Therushuma(Classical Mandaic:ࡓࡅࡔࡅࡌࡀ,romanized:rušuma,lit. 'sign'; sometimes also spelledrushmaorrušma) 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 rushuma is numbered as Prayer 104 inE. S. Drower's version of theQulasta,which was based on manuscript 53 of theDrower Collection(abbreviated DC 53). In Drower's ordering, theAsut Malkiaprayer (CP105) follows the rushuma prayer, while theʿniana( "response" ) prayers come before the rushuma.[2]
Rushumaorrushmaliterally means "sign" or "signing" (ritual gesture). Many lines in the prayer are repeated three times as the reciter signs therushumafront of the face with his or her fingers.[2]
MayKushtagive you strength.
In the name ofHayyi Rabbi.
May healing and victory be upon you.
O my Father, their Father, KingPiriawis, GreatYardnaof theLiving Water.
In the name of Hayyi Rabbi.
We have purified our hands with Kushta, and our lips with Faith, and we have spoken words ofZiwa, and my mind is immersed in Light.
May your name be blessed, and may your name be praised, my LordManda d-Hayyi.
May thatGreat Countenance of Glory,which originated from itself, be blessed and praised. (three times)
I, N son of N, am signed with the rušma of Hayyi. May the name of Hayyi and the name of Manda d-Hayyi be pronounced upon me. (three times)
My ears have heard the call of Hayyi. (three times)
My nose has breathed therihaof Hayyi. (three times)
My rušuma, given to me, was not in the fire, was not in the oil, and was not of the anointment ofMšiha.
My rušuma is in the Great Yardna of Living Water, of which none can attain its powers. May the name of Hayyi and the name of Manda d-Hayyi be pronounced upon me.
Darkness is defeated, and Light is established. May the name of Hayyi and the name of Manda d-Hayyi be pronounced upon me.
My mouth is filled with prayer (buta) and praise. (three times)
My knees bless and worship Hayyi Rabbi. (three times)
My feet walk the paths of Kushta and Faith. (three times)
I, N son of N, am baptized with themaṣbutaofBihramRabba, son of the Mighty. My maṣbuta will protect me and bring me forward. May the name of Hayyi and the name of Manda d-Hayyi be pronounced upon me. (three times)
The feet and the hands of the Seven and Twelve will not be able to dominate me. May the name of Hayyi and the name of Manda d-Hayyi be pronounced upon me.
^Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2010).The great stem of souls: reconstructing Mandaean history.Piscataway, N.J: Gorgias Press.ISBN978-1-59333-621-9.
^abDrower, E. S. (1959).The Canonical Prayerbook of the Mandaeans.Leiden: E. J. Brill.
^Al-Mubaraki, Majid Fandi; Mubaraki, Brian (2010).Qulasta - 'niania & Qabina / Mandaean Liturgical Prayer Book (Responses & Marriage).Vol. 2. Luddenham, New South Wales: Mandaean Research Centre.ISBN9781876888152.(1999 edition: ISBN 0-9585704-4-X)
