Therushma(Classical Mandaic:ࡓࡅࡔࡌࡀ,romanized:rušma,lit. 'sign'; sometimes also spelledrushumaorrušuma) is one of the most commonly recited prayers inMandaeism.It is a "signing" prayer recited during daily ablutions (rishama).[1]The same word can also be used to refer to the ritual signing gesture associated with the prayer.
The rushma is numbered as Prayer 104 inE. S. Drower's version of theQolasta,which was based on manuscript 53 of theDrower Collection(abbreviated DC 53). In Drower's ordering, theAsiet Malkiaprayer (CP105) follows the rushma prayer, while theʿniana( "response" ) prayers come before the rushma.[2]
Rushmaliterally means "sign" or "signing" (ritual gesture). Many lines in the prayer are repeated three times as the reciter signs therushmafront of the face with his or her fingers.[2]
