Şinasi Gündüz, Problems on the Muslim Understanding of the Mandaeans
Every Mandaean [According to Gündüz, the same people as the Sâbians mentioned in the Qur’an as one of the “people of the book” —F.] has two personal names, one is the worldly name and other is the religious (malwaşa) name. The former which is usually an Islamic name is his laqâb, but the malwaşa name is the real name. The Mandaeans use their worldly names in daily life while they use their malwaşa names during all religious occasions and ceremonies. The reason of carrying an Islamic name in a Muslim environment and using this in a mixed society is presumably connected with the rule of secrecy.
(Source: dinlertarihi.com)
