Lebanese Druze
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 500,000 | |
| Languages | |
| Vernacular: Lebanese Arabic |
|
| Religion | |
| Druze |
Druze in Lebanon refers to adherents of the Druze faith, an ethnoreligiousesoteric group originating from the Near East who self identify as (Muwahhideen).
The Lebanese Druze people are believed to constitute about 5% of the total population of Lebanon. The Druze, who refer to themselves as al-Muwahhideen, or "believers in one God," are concentrated in the rural, mountainous areas east and south of Beirut.
Under the Lebanese political division (Parliament of Lebanon Seat Allocation) the Druze community is designated as one of the five Lebanese Muslim communities (Sunni, Shia, Druze, Alawi, and Ismaili). Lebanon's constitution was intended to guarantee political representation for each of the nation's ethno-religious groups.
Under the terms of an unwritten agreement known as the National Pact between the various political and religious leaders of Lebanon, the Chief of the General Staff must be a Druze.
The Druze faith is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion that follows the Five Pillars of Islam. However, certain Muslim groups regard them as Rawafid(روافض) or "Deserters of true Islamic faith". However, other sources claim that the Druze faith does not follow the Five Pillars of Islam, "fasting during the month of Ramadan and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Thus, they are not regarded by Muslims as Islamic and are seen as Rawafid(روافض) or "Deserters of true Islamic faith" ". The Druze beliefs incorporate elements of Ismailism, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism and other philosophies. The Druze call themselves Ahl al-Tawhid "People of Unitarianism or Monotheism" or al-Muwaḥḥidūn."
The Druze follow a life style of isolation where no conversion is allowed, neither out of, or into, the religion. When Druze live among people of other religions, they try to blend in, in order to protect their religion and their own safety. They can pray as Muslims, or as Christians, depending on where they are. This system is apparently changing in modern times, where more security has allowed Druze to be more open about their religious belonging."
The Tanukhids inaugurated the Druze community in Lebanon when most of them accepted and adopted the new message that was being preached in the 11th century, due to their leaderships close ties with then Fatimid ruler Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah.
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Wikipedia