Christianity and Druze

9395: 9561: 9527: 6724: 8903: 7466: 6575: 9585: 7054: 18802:. Quote:1-"We show that religious affiliation had a strong impact on the genomes of the Levantines. In particular, conversion of the region's populations to Islam appears to have introduced major rearrangements in populations' relations through admixture with culturally similar but geographically remote populations, leading to genetic similarities between remarkably distant populations like Jordanians, Moroccans, and Yemenis. Conversely, other populations, like Christians and Druze, became genetically isolated in the new cultural environment. We reconstructed the genetic structure of the Levantines and found that a pre-Islamic expansion Levant was more genetically similar to Europeans than to Middle Easterners." 9470: 7948: 7485: 1944: 2895: 4308: 7042: 9508: 9539: 6122: 1953: 20: 7906: 5830: 5480:. During that campaign, the Mamluks, spread along the coastal road and cut off from each other at various points, were constantly harried by the mountaineers, who confiscated their weapons, horses and money. Baydara withdrew his men only after paying off the mountain chiefs. In modern Lebanese historical narratives, the Kisrawan campaigns have been a source of controversy by historians from different religious groups. Maronite, Shia and Druze historians have each sought to emphasize the roles of their respective confessional group, over each other, in defending the autonomy of the Kisrawan from Mamluk outsiders. In writings by 7976: 3293: 8813: 7755: 7446: 1729: 7929: 4558: 3143: 9280: 9088: 9489: 7024: 7080: 2886: 9439: 22513: 5776:

Christians were settled in Druze villages by the Druze tribal chiefs in the days of Fakhr al-Din to stimulate agricultural production, centered on silk, and the chiefs donated land to the Maronite Church and monastic institutions to further facilitate Christian settlement. Fakhr al-Din made the first such donation in 1609. Although the Druze chiefs owned much of the Chouf lands on which the silk crop was grown, Christians dominated every other aspect of the silk economy there, including production, financing, brokerage to the markets of

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soul will only transfer to a human body. Furthermore, souls cannot be divided into different or separate parts and the number of souls existing is finite. A male Druze can be reincarnated only as another male Druze and a female Druze only as another female Druze. A Druze cannot be reincarnated in the body of a non-Druze. The cycle of rebirth is continuous and the only way to escape is through a complete soul purification . When this occurs, the soul is united with the Cosmic Mind and achieves the ultimate goal.

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determining the Emir's motives and the historic significance of his rule. Druze authors describe him as the ideal ruler who strove to achieve strong domestic unity, build a prosperous economy, and politically free Lebanon from Ottoman oppression. Making the case that the Ma'nids worked toward Lebanon's integration into the Arab regional environment, the Druze authors generally de-emphasize his relations with Europe and portray his drive for autonomy as the first forerunning of the

1832: 5413: 4959: 286: 7239: 5265: 24428: 23847: 9394: 24478: 7514: 24454: 24417: 1373: 918: 5630: 19998: 5904: 15762: 24466: 23836: 8400: 6274: 4138:. This is evident in the Druze creed, which deifies al-Hākim bi Amrillāh. The initiation text, "Mīthāq Walī al-Zamān" (Pact of Time Custodian), which begins with, “I rely on our Moula Al-Hakim the lonely God, the individual, the eternal,... Obedience of almighty Moulana Al-Hākim, exalted be him and that obedience is worship and that he does not have any partners ever, present or coming”, closely resembles Christian beliefs about 23960: 985: 2223: 21429: 2679: 2525: 6440: 4022: 20002: 1841: 17881: 2789:), and the Messiah of Sinners. This is due, respectively, to the belief that Jesus delivered the true Gospel message, the belief that he was the Saviour of all nations, and the belief that he offers forgiveness. The Druze shrine of "Sayyidna al-Masih" (Our Lord Jesus), one of the most important religious sites for the Druze, is located on a high mountain peak in the Al-Bajjah area of 5133: 8426:, although occasional exceptions have occurred. This interaction been marked by shared economic activities, cultural exchange, and even political alliances in some cases. The two communities lived among each other and interacted socially on an everyday basis. The close bonds between Christian and Druze neighbors led to Christian communities thriving in some Druze towns. 3681:, it incorporates elements from both and honors many of their figures, including the Virgin Mary. The Druze revere Mary as a holy and pure figure, embodying virtue and piety. She is respected not only for her role as the mother of Messiah Jesus but also for her spiritual purity and dedication to God. In regions where Druze and Christians coexist, such as parts of 6405:, built with French assistance, disproportionately accrued to them. Lebanese Christian wealth prospered because of connections with Europe. Additionally, the maronite population had over the span of only a few decades dramatically overtaken that of the Druze. Numerically and commercially; Christians posed a threat to the traditional landlords Druze elite. As 8859:, in 1948, Israeli military rulers gathered Christians in the centers of several villages in the Galilee region, planning to deport them. However, Druze village leaders intervened, insisting that all Christians remain in their homes. They utilized all their influence and resources to ensure that the Christian residents could stay. The Galilean village of 5575: 1714:). In God, there are no attributes distinct from his essence. He is wise, mighty, and just, not by wisdom, might, and justice, but by his own essence. God is "the whole of existence", rather than "above existence" or on his throne, which would make him "limited". There is neither "how", "when", nor "where" about him; he is incomprehensible. 5725:, under a single authority for the first time in history, he is generally regarded as the country's founder. Christians prospered and played key roles under his rule, with his main enduring legacy being the symbiotic relationship he set in motion between Maronites and Druze, which proved foundational for the creation of a Lebanese entity. 3995:. For the Druze, Shuayb is considered the most important prophet, and the ancestor of all Druze. They believe he was a "hidden" and "true prophet" who communicated directly with God and then passed on that knowledge to Moses, whom they describe as a "recognised" and "revealed prophet." According to Druze belief, Moses was allowed to wed 4550:. Muslims will then serve the favored four communities, while faithful Druze believers will be appointed as leaders. In his numerous epistles addressed to Christians, Bahā’-al-Dīn frequently refers to them as "saints" and "assemblies of saints". His writings also show a remarkable familiarity with the New Testament and 8133:, and most were educated, with many working in professions such as medicine, law, and engineering, while the Druze mainly worked in agriculture and on the land. The vast majority of Christians migrated with the rest of the population after Israel's occupation of the Golan, leaving only a few small Christian families. 4774:, is one of the founders of the Druze religion. Al-Muqtana's epistles comprise four of the six books of the Druze scripture, the Epistles of Wisdom. Al-Muqtana's life is largely unknown, apart from the information contained in his own writings. His name was Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Ahmad, and he was born in the village of 18086: 8844:, either in exclusively Druze villages or in villages mixed with Christians, where they had coexisted for centuries. Historically, the relationship between the Druze and their Christian neighbors was better compared to their relationship with their Muslim neighbors in neighboring villages. According to historian 2205:

non-Druze, they may face ostracism and marginalization from their community. Since a non-Druze partner cannot convert to the Druze faith, the couple cannot have Druze children, as the Druze faith can only be inherited from two Druze parents at birth. Marrying a non-Druze, whether male or female, is viewed as

