Zidqa

In Mandaeism, zidqa (Classical Mandaic: ࡆࡉࡃࡒࡀ) refers to alms or almsgiving.^[1][2] Mandaean priests receive regular financial contributions from laypeople, since priesthood is typically a full-time occupation. Zidqa is also offered to the poor and needy.^[3]

Zidqa or alms box (lower center) at Ganzibra Dakhil Mandi in Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia

In Mandaean scriptures, including the Qulasta, the term kana ḏ-zidqa is used to refer to alms collection.^[4] The word kana is originally used to refer to vessels for storing water or milk, and is of Akkadian origin.^[5]

Other uses

The Mandaic term zidqa brika (literally "blessed oblation") refers to a ritual meal blessed by priests. An early self-appellation for Mandaeans is bhiri zidqa, meaning 'elect of righteousness'.^[6]

See also

• Charity (Christian virtue)
• Zakat in Islam
• Sadaqah in Islam (Arabic cognate)
• Tzedakah in Judaism (Hebrew cognate)
• Dāna in Hinduism