beyond Iraq, Dehwa Daimana is being observed in Sweden, Germany, Australia, and the United States, where waves of migration since the late 1990s have led to the establishment of recognized religious centers. In addition to Dehwa Daimana, Mandaeans observe three other major annual festivals that structure their spiritual calendar. Parwanaya, also known as The Five White Days, falls in March and is considered the most sacred period of the year. Dehwa Rabba, the Great Feast and Mandaean New Year, is celebrated in mid-July. Dehwa Hanina, the Great Feast, arrives in late October and spans three days of joy, reflection, and family gatherings.
Shafaq News
21-04-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
From paradise to pavement: Baghdad losing its sacred plant
Shafaq News/ Once a fragrant fixture of Baghdad's summer nights, the myrtle plant, known locally as "Yas", is fast disappearing from the city's gardens as concrete spreads and water grows scarce. The evergreen shrub, which was a staple in home courtyards and narrow alleys, now struggles to survive in a city where green spaces are vanishing and summer temperatures routinely exceed 50°C. Though it lacks direct scriptural endorsement, the Yas carries deep cultural significance across Iraq's religious communities. Its leaves are scattered at funerals, woven into church decorations, and used in Mandaean baptisms. Sheikh Mortada Hussein al-Uzerjawi described it to Shafaq News as a "living symbol,' and a "link between henna, martyrdom, and the memory of paradise in Iraqi culture.' He also cited its use in traditional healing, referencing scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawzi. Sister Rita Babeka, speaking from a Baghdad church, explained that the plant represents 'peace and purity,' often appearing in holiday rituals more from tradition than theology. Mandaean researcher Jabbar Muneer Muklif noted its importance in his community's rites, 'It accompanies us from birth to death.' In newborn ceremonies, Yas is placed on the navel as part of a pre-baptismal ritual. The plant carries symbolic weight even beyond Iraq. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite (ancient goddess of sexual love and beauty) was said to hide in its branches, giving it an ancient association with chastity and divine protection. But in modern Baghdad, tradition is colliding with reality. As real estate prices rise, homeowners are replacing gardens with annexes and rooftops. The Yas, which demands care and consistent watering, is being edged out by drought-resistant alternatives like acacia—often encouraged by municipal guidelines. Agricultural engineer Najah Mohammed remarked, 'The sound of garden shears has been replaced by construction hammers.' His colleague Ihsan Abd Ali warned that this quiet loss threatens to sever Baghdad from a vital part of its botanical and cultural identity. In the Al-Adhamiyah district, 70-year-old Hasiba Aqil recalled family dinners under the Yas branches. 'Now it's all concrete. Losing the yas is like losing the city's rhythm—its familiar sounds, its scent, its soul.' Experts are calling for action, proposing to revive the plant in public parks, offer drip irrigation incentives to homeowners, and launch awareness campaigns to reconnect residents with the city's botanical heritage. As Baghdad confronts intensifying heat and water shortages, replanting the myrtle might seem minor—but to many, it represents a step toward reclaiming a lost identity.
Iraqi News
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
President Rashid Congratulates the Mandaeans and Praises Their Adherence to National Unity
Baghdad-INA President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid congratulated the Mandaeans on Monday on the occasion of the Festival of Creation (Brunaya), praising their adherence to national unity. In a post on X platform, followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Rashid said: "We extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to our Mandaean people on the occasion of Creation (Barnaya), wishing them a happy holiday filled with goodness, peace, and security." Rashid added: "On this cherished occasion, we affirm our full support for this authentic component of the country, praising their unique cultural and social contributions throughout history and their adherence to national unity."