9256:. These converts have established churches specifically for Christians of Druze background, primarily comprising women, girls, and young men who have abandoned the Druze religion they were raised in. These churches provide a space for worship and community support for those who have left the Druze faith. 20758:

Christians have, on average, higher educational achievements, marry at an older age, have fewer children, and enjoy larger income... Druze and Muslims share many cultural patterns, and they have a similar socioeconomic standing, but while Druze males have to serve in the military, Muslim men (as well

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Although the church has attempted to work from these lines in formulating policies about so-called mixed marriages, the present verses do not deal with the majority of interfaith marriages as we know them in the late twentieth century. Paul is writing to first-century, first-generation converts, many

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is allowed. Marriage outside the Druze faith is forbidden and is strongly discouraged, and if a Druze marries a non-Druze, the Druze could be ostracized and marginalized by their community. Because a non-Druze partner cannot convert to Druze faith, a couple consisting of a Druze and non-Druze partner

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as preceding religions that embody different manifestations of Druzism, which they consider superior to all. According to Druze beliefs, Adam and Jesus hold a unique status among prophets, sharing in divine essence. The Druze conception of Jesus ('Īsa ibn-Yūsuf) differs somewhat from the portrayal in

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The Druze believe that prior to the full revelation of the true religion in the 11th century, there had been a series of "true prophets" whose identities were masked behind that of the "revealed prophet", and through whom they imparted a partial revelation. In accordance with this belief, they claim

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Maronite sect. The Maronites were concentrated in the region since they settled in northern Mount Lebanon, as for the rest of the districts, the Maronites mixed with other Christian sects and with the Druze, who formed the second largest sect in the mountain, and the majority of the residents of the

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and treated these two families as equal to the feudalistic Druze families. The Shihab family realized the importance of Maronite rule and power, and they and the Maronites became united in a common interest. The family centralized control over Mount Lebanon, destroying the feudal power of the mostly

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Abū Nādir al-Khāzin was one of his foremost supporters and served as Fakhr-al-Din's adjutant. Phares notes that "The emirs prospered from the intellectual skills and trading talents of the Maronites, while the Christians gained political protection, autonomy and a local ally against the ever-present

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Some Muslim rulers and jurists have advocated the persecution of members of the Druze Movement beginning with the seventh Fatimi Caliph Al-Zahir, in 1022. Recurring period of persecutions in subsequent centuries ... failure to elucidate their beliefs and practices, have contributed to the ambiguous

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Druze author Yusuf Khatat Abu Shaqra, in his book "Movements in Lebanon", stated: "In the past, there was no discord or estrangement between the Druze and Christians in Lebanon, as there has been since the year 1800. Instead, the two communities had affection for one another, were friendly, and, in

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dominated the most lucrative financial and commercial sectors, while Muslims had a significant presence in lower value-added industrial sectors. Muslims generally comprised the majority of the working class, while Christians predominated in the middle and upper classes (about 75%), also owning most

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became shared among Christians and Druze. Late in the century there was a short Druze uprising over the extremely harsh government and high taxation rates, but there was far less of the violence that had scalded the area earlier in the century. The total population in 1895 was estimated as 399,530,

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Christians began migrating to the Druze Mountain in large numbers; the devastation wrought on the Druze peasantry during the punitive government campaigns of the 16th century had likely caused a deficit of Druze farm labor for the Druze landowners, which was partly filled by the Christian migrants.

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of the body and the soul and it is impossible for the soul to exist without the body. Therefore, reincarnations occur instantly at one's death. While in the Hindu and Buddhist belief system a soul can be transmitted to any living creature, in the Druze belief system this is not possible and a human

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that is often portrayed as the embryo of Lebanese statehood and national identity. Nationalist narratives by Lebanese Druze and Maronites agree on Fakhr al-Din's "decisive influence and contribution to Lebanon's history", according to the historian Yusri Hazran, though they differ significantly in

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in Bulgaria. Christian sects such as the Bogomils and the Cathars, who professed reincarnation and other gnostic beliefs, were referred to as "Manichaean", and are today sometimes described by scholars as "Neo-Manichaean". As there is no known Manichaean mythology or terminology in the writings of

9068:. During this meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of religious coexistence between Christians and Druze. They also stressed the need for religious organizations active in Syria and Lebanon to provide and intensify humanitarian aid to all populations and regions, including Druze areas. 8644:

and later rebuilt during the reign of Fakhreddine I Maan (1518-1544). For centuries, this church has been revered by both Druze and Christians in Mount Lebanon, reflecting the close ties between the two communities. According to Pierre-Marie Martin, writing in 1870, the Druze venerated the church

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and the growth of Christianity. According to the historian Kamal al-Shofani "Christians inhabited the region before the Druze, and some of them came to Jabal al-Druze (Mountain of the Druze) at the end of the 17th century, fleeing Ottoman oppression". In addition to the Bedouin, the 18th and 19th

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missionaries in the early 11th century, was explicitly directed to three Tanukhid emirs settled in the mountainous Gharb area southeast of Beirut, calling on them to continue the tradition of their ancestors in spreading Druze teachings. The Gharb was less rugged than the neighboring areas to the

5190:, took root in the 11th century. The Wadi al-Taym was the first area where the Druze appeared in the historical record under the name "Druze". According to many of the genealogical traditions of the Druze feudal families, the feudal Druze clans claimed descent from Arab tribes originally based in 4754:

mentioned obtaining a manuscript discovered in a Druze village. This manuscript contained, among other things, a description of a dialogue between al-Hakim and leaders of the Christian and Jewish communities. Additionally, it included eight letters written by al-Hakim's lieutenant, Hamza ibn Ali,

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is the true Messiah, who directed the deeds of the Messiah Jesus "the son of Joseph and Mary", but when Jesus "the son of Joseph and Mary" strayed from the path of the true Messiah, Hamza filled the hearts of the Jews with hatred for him – and for that reason, they crucified him, according to the

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counterparts. Despite rare exceptions of sectarian incidents between the more privileged Christian community and the Druze, scholar Ibtisam Ibrahim's research reveals that most Druze interviewees view their relationship with the Christian community more positively than with the Muslim community.

