The religion of Harranian Sabians (1)

Text
al-Nadīm, Fihrist 9.1:
These people (= the Harranian Sabians) agree that the world has a prime cause (the transcendent deity) who is eternal and a unity, rather than multiple. No attribute of things created is connected with Him. He has charged discerning persons whom He has created to acknowledge His lordship. He has shown them the way, sending apostles for their guidance and for confirmation of proof, ordering them both to call (people) to be approved by Him and to warn them of His anger. They (= the apostles) have promised enduring contentment for the obedient, but for the person who is disobedient they have promised torment and punishment to the extent which he deserves. Eventually, however, this (punishment) will be ended. It is related that one of their leaders said, “God punishes for nine thousand cycles, after which there will be a change to the compassion of God.”

Source (list of abbreviations)
al-Nadīm, Fihrist 9.1

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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