The Reality of the Ṣābi’een ─ In Light of Qur’an, History, and the Exegesis of Scholars
Compiled by: Abu Abdul Aziz Muhammad Yusuf Madani
✦ Introduction
The Ṣābi’een are mentioned in the Qur’an at several places, and both exegetes and historians have discussed their identity in detail. Some historical accounts connect them to the Chaldean people of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام, while hadith scholars and jurists have presented differing views regarding their true nature. The purpose of this article is to clarify their original religion, sects, and the scholarly verdicts regarding them.
✦ Historical Accounts
➊ Some historians say that the Ṣābi’een originated from the Chaldean people of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام.
➋ Their religion spread across Iraq, Syria, and Yemen but later weakened under the influence of Judaism and Christianity.
➌ Eventually, they merged with Magianism and other faiths, with remnants surviving in parts of Iraq and the Gulf.
References: Tareekh Ardh al-Qur’an (2/193–208), Ar-Raheeq al-Makhtoom (p. 61)✦ Opinions of the Mufassirun
Ibn Kathir رحمه الله:
The Ṣābi’een were neither Jews, Christians, Magians, nor idolaters. Rather, they were upon fitrah (natural disposition) without adhering to a specific religion. The Quraysh used to call the Companions “Ṣābi’een” when they abandoned their old faiths.
Al-Qurtubi رحمه الله (Tafsir of Surah al-Baqarah 62):
The Salaf differed about their reality:
① Some considered them People of the Book, saying their slaughter and women are lawful for Muslims.
② Some said their religion resembled Christianity and that they claimed to follow Nuh عليه السلام.
③ Some said they followed a mixed faith of Judaism and Magianism.
④ Some said they were worshippers of angels, prayed, and recited Zabur.
Summary by Al-Qurtubi: Outwardly they were monotheists, but they believed in astrology and celestial powers, which led scholars to declare them disbelievers.
✦ Other Sources
Al-Mawsu‘ah al-Mayisarah:
A sect of the Ṣābi’een still exists today. They believe in Yahya عليه السلام as a prophet, perform baptism in flowing water, and venerate stars.
Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله:
The Ṣābi’een were of two types:
① Ṣābi’een Ḥunafa’ → Those who followed the original Torah and Injil before distortion.
② Ṣābi’een Mushrikeen → Those who worshipped angels, prayed, recited Zabur, but also revered celestial bodies.
Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله:
The Ṣābi’een were a large nation, some of whom were believers and others disbelievers. The Qur’an mentioned them alongside the Jews and Christians, promising reward for their believers (al-Baqarah 62, al-Ma’idah 69, al-Hajj 17).
✦ Sects of the Ṣābi’een
❶ Some claimed to follow Prophet Nuh عليه السلام.
❷ Some considered themselves followers of Yahya ibn Zakariyya عليه السلام.
❸ Some adopted a mixture of Judaism and Christianity.
❹ Others combined Judaism with Magianism.
✦ Summary and Conclusion
① The Ṣābi’een were not a single religion but rather a large ancient nation with different sects.
② Among them were monotheists upon fitrah, as well as sects resembling Magians and idolaters.
③ The Qur’an mentions them alongside Jews and Christians, showing that there were also believers among them.
④ The Ṣābi’een who remain today (like the Mandaeans) are star-worshippers and baptism-practitioners, so they do not fall under the ruling of Ahl al-Kitab.
In conclusion: The Ṣābi’een were an ancient nation containing both believers and disbelievers. However, the present-day Ṣābi’een are disbelievers and cannot be treated under the rulings applicable to the People of the Book.