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and teachings from the perspective of Druze theology, highlighting points of convergence and divergence between the two faiths. Overall, the Epistles of Wisdom provide offer an examination of religions and philosophies, including Christianity and Islam, from the viewpoint of Druze philosophy and

3077:", the green prophet who symbolizes water and life. The cave has been considered by some as miracle-working. Sick people are said to be brought to the Cave in hope that they will be cured. A second grotto, also associated with Elijah, is located nearby, under the altar of the main church of the 2213:

who marry outside the religion. Consequently, those who leave the Druze religion due to interfaith marriage are forced to leave their village and are exiled to distant, non-Druze areas. This religious and social pressure leads to their isolation and classification as outcasts within their Druze

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While they appear parallel to those of normative Islam, in the Druze religion they are different in meaning and interpretation. The religion is considered distinct from the Ismaili as well as from other Muslims belief and practice... Most Druze consider themselves fully assimilated in American

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According to some scholars, historically, Druze communities had better relationships with Christians than with Muslims. They also points out that Christians tended to show more tolerance towards the Druze community and their religion compared to Muslims. Traditionally, Druze settlements in the

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early in the 1st century AD. Christians today make up about 3% of the population. Jordanian Christians in a country of almost 10 million are thought to number 250,000–400,000, down from 20% in 1930, but their absolute numbers have increased. This is due to high immigration rate of Muslims into

4187:, such as, "His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it", and "Jesus replied, this is the miracle I will do for you: Destroy this sanctuary and in three days I will raise it up". Baha al-Din interpreted these "three days" symbolically, suggesting they represent the 6501:

in the early eighteenth century, through the ruling and social system known as the "Maronite-Druze dualism" which developed in Ottoman-era Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate, creating one of the calmest atmospheres that Lebanon had ever lived in. The working out of this dualism greatly affected the

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during one of his habitual nocturnal walks to request safety due to his policy against Christians and Jews. This encounter led to a religious debate between them. According to scholar, this meeting seems to be entirely fictional, created to support the idea that both Jews and Christians were

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The Druze doctrine not permit outsiders to convert to their religion, as only one who is born to Druze parents can be considered a Druze. Marriage outside the Druze faith is uncommon and strongly discouraged for both males and females. If a Druze individual, whether male or female, marries a

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The Druze believe that in every generation a prophet appears who is recognized as such by the people but he, in fact, receives his inspiration from a hidden prophet who communicates directly with God. The Druze believe that Jethro was the hidden prophet who inspired Moses, the recognized

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fulfills the Israelite practice of circumcision, both being signs and seals of the covenant of grace. Most mainstream Christian denominations currently maintain a neutral position on the practice of non-religious circumcision. Male circumcision is commonly practiced in many predominantly

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which cut the production of the valuable product in Mount Lebanon to a half, led to several peasant's revolts that ultimately caused the climax of the tensions between the Druze and the Maronites. Subsequently, the Mount Lebanon conflict of 1860 began and led to the demise of the Double

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Historically, Islam classified Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians as protected "People of the Book," a secondary status subject to payment of a poll tax. Nevertheless, Zoroastrians suffered significant persecution. Other religions such as the Alawites, Alevis, and Druze often suffered

4142:. The Druze also view figures like Jesus, al-Hākim bi Amrillāh, and Hamza ibn Ali as the Messiah or Mahdi. They believe al-Hākim will return at the end of times to judge the world and establish his kingdom, while Hamza ibn Ali is considered a reincarnation of Jesus, the Universal Mind 1772:, when introducing the story of John's execution at Herod's orders. Some Christian theologians interpret certain Biblical passages as referring to reincarnation. These passages include the questioning of Jesus as to whether he is Elijah, John the Baptist, Jeremiah, or another prophet ( 7806:

girls depicted as nude models on the internet. However, clashes between the two communities are rare. Christian shops, vehicle, house and the church were vandalized. The clashes forced around 2,000 of the Christians to flee their homes. However, a police investigation revealed that a

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Jesus is known in the Druze tradition as the "True Messiah" (al-Masih al-Haq), for he delivered what Druzes view as the true message. He is also referred to as the "Messiah of the Nations" (Masih al-Umam) because he was sent to the world as "Masih of Sins" because he is the one who

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6947:, caused by the increased turbulence they faced, continued throughout the 18th century: historian Kais Firro stated that "each sign of danger in their traditional lands of settlement seemed to instigate a new Druze migration to the Hauran". During the final years of the decade-long 21030:

The early migrants tended to mix well with the local population in Venezuela. The Eastern Christians, regardless of the long-standing disagreements (to put it lightly) between the Catholic and Eastern Christian faiths, converted quickly, and even the Druze and Muslims converted to

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5869:. On the other hand, Maronite authors viewed the legacy of Fakhr al-Din as one of isolation from the Arab–Islamic milieu. Fakhr al-Din himself has been adopted by a number of Maronite nationalists as a member of the religious group, citing the refuge he may have taken with the 12383:

It is obligatory among Jews, Muslims, and Coptic Christians. Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians do not require circumcision. Starting in the last half of the 19th century, however, circumcision also became common among Christians in Europe and especially in North

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with the final one titled "The Report of the Jewish and Christians." These details raise the possibility that the work was authored by a supporter of al-Hakim. However, without further investigation, the matter remains unsettled. "The Report of the Jewish and Christians" (

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and considered him divine. He also defines the Druze as a religion that deviated from Islam, noting that as a result of this deviation, the Druze faith "seems as different from Islam as Islam is from Christianity or Christianity is from Judaism". Despite originating from

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The Druze are an ethnoreligious group concentrated in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel with around one million adherents worldwide. The Druze follow a millenarian offshoot of Isma'ili Shi'ism. Followers emphasize Abrahamic monotheism but consider the religion as separate from

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in complete harmony. On a social level, Druze and Christians have often interacted in daily life, sharing neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. Druze and Christians in these regions celebrate each other's births, weddings, funerals, and celebrations such as Christmas,

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chief. In 1697, Amir Ahmad died without an heir, and the Druze notables chose his nephew Bashir al-Shihabi as their new ruler. He was succeeded in 1707 by the young Amir Haydar al-Shihabi, grandson of Amir Ahmad al-Ma'ni. Haydar recognized the authority of the Maronite

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The ruling and social system in the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate was formed from the Maronite-Druze dualism, and the security stability and Druze-Maronite coexistence in the Mutasarrifate allowed the development of the economy and the system of government. In 1870 many

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by some Druze sheikhs is highly regarded within their community. It's not uncommon for a sheikh to request celibacy from his fiancée, and many Druze sheikhs remain unmarried throughout their lives. In Druze belief, sex is seen not as an end in itself but as a means of

8164:. Only one Maronite church remains in Ein Qiniyye, along with remnants of two Melkite churches in Ein Qiniyye and one Orthodox church in Majdal Shams. The historic church of Banias remains closed despite restoration efforts. Relations between Christians and Druze in 5523:. Information about the Christians of the Kisrawan before the 12th century is scant, though in the 9th century there was evidently an organized Christian, likely Maronite, community governed by village headmen. Under Muslim rule, Christians were mandated to pay the 9560: 6514:

and this led to the establishment of schools, universities, theater and printing presses. The remainder of the 19th century saw a relative period of stability, as Druze and Maronite groups focused on economic and cultural development which saw the founding of the

6859:. This governorate is unique in Syria as it has a Druze majority. Additionally, it has integrated Christian communities that have long coexisted harmoniously with the Druze in these mountain. In the 1980s Druze made up 87.6% of the population, Christians (mostly 6389:

requested for the Ottoman sultan to establish order in Lebanon, and he attempted to do so by establishing a new council in each of the districts. Composed of members of the various religious communities, the councils were intended to assist the deputy governor.

