Druze
Esoteric monotheistic group originating from Ismā‘īli Shiʿa Islam.
The Druze, who call themselves al-Muwaḥḥidūn (meaning 'the monotheists' or 'the unitarians'), are an esoteric religious group of Arabs adhering to Druzism, an Abrahamic, esoteric, monotheistic, ethnic, and syncretic faith. Their religion originated from the Ismā‘īli branch of Shiʿa Islam but Druze do not identify as Muslims. They maintain Arabic language and culture as integral to their identity, and their religious practices are largely secret, with conversion not permitted for outsiders. The Druze have played a critically important role in shaping the history of the Levant and continue to hold significant political influence as a religious minority, having often faced persecution from various Muslim regimes.
- primary_locations
- Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Jordan
- language
- Arabic (Levantine Arabic)
- foundational_text
- Epistles of Wisdom (Rasāʾil al-Ḥikma)
- key_beliefs
- Unity of God, reincarnation, eternity of the soul
- internal_divisions
- uqqāl (spiritual) and juhhāl (secular)
Lore & Background
The name 'Druze' likely derives from ad-Darazi, though Druze consider him a heretic. The Druze hold Shuaib (identified with biblical Jethro) in high regard and recognize Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and the Ismā‘īli Imam Muhammad ibn Isma'il as prophets. They also honor figures such as Salman the Persian, al-Khidr (reincarnations of Elijah, John the Baptist, and Saint George), Job, and Luke the Evangelist as mentors and prophets. The faith's foundational text is the Epistles of Wisdom, and its theology has been influenced by Christianity, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and Pythagoreanism.
Reader's Guide
Their faith, originating from Ismā‘īli Shiʿa Islam, developed into a distinct, secretive theology emphasizing the unity of God, reincarnation, and the eternity of the soul. The Druze community has played a critically important role in shaping Levantine history and continues to exert political influence. As a religious minority, they have faced persecution from various Muslim regimes, including contemporary Islamic extremists. The Arabian hypothesis, widely accepted among Druze, suggests descent from 12 Arab tribes that migrated to Syria before and during the early Islamic period, influencing their self-perception and cultural identity. Their social pattern is similar to other Levantine peoples, and they maintain Arabic as their primary language. The community differentiates between spiritual individuals (uqqāl) who hold the faith's secrets and secular ones (juhhāl). Interfaith marriages are rare and strongly discouraged, and conversion is not permitted for outsiders. A growing diaspora exists in the Americas, Europe, Australia, and West Africa.
Did You Know?
- The Druze call themselves al-Muwaḥḥidūn, meaning 'the monotheists' or 'the unitarians'.
- The name 'Druze' probably derives from Muhammad bin Ismail Nashtakin ad-Darazī, an early preacher whom Druze consider a heretic.
- Druze believe in reincarnation and that the soul eventually reunites with the Cosmic Mind (al-ʻaql al-kullī).
- The Druze faith originated from the Ismā‘īli branch of Shiʿa Islam, but Druze do not identify as Muslims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can outsiders convert to Druze?
No. Druzism is a closed faith that does not accept converts from outside the community. New members are born into the tradition, and its deeper theological teachings are reserved exclusively for initiated insiders.
What are the central beliefs of Druzism?
Druze theology centers on the absolute oneness of God, the eternal nature of the soul, and the cycle of reincarnation. Their spiritual life is guided primarily by the Epistles of Wisdom (Rasā'īl al-Ḥikma), a collection of foundational theological writings.
Where are Druze communities found today?
The largest Druze populations live in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, with smaller communities scattered elsewhere. Levantine Arabic remains the living language of their daily culture and religious practice.
How is Druze society internally structured?
Druze communities are divided into two tiers: the uqqāl, who are spiritually initiated and permitted access to the deeper esoteric teachings, and the juhhāl, who participate in communal life but do not receive the inner doctrine. This distinction governs who may study the hidden theological texts.
More in Religious Traditions 1-24
Elsewhere in the Religious Traditions universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record