Definition of Sabaism

Not to be confused with Sabian, the Canadian cymbal manufacturing company; Sabaeans, an ancient people living in what is now Yemen; Sabbateans, followers of Sabbatai Zevi; or Sabines, a pre-Roman Italic tribe of Latium.

Sabians (, , ) are adherents of religions derived from the beliefs of a community which was based in the Harran region of southeastern Anatolia and northern Syria. There are two kinds of Sabians, non-gnostic Sabians (Sābi'ūna Hunafāh) and gnostic Sabians (i.e. the Sābi'ūna Mushrukūn Sabians of Harran and Mandaean Nasaræan Sabeans). They are not to be confused with the Sabaeans of Sheba whose etymology is completely unrelated being spelled with an initial Arabic letter "Sin" instead of the initial letter "Sad" (though the issue was confused because at least one tribe of Sabaeans, the Ansar, are known to have adopted the religion of the Saabi`ah Hunafa`).