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vary, with some holding her to have lesser status. Christian Marian perspectives include a great deal of diversity. While some Christians such as Catholics and Eastern Orthodox have well established Marian traditions, Protestants at large pay scant attention to

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Christian theology generally interprets male circumcision to be an Old Testament rule that is no longer an obligation ... though in many countries (especially the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa, but not so much in Europe) it is widely practiced among

19129: 4877:, and Jews, maintaining their cultural heritage amidst diverse neighbors. In its emergence and evolution from Muslim soil, Druze doctrine maintained a significant relationship with Christianity, drawing from its historic connections with Christianity and 1900:

and considered him divine; he also defines the Druzes as a religion that deviated from Islam. He also added that as a result of this deviation, the Druze faith "seems as different from Islam as Islam is from Christianity or Christianity is from Judaism".

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In the major Christian denominations, the concept of reincarnation is not present and it is nowhere explicitly referred to in the Bible. However, the impossibility of a second earthly death is stated by 1 Peter 3:18–20, where it affirms that the messiah,

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and police forces, the government fails to reward the Druze community adequately. Meanwhile, Christian youth receive high-quality education, secure better jobs, leading to a noticeable disparity in living standards between the two groups. Additionally,

8129:, Christians comprised 12% of the total population of the Golan, which reached 150,000 people. While Druze formed the majority of the population. Christians were involved in small-scale economic and commercial activities, classified within the petite 6213:

The declaration of the Qāʾim Maqāmiyya triggered a wave of violence and further worsened the religious tensions, a series of overlapping and complicated conflicts dominated the years that followed its declaration, with Christian commoners (led by

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in the events as an attempt to prove the community's early presence in the Kisrawan. In this way, the Maronites' abandonment of the region in the aftermath of the campaigns could be described as a "forced exile" and the Maronite settlement of the

8106:, a group of the town's Druze residents looted local Christian property. Mandate authorities sent troops to restore order, and community leaders contacted the central command of the revolt for assistance defending the town against the French. 1685:(involved in the material universe). Christian teachings on the transcendence, immanence, and involvement of God in the world and his love for humanity exclude the belief that God is of the same substance as the created universe (rejection of 12662:

Uniformly practiced by Jews, Muslims, and the members of Coptic, Ethiopian, and Eritrean Orthodox Churches, male circumcision remains prevalent in many regions of the world, particularly Africa, South and East Asia, Oceania, and Anglosphere

4242:, particularly asceticism. It is not uncommon for a sheikh to request celibacy from his fiancée, and many Druze sheikhs (ʻUqqāl) remain unmarried throughout their lives. Other Christian influences can be seen in the Druze religion, such as 15859:

The one hundred and eleven epistles can be found today in libraries around the world, including the British Museum, Cambridge, Manchester, Moscow, Munich, St Petersburg, Paris, Turin, Uppsala, Berlin, Vienna, the Bodleian Library, and the

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as governor of Mount Lebanon. Representatives of the European powers proposed to the sultan that Mount Lebanon be partitioned into Christian and Druze sections. On 7 December 1842, the sultan adopted the proposal and asked the governor of

6790:, as marriage outside the Druze faith is strongly discouraged according to Druze doctrine. Additionally, they face the task of preserving their religious traditions, because many Druze immigrants to the United States have converted to 2025:: male Druze infants are usually circumcised shortly after birth, however some remain uncircumcised until the age of ten or older. Some Druzes do not circumcise their male children, and refuse to observe this "common Muslim practice". 15263:

Like the rest of the Pentateuch, Exodus contains contradictions and redundancies. For example, Moses' father-in-law is sometimes called Reuel and sometimes Jethro; and the mountain of revelation is Sinai in some passages and Horeb in

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Druze who survive as a small minority in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan (their estimated number in these countries totaled around one million in the beginning of the 21st century) diverge substantially from Islam, both Sunni and

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Many Druze and Muslims attend Christian schools in Israel, because Christian schools are high-performing and among the best schools in the country, and while those schools represent only 4% of the Arab schooling sector, about 34% of

6023:, but was deposed in 1840 when the Egyptians were driven out by an Ottoman-European alliance, leading soon after to the dissolution of the Shihab emirate. Despite losing territorial control, the family remains influential in modern 4864:

Throughout history, the remarkable aspect of the Druze is their ability to preserve their land and unique identity amidst the geopolitical turbulence. Despite the upheavals, they have not only survived but also coexisted alongside

1912:. This foundational Christian position holds that the divine nature of the Son of God was perfectly united with human nature in one divine Person, Jesus, making him both truly God and truly human. The theological term for this is 12042:

transmigration of the soul is a Druze tenet, and Druze believe that El Khidr and John the Baptist are one and the same. (Gibbs, 2008) The mythology of Khizr is thought to go back even further than the time of John the Baptist or

8581:, a Christian church or Druze maqam is dedicated to either the Prophet Elijah or Saint George. The Druze environment influenced Christians living among them, and they started to use the same word for their churches, calling them 12004:

since Elijah was central to Druzism, one may safely argue that the settlement of Druzes on Mount Carmel had partly to do with Elijahʼs story and devotion. Druzes, like some Christians, believe that Elijah came back as John the

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converted to Christianity, so did several Druze amirs and prominent Druze clans, like the originally Druze Abi-Lamma clan (a Druze family who was a close ally of the Shihabs) which also converted to Christianity and joined the

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The Abillamah, by the way, also converted to Christianity when the Metn Mountains came to be densely inhabited by Christians, a second conversion for them, given that they already turned Druze earlier, relinquishing the Sunni

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and which entered Syria after periods of settlement in the Euphrates Valley. According to the historian Nejla Abu-Izzedin, "ethnically", the "Wadi al-Taym has been authoritatively stated to be one of the most Arab regions of

8700:. Educated generations of Maronite commoners took up positions as scribes, clerks, physicians, and household agents in the service of notables, including both Maronite and Druze feudal families, such as the Jumblatt family. 7529:, with both communities living together in peace, harmony, and friendship. However, there have been rare clashes, including instances of violence by the Druze against Christians, such as the incident in 2005 in the town of 7465: 6502:

character of independent Lebanon later. Upon the establishment of the Mutasarrifate system, the Christians and Druze groups entered in economic, political, and religious relations with Europeans rather than Ottomans.

