The Druze (also spelled Duruz or Druse) are a small, esoteric religious and ethnic group that originated in the Middle East around the 11th century CE. Their beliefs are deeply philosophical, secretive, and syncretic, blending elements of Islam, Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, Hindu metaphysics, Greek philosophy, and even Zoroastrian and Christian thought. Here's a structured breakdown of their identity, origins, and beliefs:
Origin and Historical Background
Timeframe: The Druze faith began around 1017 CE in the Fatimid Caliphate (based in Cairo).
Founder Figures:->
Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, a Fatimid Caliph, considered by the Druze as a divine manifestation.
Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad, a Persian-Ismaili scholar, formalized the religion.
The faith initially emerged as a radical branch of Isma'ili Shi'a Islam, but it quickly diverged into a unique and closed religion.
The movement was persecuted early, and the Druze went into hiding, preserving their tradition only among initiates.
Their communities are primarily in Lebanon, Syria, and northern Israel, with some diaspora elsewhere.
Ethno-Religious Identity
The Druze consider themselves a distinct ethnoreligious group, not merely a sect within Islam.
They do not accept converts; one must be born Druze.
Intermarriage with non-Druze is generally forbidden, preserving ethnic and religious identity.
Their language is Arabic, but their religion uses many esoteric Persian, Greek, and Gnostic terms in its doctrine.
Core Ancient and Esoteric Beliefs :->
1. Tawhid (Oneness of God)
Central is the belief in the absolute, unknowable God, beyond attributes or form.
God cannot be anthropomorphized or named—any manifestations (like Al-Hakim) are symbolic and metaphysical.
2. Reincarnation (Tanasukh)
Unlike orthodox Islam, the Druze believe in reincarnation of souls—a core belief.
Every Druze soul is reborn continuously, always within the Druze community, until it reaches ultimate truth or unity with the divine.
3. Hidden Scriptures: Rasāʾil al-Ḥikmah (Epistles of Wisdom)
These are secret texts only accessible to the initiated elite (called ʿuqqāl).
The majority of Druze (called juhhāl) follow the basic cultural rules but aren't given the esoteric teachings.
4. Esoteric Philosophy
Influenced by:
Neoplatonism: Emphasis on emanations from the One.
Gnostic dualism: Spiritual vs. material reality.
Greek philosophy: Especially Plotinus, Socrates, and Aristotle.
Pythagorean numerology and Hindu metaphysical ideas.
5. Rejection of Ritual Islam
No mosques, no fasting in Ramadan, no pilgrimage to Mecca.
Emphasis on inner purity, truthfulness, loyalty, and moral conduct.
Religious practices are more spiritual-philosophical than ritualistic.
Secretive and Protective Culture
Due to centuries of persecution, the Druze are secretive about their beliefs.
Only a small inner circle has access to religious knowledge.
They value loyalty to their community and country, often integrating into political systems without losing identity.
Spiritual Hierarchy and Cosmic View
The Druze cosmology includes:
Five cosmic principles (Intelligence, Soul, Word, Precedent, and Immanence), sometimes symbolized by five colors in their star emblem.
A hierarchy of souls and the journey of the soul toward divine truth.
Earthly life is a test; enlightenment comes through spiritual knowledge and ethical behavior.
Druze Today
Numbering around 1–2 million worldwide.
Found mainly in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and small diaspora communities in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Politically influential in Lebanon and integrated into various state structures in other countries, often maintaining autonomy and neutrality in conflicts.
Summary
The Druze are not just a sect of Islam but a mystical, philosophical religious community with ancient Gnostic and Neoplatonic roots. Their belief in reincarnation, divine unity, and esoteric knowledge, along with their closed and initiatic structure, make them one of the most unique and enigmatic spiritual traditions in the Middle East.