Women’s Feature in Mandaean Religion (Marriage and Family)

The present study aimed investigating the woman’s character through Mandaean religion. The research population was all religious texts translated by Mandaeans. The studied sample was the Bouthe (the smallest part of the teachings of the Mandaean religion) related to women, marriage, and the family. In this research, by using the library approach (taking note cards from sources) and referring directly to the holy books of Mandaen, the materials related to the subject of the article (woman, marriage and family) were studied and investigated, then analyzed via a qualitative method. The findings showed that the first woman (Eve), was created to be the companion and twin of the first man (Adam), and their pure soul was breathed from Alma Denhora into their bodies. Eve was next to Adam, while recipient of divine revelation, and after Adam's death, the revelation of the revelatory teachings was continued addressed to Eve. Throughout the ancient history of Mandaean some women were able to enter the clergy and achieved the highest religious ranks such as the Rish oma. Malvasheh, or religious name that forms the original identity of a Mandaean, was created based on the person's mother name. Marriage was considered a religious ritual that had features such as leading to inter-ethnic relation, the existence of complex religious rituals including the baptism of couples in running water; and the absence of divorce. Based on the sacred instructions of Mandaean, family principles such as chastity, child bearing and breeding were extracted and presented.