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celebrated on 25 January which is officially recognized in Israel as a public holiday for Druzes, the celebration starts on 24 January and concludes on 25 January, with many religious leaders from all the religions in

2941:, since they belief in reincarnation and the transmigration of the soul, Druze believe that El Khidr and John the Baptist and Saint George are one and the same. Elijah is a central figure of Druzism, and he considered 1625:, unlike the Druze who do not accept converts to their faith. Marriage outside the Druze faith is rare and is strongly discouraged. Similarities between the Druze and Christians include commonalities in their view of 12484:

However, the practice is still common among Christians in the United States, Oceania, South Korea, the Philippines, the Middle East and Africa. Some Middle Eastern Christians actually view the procedure as a rite of

8543:. Maretti, an Italian monk who visited the region in 1760, just before Folty's arrival, observed that the Druze show genuine affection and respect for Christians and their religion. He also noted that Druze pray in 7017:. The architecture of the Byzantine era was influenced by the spread of Christianity and the consequent construction of churches and monasteries, the majority dating between the 4th century and early 6th century. 8450:

from the 19th to the 20th centuries, laid the foundation for what is now Lebanon. This is celebrated as establishing a kind of Druze-Maronite condominium, often depicted as the precursor of Lebanese statehood and

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and belts with precious inlays, and carried jeweled rifles. Missionaries from Europe came and established themselves in Mount Lebanon. This was because his troops were Christians, and his stewards and attendants

2116:. This demonstrates the Druze adherence to Christian teachings on marriage and the value of marital mutual relationships. Overall, the Druze community's approach to marriage closely resembles that of Christians. 7439:

small and medium-sized enterprises. Researcher Gordon observed that in 1980, the financial income of Christians was approximately 16% higher than that of the Druze and about 58% higher than that of the Shiites.

9907:.. Europeans who visited the area during this period related that the Druze "love the Christians more than the other believers," and that they "hate the Turks, the Muslims and the Arabs with an intense hatred. 4939:"Europeans who visited the area during this period related that the Druze "love the Christians more than the other believers", and that they "hate the Turks, the Muslims and the Arabs with an intense hatred". 9584: 10994:

Theologically, one would have to conclude that the Druze are not Muslims. They do not accept the five pillars of Islam. In place of these principles the Druze have instituted the seven precepts noted above..

9526: 7790:, predominantly Druze. A brawl among fans resulted in the deaths of a teenager from each town. Subsequently, residents of Julis retaliated with attacks on Kafr Yasif in the days following the match. Another 7308:

Marriage outside the Druze faith is rare and is strongly discouraged, and Druze can face serious social consequences if he or she converts to another faith to marry a non-Druze. According to Simon Haddad of

12872:

There are many references to the Druze refusal to observe this common Muslim practice, one of the earliest being the rediscoverer of the ruins of Petra, John Burckhardt. "The Druses do not circumcise their

2055:

views of marriage have varied through time in different countries, and among Christian denominations. The Bible and its traditional interpretations in Christianity have historically affirmed and endorsed a

8562:, and the adoption of common terminology to refer to God. Evidence of these interactions can be found in the palaces and mausoleums of Druze leaders, as well as in Maronite and Greek Orthodox churches. 7313:"if a Druze marries a Christian or Muslim, they could both be ostracized and marginalized by their community, and this could have very serious consequences if the couple works in town". While according to 17756:

This also allowed some Druzes to convert secretly to Christianity...These converts left discreet funeral inscriptions revealing their Christian identity, while sharing the same mausoleum with their Druze

6038:" in Mount Lebanon in the 1840s, which divided Mount Lebanon into Druze and Christian-run sectors, and were incensed at the appointment of a sheikh from the mixed Druze-Christian Abu'l-Lama family as the 3216:

the prophet and, according to Druze belief, is one of the founders of their religion. The nickname El-Khidr (the Green One) comes from the belief that his memory will always be fresh like a green plant.

12630:

Coptic Christians, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Eritrean Orthodox churches on the other hand, do observe the ordainment, and circumcise their sons anywhere from the first week of life to the first few years.

4509:

content is present in Druze literature, such as the Epistles of Wisdom. In epistles 53–55 of the third volume, it teaches that Christianity should be "esteemed and praised" by Druze believers, with the

5804:

of Mount Lebanon. The Emir's religious tolerance endeared him to the Christians living under his rule. Fakhr-al-Din II was the first ruler in modern Lebanon to open the doors of his country to foreign

2406:

are also honored among the Druze, who refer to her as "Al-Sitt Sha'wani'", the shrine of "Al-Sitt Sha'wani'" is located in the region of Amiq on the slopes of Mount Barouk to the east, overlooking the

3280:. For centuries it has been a pilgrimage destination for Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Muslim people. Another cave associated with Elijah is located nearby, under the altar of the main church of the 6547:, their presence was, and still is, very insignificant. As a result of this closeness and convergence, a number of Lebanese embraced the religion of their neighbors or their religious sect, and the 6347:

to divide the region into two districts: a northern district under a Christian deputy governor and a southern district under a Druze deputy governor. The arrangement came to be known as the "Double

2983:

that resemble their own militarized society. The Druze environment influenced in turn the Christians, and Christians living among Druze started to use the same word forsome their churches, calling

8661:

with their flags and place dust from under the altar in their turbans. The profound veneration of this church by the Druze led local Maronites to dub it the "Church of the Virgin of the Druze".

7165:, and the use of common terminology to refer to God. Traces of these interactions can be found in the palaces and mausoleums of Druze lords, as well as in Maronite and Greek Orthodox churches. 19259: 10319:

Druze religious beliefs developed out of Isma'ill teachings. Various Jewish, Christian, Gnostic, Neoplatonic, and Iranian elements, however, are combined under a doctrine of strict monotheism.

7053: 16296:

the Druze religion, though originating from the Isma'lliyya, an extreme branch of the Shia, seceded completely from Islam and has, therefore, experienced periods of persecution by the latter.

4490:, offering insights and interpretations that reflect the beliefs and teachings of the Druze faith. These epistles delve into various aspects of Christianity, including the role of Jesus, the 8684:

to the region, all of whom contributed to the spread of education and literacy. Several feudal Druze families also funded the construction of churches in their strongholds. For example, the

7196:

Christian traditions. It is a day on which the souls of the dead are honoured. Particularly popular among women in the region, this occasion highlights the shared cultural heritage between

6334:

of 1839 and, more decisively, of 1856, which equalised the status of Muslim and non-Muslim subjects, the former resenting their implied loss of superiority) resurfaced under the new emir (

11565:

Though their religion is related to that of the Ismailis from a historical standpoint, the Druze—who see themselves as true "unitarians" (muwah.h.idūn)—are usually not considered Muslims.

804: 9194:

of children in accordance with Christian custom was usual in large, well-known Lebanese Druze families, according to historian Aharon Layish there is also explicit evidence of Druzes in

7317:

report: "Conversely, a source contacted by the Research Directorate of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board in September 1998 advised that "there would be no problem for a mixed Druze/

7207:

of children in accordance with Christian customs often took place within prominent Lebanese Druze families. Common surnames among Lebanese Christians and Druze include Abi-Lamma, Assaf,

8653:

in their own way and "witnessing numerous miracles". Historian Glenn Bowman further highlights that in the early nineteenth century, Druze leaders would seek the Virgin Mary's favor at

8512:

commented on the relationship between the Druze and Christians in Lebanon, noting: "Folty Comte, a French scholar, was astonished by the remarkable similarity between the Druze and the

7683:

professions. But a few Christians remain of a much larger community that left the area. In 2010 more than 8,000 Christians lived in Druze-majority towns and cities in Israel, including

3065:

pilgrims. The Cave of Elijah in Allenby Road is divided into twos sections for praying, one for men and one for women; the cave is behind a velvet curtain. The Cave is also known as el-

2021:

is widely practiced by the Druze, the procedure is practiced as a cultural tradition, and has no religious significance in the Druze faith. There is no special date for this act in the

15777: 14699: 14408: 10192:...comprised 50,328 inhabitants, of whom 85 per cent were Druze, and it integrated Christian communities (7,000 people) who had long lived in these mountains in harmony with the Druze. 12570:

Although it is mostly common and required in male newborns with Moslem or Jewish backgrounds, certain Christian-dominant countries such as the United States also practice it commonly.

