The Sabians of Harran: A Lost Religion

The Sabians of Harran: A Lost Religion

Author: Filip Holm September 29, 2025 Duration: 1:00:30

Who were the mysterious Sabians of Harran? This forgotten group of ancient star-worshippers left behind one of history’s most fascinating mysteries. We look at the contemporary sources to (try to) find out what these ancient peoples actually believed and practiced.


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Sources/Recommended Reading:


Dodge, Bayard (translated by) (1970). "The Fihrist of al-Nadim: A Tenth Century Survey of Muslim Culture". Columbia University Press.


Gunduz, Sinasi (1994). "The Knowledge of Life: The Origins and Early History of the Mandaeans and Their Relation to the Sabians of the Qur'an and to the Harranians". Oxford University Press.


Hjärpe, Jan (1972). "Analyse critique des traditions arabes sur les Sabéens Harraniens". Doctoral thesis. University of Uppsala.


Moses Maimonides - "The Guide for the Perplexed - A New Translation". Translated with commentary by Lenn E. Goodman & Philip I. Lieberman.

Stanford University Press.


Tardieu, Michel (1986). "Sabiens coraniques et Sabiens' de Harran'. Journal Asiatique 274, 1-44.


Tardieu, Michel (1987). "Les calandriers en usage a Harran d'aprés les sources arabes et le commentaire de Simplicius a la physique d'Aristotle". In Ilsetraut Hadot, ed., "Simplicius: Sa vie, son aevre, sa survie. Acted du colloque international de Paris (28 Sept.-1 Oct. 1985)". Berlin, de Gruyter, 40-57).


Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". OUP USA.


Van Bladel, Kevin (2017). "From Sasanian Mandaeans to Sabians of the Marshes". Brill.


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Hosted by Filip Holm, Let's Talk Religion is a deep, accessible exploration of belief systems that have shaped human history and continue to define cultures. This isn't about preaching or debate; it's a thoughtful journey grounded in academic rigor and genuine curiosity. Each episode serves as a guided conversation, peeling back the layers of major world religions and lesser-known spiritual paths to examine their core tenets, historical development, and cultural impact. You'll hear detailed profiles of pivotal figures, from foundational prophets and philosophers to mystical poets and reformers, all placed within their rich historical context. The goal is to build a foundation of understanding, moving beyond headlines and stereotypes to appreciate the complex narratives and lived experiences within each tradition. By approaching religion as a multifaceted subject worthy of serious study, this podcast creates a space for listeners to reflect on the profound questions and diverse answers humanity has offered. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that treats religious thought with the depth and nuance it deserves, making each topic resonate with both intellectual and personal significance. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to listen and learn, to find connections and contrasts in the stories we tell about the divine, the sacred, and our place in the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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