Abstract: The term ‘al-S~biã’n,’ as literally employed in the Qur’~nic commentaries, denotes “peoples who
shift from one religion to another” or “peoples who take on a new religion other than their own.” This term is
the plural of s~b§’ and it derives from the root sab~, which signifies “turn to” or “lean towards to.” The term
al-S~biã’n as applied in the Qur’~n indicates various technical meanings since almost all commentators of the
Qur’~n and the earliest scholars have left the identification of al-S~biã’n vague. Such a vague identification is
plausible since al-S~biã’n is represented by a conglomerate of various views comprising remnants of sects who
were oriented to cultic practices, ancient heathen sects of several nationalities, namely Greeks, Persians and
Indians and sects who were Neo-Platonic in their origin and character. This paper thus has a distinct purpose.
It attemps to exhibit the features of the Sabians as perceived and conceived by the Quranic Commentators,
Theologians and Jurists. It is hoped that the paper will provide a preliminary yet clear understanding of the
Sabians as interpreted by them.
Key words: Sabians % Quranic Commentators % Theologians % Jurists % People of a Dubious Book

INTRODUCTION The term al-S~biã’n as applied in the Qur’~n
Al-S~biã’n (the Sabians) is illustrated in three commentators of the Qur’~n and the earliest scholars have
Qur’~nic passages. In all three places, the term al-S~biã’n left the identification of al-S~biã’n vague. Such a vague
is mentioned along with the Jews and the Christians. One identification is plausible since al-S~biã’n is represented
of them is presented as follows: by a conglomerate of various views comprising remnants
Verily, those “who have attained faith” (~manã) as Persians and Indians and sects who were Neo-Platonic in
well as “those who follow the “Jewish faith” their origin and character [8].
(alladh§na h~dã) and “the Christians”
(al-nas~r~) and “the Sabians” (al-s~bi§’n)--- Al-s~biã’n (The Sabians) According to the Qur’~nic
“all who believe in All~h and the Last Day
and work righteousness” (man amana bill~h wa
al-yaumil al-~khir wa ‘amila s~lih~n)---shall
have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be
no fear nor shall they grieve. (Sãrat al-Baqarah,
2:62) [1].
The term ‘al-S~biã’n,’ as literally employed in the
Qur’~nic commentaries, denotes “peoples who shift from
one religion to another” or “peoples who take on a new
religion