7656:, where more than 82,000 Druze and 30,000 Christians reside together. Among these mixed communities, the largest Christian populations in Druze towns are found in Maghar, followed by 3736:. They often sought her intercession before battles or during times of need, demonstrating a cultural and spiritual integration of Marian veneration into their religious practices. 9438: 8788:

sought refuge in Houran and Jabal al-Druze, where they received additional support from the Druze community. The Druze of Houran and Jabal al-Druze provided shelter and defense to

14675: 14384: 7445: 5607:

authors generally write of the campaigns from a pro-Mamluk stance, seeing in them the legitimate Muslim state's efforts to incorporate Mount Lebanon into the Islamic realm, while

5292:, and by the 4th century they were described as having a "fanatic zeal for Christianity" and were "zealous Christian soldiers" in the 6th century. In the 7th century, during the 2813:

took him down from the cross and allowed him to return to his family, to prepare men for the preaching of his religion. In an epistle ascribed to one of the founders of Druzism,

2488:

Christian group and was impressed by them. Against the wishes of his father, he left his family to join them. His family imprisoned him afterwards to prevent him but he escaped.

8253:(9 out of 130 seats), significantly greater than their percentage of the total Jordanian population. They form a significant part of the kingdom's political and economic elite. 73:. Over the centuries, they have interacted and lived together peacefully, sharing common social and cultural landscapes, despite occasional exceptions. Moreover, Druze beliefs, 8727:, during the 18th and 19th centuries, Christians welcomed the arrival of new Druze immigrants as allies in repelling invasions by Bedouin clans. He also observes that prior to 5319:), after which they appear as Muslims. Their conversion to Islam is believed to have been forced upon them by al-Mahdi. They are reported to have been devoted to Christianity, 4538:

by fire, and the rise of a vast army of reincarnated Druze individuals to rule the world. According to this belief, only four religious communities will survive this judgment:

18806:

3-Lebanese Christians and all Druze cluster together, and Lebanese Muslims are extended towards Syrians, Palestinians, and Jordanians, which are close to Saudis and Bedouins."

13392:

Gunda, Masiiwa Ragies. "Prediction and Power: Prophets and Prophecy in the Old Testament and Zimbabwean Christianity." Exchange (Leiden, Netherlands) 41.4 (2012): 335–51. Web.

7533:. Druze and Christians in Israel participate in each other's cultural events, including births, weddings, funerals, and celebrations like the Christian festival of Mar Ilyas ( 7098:. The Druzite and Maronite community in Lebanon played an important role in the formation of the modern state of Lebanon. Contact between Christians (members of the Maronite, 1443: 20279: 5603:

historians, which emphasize Shia Muslims' defense of the mountains' autonomy from the Mamluks, as part of an effort to bolster Shia credentials as a core Lebanese community.

3732:

Historical records and writings by authors like Pierre-Marie Martin and Glenn Bowman show that Druze leaders and community members have historically shown deep reverence for

9356:; one of the main leaders of the Druze religion, declared that the sect would no longer accept new adherents, and since that time, proselytism has been prohibited, awaiting 9325:, prior to their migration into Lebanon. Many of the Druze feudal families, whose genealogies have been preserved by the two modern Syrian chroniclers Haydar al-Shihabi and 6044:(deputy governor) of the Maronite section of the Qaimaqamate. The Khazens feared that such an appointment would formally subordinate them to the Abu'l-Lama sheikhs. Several 5571:) and foreign by Sunni and Shia Muslims, but contributed to solidarity among the Druze, who closed their religion to new converts in 1046 due to the threat of persecution. 9507: 8352:

communities outside the Middle East, estimated at around 60,000 individuals. Most of them trace their ancestry back to Lebanon and Syria. More than 200,000 people from the

7905: 1708:, in which he is above all attributes, but at the same time, he is present. In their desire to maintain a rigid confession of unity, they stripped from God all attributes ( 7928: 6321:, where thousands of Christian residents (10,0000) were killed by Muslim and Druze militiamen. The fighting precipitated a French-led international military intervention. 4704:, with the aim of preparing people to preach his religion. The epistle titled "Excuses and Warnings" foretells that, as a sign of the end times, Messiah Jesus "the son of 19914:

Fadwa N. Kirrish, "Druze Ethnicity in the Golan Heights: The Interface of Religion and Politics," Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs 13.1 (1992), 122–135

19877:

Fadwa N. Kirrish, "Druze Ethnicity in the Golan Heights: The Interface of Religion and Politics," Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs 13.1 (1992), 122–135

10208:

Fadwa N. Kirrish, "Druze Ethnicity in the Golan Heights: The Interface of Religion and Politics," Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs 13.1 (1992), 122–135

4246:

that align more closely with Christianity than with Islam. The Druze rejection of polygamy, in contrast to traditional Islamic practices, underscores this alignment with

1555:, further split from it as it developed its own unique doctrines, and finally separated from both Ismāʿīlīsm and Islam altogether; these include the belief that the Imam 6149:

under European diplomatic pressure following the 1841 massacres, and for the Druze segment of the population. After the collapse of the Double Qaim-Maqamate due to the

3426:

portray John as the precursor or forerunner of Jesus, since John announces Jesus' coming and prepares the people for Jesus' ministry. Jesus himself identifies John as "

20218:

More than 200,000 people from the Sweida area carry Venezuelan citizenship and most are members of Syria's Druse sect, who immigrated to Venezuela in the past century.

5700: 1780::21–22) and, less clearly (while Elijah was said not to have died, but to have been taken up to heaven), John the Baptist being asked if he is not Elijah (John 1:25). 20474:كتاب: الحركات في لبنان إلى عهد المتصرفية المؤلف: يوسف خطار أبو شقرا تحقيق: عارف أبو شقرا الناشر: مطبعة الاتحاد، بيروت تاريخ النشر: 1952م رقم الطبعة: الأولى، صفحة: 25. 19493: 10686: 8720:('mountain of the Druze'). The region also had sizable integrated Christian communities that had coexisted with the Druze for centuries, living in harmony with them. 8007:'s recognition of Christianity, several churches and monasteries were built in the area, and numerous Christian archaeological sites remain in the Golan, such as the 7273:) in Lebanon, Christian and Druze students study and socialise together. Moreover, many members of the Druze political and cultural elite received their education in 5386:. In the 14th century, the central parts of Mount Lebanon were described as a Tanukhid stronghold, housing both Druze and Shiite Muslims. Members of the Tanukhids in 23047: 12682: 14632: 5199:". The area was one of the two most important centers of Druze missionary activity in the 11th century. Wadi al-Taym is generally considered the "birthplace of the 24264: 21199: 18804:

2-"The predominantly Muslim populations of Syrians, Palestinians and Jordanians cluster on branches with other Muslim populations as distant as Morocco and Yemen."

