Druze Monotheists: History, Doctrine, Spread, and Challenges - Sipan Silo

The Syrian Druze community prides itself in centuries of continuous presence, as they have held pivotal roles during historic events throughout history. The Druze participated in the Battle of Hattin warring alongside Saladin in 1187 against the Crusades and warring alongside the Mamluks in the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260 in order to defeat the Mongol invasion.

During the 19th century, the Druze cooperated with the Ottomans against the campaign of Muhammad Ali Pasha, causing extensive losses to his forces in Jabal al-Arab, commanded by Sheikh Yahya al-Hamdan. Nevertheless, the two later became antagonistic due to Ottoman efforts to extend their control over the mountain. During 1911, the Ottomans killed several Druze commanders, including Dhuqan al-Atrash and Yahya Amer.

Later on, the Druze joined the Great Arab Revolt of Sharif Hussein, with Sheikh Sultan Pasha al-Atrash leading its campaign. He again came to the forefront in 1925, leading the Great Syrian Revolution against French occupation. He was opposed to partition schemes, most notably the creation of an independent Druze state, and was adamant on Syria's unity. He declined French overtures to rule Jabal al-Druze and participated in the Battle of Maysalun in 1920. He was a symbol of national resistance until his death in 1982.

Doctrine and Beliefs

The Druze faith, known as "Tawhid," was founded in the early eleventh century AD under the Fatimid Caliphate by Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad at the behest of Caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. The doctrinal text of primary importance is the "Letters of Wisdom," comprising 111 epistles spread across six volumes.

The Druze believe in God being completely one and deify the Prophet Shu'ayb. Their most conspicuous belief is one of transmigration, whereby the soul can journey from one corpse to another after death.

One can say that the religion of the Druze has an indirect relation to Zoroastrianism, which is one of the oldest monotheistic religions on the planet. Zoroastrianism has influenced subsequent religions, particularly with regards to monotheism and the duality of evil and good.

Especially since the Druze religion developed from the Ismaili Shia, it took on very unique beliefs towards philosophical and esoteric monotheism. Platonic philosophy, Gnosticism, and indirect Zoroastrian influence can be observed. Documents such as "Letters of Wisdom" contain allusions to the symbolism of light and reincarnation, terms that have Zoroastrian and Gnostic origins.

Geographic Distribution and Population

The world Druze population ranges between 1.5 and 2.5 million, distributed as follows:

Syria: approximately 700,000–800,000, situated in Sweida, Jaramana, Sahnaya, and the Golan Heights.

Lebanon: in the Chouf, Metn, and Keserwan.

Palestine and Israel: in the Galilee, Carmel, and the occupied Golan Heights.

Jordan: in Azraq and Salt.

Persecutions and Massacres

Druze were persecuted and massacred in several episodes of their history:

1860: During Mount Lebanon sectarian clashes, thousands of Druze and Christians were killed.

1925: During the Syrian Revolution, big numbers of Druze were killed in battles with the French.

Post-2011: Druze villages were attacked by ISIS mercenaries, the most notable one in Sweida in 2018, which killed around 200 Druze.

Recent Syrian Attacks and Sectarian Strains

The Sweida Druze, who have emerged as an outspoken detractor of Bashar al-Assad's regime since its downfall, have endured numerous assaults and savage sectarian tensions. Those assaults last erupted in Sahnaya and Jaramana and spilled over to Sweida villages.

These ongoing assaults increased as a religiously inflammatory audio recording was released on April 28. This led to attacks on Druze, including university students, and killed and injured many of them. These assaults came about as a result of attacks by pro-Damascus gunmen on Druze territories.

In this context, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri issued a condemnation of the killings of the Druze as "ISIS-takfiri," emphasizing they are organized genocide. He also added, "We no longer trust any body claiming to be a government," calling for urgent international action to rescue innocents and halt crimes.

Current Figures and References:

The three Sheikhs of the Mind hold significant influence within the community:

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, Sheikh Hamoud al-Hanawi, and Sheikh Youssef Jarbou.

Local Druze factions have also emerged, such as:

- The Men of Dignity Movement, founded in 2013 under the leadership of Sheikh Wahid al-Balous. The exact number of forces is unknown, but it is considered the largest faction in Sweida.

- The Sheikh of Dignity Forces, founded in 2015 after a split from the Men of Dignity. Leadership: The brothers Fahd and Laith al-Balous.

- Ahrar al-Jabal, led by Sheikh Suleiman Abdul-Baqi.

- The Military Council in Sweida, declared by Druze militants in Sweida on February 23, 2025, under the leadership of Tariq al-Shoufi.

In conclusion, the Druze community, with its rich history and unique faith, faces crucial challenges amidst Syria's ongoing unrest. While insisting on preserving its unique identity and independence, hope remains for a future where diversity is protected and the right to life and dignity are respected, within a democratic Syrian constitution.

(Source: "Sultan Pasha al-Atrash and the Syrian Revolution," Dar al-Fikr)

(Source: "General History of the Arabs," Jurji Zaydan)

(Source: "The Druze in History," Amin Said)

(History of the Druze: Beliefs and Origins).

T/S

ANHA