The Last Pagans of Iraq: Ibn Wahshiyya And His Nabatean Agriculture

Brill's Islamic History and Civilization

by Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila

This is the first analysis in any language of the religious, philosophical and folkloristic content of Ibn Wa?shiyya's (d. 931) "Nabatean Agriculture," This enigmatic book, said to have been translated by Ibn Wa?shiyya from Syriac into Arabic, contains much material on Late Antique Paganism in Iraq and semi-learned reception of Greek philosophical thought. The first part of the present book studies the question of authenticity, authorship and context of the "Nabatean Agriculture," dated by the author to around 600 AD. The second part consists of 61 translated and annotated excerpts of the "Nabatean Agriculture," until now available only in the Arabic original, as well as introductions to the world view of the text.

Genres: History, Islam, Religion

408 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1601

Reviews

[Mateusz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Ibn Wahshiyya, albeit non single-handedly, an Arab Muslim author of Nabataean background, this work emerges from a crucial historical period and serves as an excellent resource for reconstructing certain pre-Islamic beliefs. Though dense and scattered in its presentation, it contains rare and valuable insights—“ignorance is the brother of death,” as it declares. A critical reading of these narratives, especially when undertaken with a solid background in the occult, Hermetica, and ancient mysteries, can guide a more advanced seeker toward fresh insights and ideas that may be incorporated into sacred techniques.

Although the text is primarily concerned with plants, it also offers rich theological anecdotes and mysteries of more ancient provenance. I recommend reading this book alongside The Religious Life of Nabataea by Peter Alpass; The City of the Moon God by Tamara Green; Picatrix (Pennsylvania State University Press edition); and Al-Kindi’s De Radiis.

My only regret is that such pearls of Arabic lore as Asrār al-Shams (The Book of the Secrets of the Sun) and Asrār al-Qamar (The Mysteries of the Moon) remain lost or untranslated—if indeed they still exist. Perhaps a time will come when these treasures may be rediscovered and brought back into the light.