Comprehensive Definition and Background
The Druze (Arabic: ุงูุฏุฑูุฒ, al-Durลซz) is a religious minority, derived from Ismaili Shiite origins but uniquely distinct, founded by Hamzah ibn Ali, a Persian missionary, in the 10th century in Cairo. Named after Muhammad al-Darazi, an 11th-century missionary, they identify as al-Muwahhidun (unitarians) due to their ardent emphasis on monotheism. Despite originating within Islam, the Druze are generally considered a separate religious tradition due to several unique doctrines and practices.
Historical Context
The branch started during the reign of the Fatimid caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, whom the Druze believe to be a divine manifestation. Their missionary activities, known as the “da’wa,” ended in 1043 with the closure of their faith, leading to a halt in conversions and a turning inward that developed a culture of secrecy around their beliefs and practices. Today, their population is largely concentrated in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, and numbers slightly above one million worldwide.
Transliteration and Translations
- Arabic: ุงูุฏุฑูุฒ (Al-Durลซz)
- Persian: ุฏุฑูุฒ (Duruz)
- Urdu: ุฏุฑูุฒ
- Indonesian: Druze
Cultural Aspects
Practices and Prohibitions
The Druze faith eschews polygyny and concubinage (permitted in mainstream Sunni Islam) and temporary marriage (allowed in Shii Islam). Their monotheistic beliefs are strictly monistic, emphasizing the internal revelation contained within their scriptures, Al-Hikmah al-Sharifah (“The Holy Wisdom”).
Unique Beliefs
A distinctive belief among the Druze is the transmigration of souls, or reincarnation, asserting that souls pass from one body to another across generations to achieve perfection. This cyclical view of life deeply influences their perspectives on morality and existence.
References and Literature for Further Study
- “The Druze Faith” by Nejla M. Abu-Izzeddin
- “The Druzes in a Changing World” by Robert Brenton Betts
- “The View from Mount Lebanon: Survival, Ethnicity, and State in the Druze Community” by Filimore North
- Articles on Druze community and beliefs in “Encyclopaedia of Islam”.
- Research on Middle Eastern minority religions in “The Journal of Religious Studies”.
Inspirational Quotations
“Piety is achieved not in the visible acts of religion, but in the intensity of oneโs faith,” reflects a sage old Druze saying, pointing to the inner path towards truth adhered to by this unique group.
Quizzes
It was a delight uncovering the rich tapestry of the Druze faith, showing their distinct place in the world’s spiritual heritage.
Farewell, and tronger we move towards understanding ๐,
Layla Al-Hakim ๐
