Druzes

The Druze are an esoteric religious and ethnic group originating from the Middle East, primarily concentrated in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and smaller communities in Iraq, Turkey, and the diaspora. Their religious beliefs are based on a syncretic philosophy that blends elements of Islam, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and other mystical traditions. The Druze faith is founded on the teachings of Hamza ibn Ali, a 11th-century Islamic scholar, though they consider their core doctrines to be revealed by the Prophet Muhammad and preserved in secret texts.

Druze theology emphasizes the concept of *al-Muʿāda* (the covenant), which binds adherents to uphold their faith in secrecy and exclusivity. They believe in a cyclical view of history, with a series of divine messengers (*al-Rūḥ al-Quds*, the Holy Spirit) guiding humanity through successive ages. The Druze community is organized into a hierarchical structure, including the *al-Muhtasib* (spiritual leader) and *al-Mujtahid* (scholar), who interpret sacred texts for the faithful.

Historically, Druze communities have faced persecution due to their secretive nature and perceived heresy by mainstream Islamic and Christian authorities. Despite this, they have maintained a distinct cultural and religious identity, often playing significant roles in regional politics and military history. In modern times, Druze communities have contributed to the social and political fabric of their host countries, particularly in Lebanon, where they have held influential positions in government and military institutions.

The Druze faith prohibits proselytizing and restricts membership to those born into the community or converted through a formal process. Their religious practices include communal gatherings, pilgrimages to sacred sites, and adherence to moral codes emphasizing justice, charity, and self-discipline. The Druze language, a dialect of Arabic, reflects their cultural and linguistic integration with surrounding societies while preserving unique literary and philosophical traditions.