9414: 6421:, and they created a growing demand for Western-style education in law, medicine, science, engineering, and finance, and for the greater opportunities for wealth. 6206:, supported and encouraged the Druze and supplied them with money and weapons, as did the French for the Maronites, with most of Britain and France's agents being 21416: 18787: 4797:

His numerous epistles show the extent of the Druze missionary network, which appears to have been present almost everywhere where the Fatimid-sponsored Isma'ili

2997:

community and a symbol of their enduring faith and resilience. Additionally, Saint George is regarded as a protector and healer in Druze tradition. The story of

19410: 18078: 11258:

Zaman, Muhammad Qasim; Stewart, Devin J.; Mirza, Mahan; Kadi, Wadad; Crone, Patricia; Gerhard, Bowering; Hefner, Robert W.; Fahmy, Khaled; Kuran, Timur (2013).

10351:

Les Epitres Sacrees Des Druzes Rasa'il Al-hikma: Introduction, Edition Critique Et Traduction Annotee Des Traites Attribues a Hamza B. 'ali Et Isma'il At-tamimi

6899:(Melkite), in the Hauran region as a whole, though most Christians are concentrated in the towns and villages straddling the western foothills of Jabal Hauran. 5671:

were a family of Druze chiefs of Arab stock based in the rugged Chouf area of southern Mount Lebanon who were politically prominent in the 15th–17th centuries.

4115:

citations originally referring to Jesus were applied to the Druze preacher Hamza ibn Ali. These texts were used to claim that he is the Messiah to be obeyed by

2567:. These documents outline the key beliefs held by Christians about Jesus, including his divinity, humanity, and earthly life, and that he is the Christ and the 24364: 18345: 7041: 7376:

that was mainly constituted of Christians. At the time, the Lebanese government and economy were running under the significant influence of elites within the

6463:

then pressured the Ottomans to set up a semiautonomous region known as a Mutasarrifate. After 1861 there existed an autonomous Mount Lebanon with a Christian

6103:. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Protestant missionaries established schools and churches in Druze strongholds, with some Druze converting to 5995:

majority. In practice, the terms "Lebanon" and "Mount Lebanon" tended to be used interchangeably by historians until the formal establishment of the Mandate.

20439:

Hazran, Yusri. "Between authenticity and alienation: The Druzes and Lebanon's history.” Cambridge University Press, vol. 62, Issue. 3, pp. 459 – 487. JSTOR.

18455:

US Druze settled in small towns and kept a low profile, joining Protestant churches (usually Presbyterian or Methodist) and often Americanizing their names..

16420: 13908: 9567: 7419:, the ancestral stronghold of Druze leader Walid Jumblatt. The tumultuous reception that Sfeir received not only signified a historic reconciliation between 17687: 9186:

Churches. There are also a few thousand Druze immigrants from Lebanon in the United States of America, who have converted to Christianity. In the period of

2964:, a Christian church or Druze maqam is dedicated to either the Prophet Elijah or Saint George. The reverence for Saint George, who is often identified with 2197:". This is allowed provided there is no risk to the Catholic partner's faith or to the upbringing of children in the Catholic faith. On the other hand, the 23082: 16282:

Marriage, Divorce, and Succession in the Druze Family: A Study Based on Decisions of Druze Arbitrators and Religious Courts in Israel and the Golan Heights

9538: 9469: 1544:

and no longer consider themselves as such. The number of Druze people worldwide is between 800,000 and one million, with the vast majority residing in the

8249:

are exceptionally well integrated in the Jordanian society and enjoy a high level of freedom. Christians are allotted a minimum of 7% of the seats in the

6723: 3965:, Moses' father-in-law is initially referred to as "Reuel" (Exodus 2:18) but afterwards as "Jethro" (Exodus 3:1). He was also identified as the father of 18764: 13101:

Furthermore, from the judges' understanding of Christian teaching, interfaith marriage is similarly disallowed in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 6:14).

9145:

at the beginning of the eighteenth century. The clan constructed numerous palaces and structures, many of which still stand today in the Metn region and

6402: 2076:. Christian teaching has never held that marriage is necessary for everyone; historically Christians who did not marry were expected to refrain from all 15086:. Symbola et emblemata: studies in Renaissance and baroque symbolism. Vol. 5 (Illustrated ed.). Leiden, Netherlands: E.J. Brill. p. 151. 2472:

to engage in interfaith dialogue with other religious groups. His quests eventually prompted his conversion to Christianity and later his conversion to

12462:

The Lutheran Church on the Coast of Tanzania 1887–1914: With Special Reference to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Synod of Uzaramo-Uluguru

9677: 6385:

into the region. The increasing tensions led to an outbreak of conflict between Christians and Druzes as early as May 1845. Consequently, the European

4277: 21238: 20917: 24138: 8611: 8055:, where Christians constituted two-thirds of the population in the 19th century. These Christians were divided into several denominations, including 6294: 6268: 6150: 3473: 1904:

The incarnation of Jesus is the central Christian doctrine that God became flesh, assumed a human nature, and became a man in the form of Jesus, the

1258: 12598:

male circumcision is still observed among Ethiopian and Coptic Christians, and circumcision rates are also high today in the Philippines and the US.

8520:, customs, and public morals. Druze and Maronite families coexist harmoniously, and sometimes Maronites accompany their Druze neighbors to church". 7484: 2201:

regulations state that a Christian woman is not allowed to marry a non-Christian, while a Christian man is allowed to marry a non-Christian woman.

1700:

The Druze conception of the deity is declared by them to be one of strict and uncompromising unity. The main Druze doctrine states that God is both

9693: 8207: 5456:

tribesmen who historically acted autonomously of any central authority. The Maronites in particular had maintained close cooperation with the last

9488: 7168:

Druze and Christians in Lebanon engage in mutual celebrations, including births, weddings, funerals, and religious festivities such as Christmas,

1867:

as it developed its own unique doctrines, and finally separated from both Ismāʿīlīsm and Islam altogether; these include the belief that the Imam

19444: 13054: 9174:; yet they did not succeed to convert Druze to Christianity en masse. On the other hand, many Druze immigrants to the United States converted to 3967: 2754:

as the incarnations of one of the five great celestial powers, who form part of their system. Druze doctrines include the beliefs that Jesus was

794: 5171:, and the largely Christian, core tribes of the Lahazim in general, appear to have fought against the Muslim conquests of eastern Arabia in the 3174:, since they belief in reincarnation and the transmigration of the soul, Druze believe that El Khidr and John the Baptist are one and the same. 24036: 21131: 16452:, Transcultural Research – Heidelberg Studies on Asia and Europe in a Global Context, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 63–79, 9653: 8950:

with the protection of the Maronite community. Fakhr al-Din II, a prominent Druze leader of the early 17th century, spent a period of exile in

