The Druze
Mike Ervin
The Druze
Below is a comprehensive summary of the Druze
people, their history, and especially their religious inclinations. The Druze
are a unique and historically significant ethno-religious group primarily found
in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Their beliefs are esoteric and differ
significantly from the Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and
Islam, although they draw upon elements from each.
I. Origins and History
Ethnic Identity
- The Druze are
an Arabic-speaking ethnoreligious group.
- While many
Druze consider themselves part of the Arab cultural sphere, they have
maintained a distinct identity over centuries.
- Their
population is estimated at about 1 million globally, with the largest
communities in:
- Syria (especially in the Jabal al-Druze or Suwayda
region)
- Lebanon (notably in the Chouf Mountains)
- Israel (in the Galilee and Carmel regions)
Historical Background
- The Druze faith
emerged in the early 11th century CE during the reign of the Fatimid
Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah in Cairo.
- Initially part
of the Isma'ili Shi'a branch of Islam, the Druze faith developed into a
distinct religion.
- A preacher
named Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad is considered the founder of the Druze
faith.
- The religion
became closed to new converts around 1043 CE, creating a closed,
hereditary community.
The Druze
II. Religious Beliefs and Practices
Core Tenets
The Druze faith is monotheistic, but its theology is esoteric,
philosophical, and secretive. Key beliefs include:
- Tawhid:
Absolute unity of God. Unlike Islam, where God is distinct and
transcendent, the Druze emphasize a more abstract, unknowable conception
of the divine.
- Reincarnation:
Central to Druze belief is the transmigration of souls (reincarnation),
where the soul passes into another body at death, and this cycle continues
until spiritual perfection is reached.
- Esotericism:
Many teachings are hidden from outsiders and even from most members of the
Druze community, reserved for an inner circle called the uqqāl (“the
wise”).
- Ethical
conduct: Strong emphasis on honesty, loyalty, altruism, and social
cohesion.
Key Religious Texts
The Druze do not use the Qur'an as a primary religious text (though they
acknowledge its origin). Instead, their scriptures include:
- The Epistles of
Wisdom (Rasa'il al-Hikma): A collection of 111 epistles written by early
Druze leaders, dealing with theology, philosophy, and ethics.
- These texts are
not publicly accessible and are studied only by the uqqāl.
Initiation and Religious Class
- Two classes
exist within Druze society:
- (The Knowledgeable/Wise): A religious elite who
study the sacred texts and live ascetic, disciplined lives.
- (The Ignorant/Uninitiated): The majority of
Druze, who live secular lives and are not granted access to the deeper
teachings.
- Initiation into The Knowledgeable/Wise is a personal choice, and members can switch categories, though
it's rare.
The Druze
III. Differences from Other Abrahamic
Religions
Feature Druze Judaism Christianity Islam Concept of God Abstract Monotheistic, Trinity Monotheistic Scriptures Wisdom Tanak 2 Testments Qur'an, Hadith Prophets. Some Yes Yes es Jesus’ Role Wise teacher False Messiah Son of God. Prophet, not
divine
Reincarnation Central belief Rejected Rejected Rejected by
mainstream
Missionary None; Rare Yes Yes Afterlife belief Reincarnation Varies; Heaven/hell. Heaven/hell.
IV. Social and Political Role
- The Druze have
historically been a politically active minority, often balancing their
independence with survival in volatile regions.
- In Syria, they
have maintained autonomy, especially in mountainous regions like Jabal
al-Druze.
- In Lebanon,
they played a major role in the civil war and continue to influence
politics.
- In Israel,
Druze serve in the military (unlike most other Arab citizens), and many
are integrated into the state.
V. Contemporary Challenges
- Assimilation
vs. Isolation: Balancing their secretive traditions with modern life.
- Political
instability: Especially in Syria, where the community has been caught
between various factions.
- Demographic
pressure: Low birth rates and emigration threaten their numbers.
- Religious
secrecy: In an age of information, preserving the privacy of their sacred
texts and beliefs is increasingly difficult.
Conclusion
The Druze represent a deeply spiritual, philosophically inclined
community with roots in Islamic thought but a religious identity all their own.
Their beliefs about God, reincarnation, and esoteric knowledge mark them as
distinct from the mainline Abrahamic traditions. Though small in number, their
historical resilience and strategic importance have given them an outsized role
in the Middle East.
The Druze