7550: 4068:

monasticism prevalent in the Levant region. These influences and incorporations of Christian elements encompass the adoption of the concept of

3747:

and mutual respect. Nour Fara Haddad, a scholar of religious anthropology, states that this unity is particularly important in maintaining the

948: 17971: 16196: 12740: 2543:

is the central figure of Christianity. Although Christian views of Jesus vary, it is possible to summarize the key beliefs shared among major

1883:

and the primary author of the Druze manuscripts, he proclaimed that God became flesh, assumed a human nature, and became a man in the form of

23550: 22673: 20201: 19625: 14707: 14416: 9766: 9640:. In her survey in 1985, historian Robert Brenton Betts noted that this rate had likely declined and that many rural Christians had moved to 7314: 7153:

in the past in complete harmony. Historian Ray Jabre Mouawad observes that there was religious symbiosis between the Druze and Christians in

53:

that share a historical traditional connection with some major theological differences. The two faiths share a common place of origin in the

17493:

turning point in the history of the Shihabis when the Amir Ali al - Shihabi became converted to Christianity and joined the Maronite Church.

14806: 11070:

The worldwide population of Druze is put at up to one million, with most living in mountainous regions in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel.

3230:, and also political leaders (occasionally also the PM), coming to congratulate the Israeli Druze community during their festivities at the 2328:, are considered important prophets of God in the Druze faith, being among the seven prophets who appeared in different periods of history. 9673: 7826:

may stem from animosity between the wealthier Christian population and the poorer Druze. Since in terms of their socio-economic situation,

6393:

Economic and demographic factors also played a role in undermining the peaceful coexistence of the Druze and Christian in this period, the

6202:

at the beginning of the eighteenth century. The British, after their Protestant missionaries were unable to win a large audience of native

189:

writers are regarded as "carriers of wisdom". Additionally, the Druze catechism prophesies the dominance of Christianity over Islam in the

6176:

between the British and the Ottomans, who backed the Druze demand for a Druze governor, and the French, who insisted on the return of the

257:

are considered important prophets of God in the Druze faith, being among the seven prophets who appeared in different periods of history.

24518: 15031: 13990: 12771: 7812: 6375: 6077: 5820:

Under Emir Fakhr al-Din the Christians could raise their heads high. They built churches, rode horses with saddles, wore turbans of fine

5115: 3524:

in Spain, Moscow in Russia, and several other states, regions, cities, universities, professions and organizations claim George as their

15782: 13854: 7995:

holds significance for Christians and has been a destination for pilgrims due to biblical accounts of Jesus's visitation. This includes

6475:. Historians link the Maronite ascendancy in the Mutasarrifate to their alliance with the French and their subsequent domination of the 4424:

caused some of these texts to fall into the hands of academics. Other original manuscripts are held in the Robert Garrett collection at

23506: 22049: 6970:

has been marked by harmony and peaceful coexistence, Before 2011, more than 55,000 Christians, primarily Greek Orthodox members of the

6963:

between the Druze and Christians and the resulting French military intervention caused another large exodus of Druze to Jabal Hauran.

6817:

and adhered to Druze values. A notable example of Druze influence in this predominantly Catholic country is the former vice president,

6313:

and Christians. Following decisive Druze victories and massacres against the Christians, the conflict spilled over into other parts of

108:

was a common practice. Throughout history, there have been instances where prominent members of the Druze community, including some of

7321:

couple to live a normal life in Lebanon today"". Prominent examples of mixed Christian-Druze marriages in Lebanon include: Journalist

24508: 24118: 23057: 7427:, but underscored the fact that the banner of Lebanese sovereignty had broad multi-confessional appeal and was a cornerstone for the 4775: 2510:

faith, Jesus is considered an important prophet of God, being among the seven prophets who appeared in different periods of history.

1226: 10157: 5531:, though its actual collection in Mount Lebanon was likely done on an inconsistent basis. The Druze religion, which branched off of 5002:

Many of the Druze feudal families, whose genealogies have been preserved by the two modern Syrian chroniclers Haydar al-Shihabi and

2193:

allows Catholics to marry non-baptized individuals, such as Jews and Muslims, in the church through a legal provision known as the "

24533: 23009: 22961: 11195: 9649: 9187: 3813:. These names were assigned to the works by the early church fathers in the 2nd century AD; none of the writers signed their work. 3208:. It is considered one of the most famous shrines in Druze religion. The prophet's name is "Sidna Abu Ibrahim" and he is nicknamed 2169:

after the marriage between two originally non-Christian persons had already taken place. Many Christian denominations, such as the

7023: 6052:

waned. To compensate for their economic, social and political stagnation, the Khazens increased their pressure on the peasants of

5339:

north and south, and its strategic value stemmed from its control of Beirut's southern harbor and the road connecting Beirut with

3185:. Druze believe that Elijah came back as John the Baptist and as Saint George, and the Druze version of the story of al-khidr was 21173: 9345:

where it occupied the position of a ruling family and apparently was Christianized before they subscribed to the Druze religion.

5167:. A small proportion of the tribe took up abode in the Wadi al-Taym at some point during the first centuries of Muslim rule. The 4909:

that claims that the adherents of the faith came from diverse ancestral lineages stretching back tens of thousands of years. The

4735:), part of first volume of the Epistles of Wisdom, appears to have been a Druze individual. The account itself identifies him as 3851:

The number 5 holds special significance within the Druze faith, as it is believed that great prophets come in groups of five. In

2186: 20025: 16768:

The Tanukhids (whose territory spread from southwestern Iraq to southern Syria) were known for their devotion to Saint Thomas...

11480:

Most Druze do not consider themselves Muslim. Historically they faced much persecution and keep their religious beliefs secrets.

11426:

Most Druze do not consider themselves Muslim. Historically they faced much persecution and keep their religious beliefs secrets.

10961:

Most Druze do not consider themselves Muslim. Historically they faced much persecution and keep their religious beliefs secrets.

8773:, and it's not uncommon for a Druze living in a predominantly Christian villages to contribute financially to the local church. 23883: 22939: 22929: 22693: 22068:

Murder, Mayhem, Pillage, and Plunder: The History of the Lebanon in the 18th and 19th Centuries by Mikhayil Mishaqa (1800-1873)

19938: 19901: 19831: 10235: 9053: 9049: 6459:

After fierce fighting erupted between the Druze and Maronite populations in the Mount Lebanon region in 1860. France and other

6190:, a Druze and a Christian, who exercised their judicial and fiscal authority over the members of their respective communities. 6184:

Haydar Ahmad Abu al-Lamaʿ qāʾim maqām of the mostly Christian northern district, each qāʾim maqām was to be accompanied by two

6141:. After 1843, there existed an autonomous Mount Lebanon with a Christian and a Druze subdivision, which have been created as a 5768: 5599:

in the 16th and 17th centuries as their "return". On the other hand, Beydoun views the narratives of the expeditions by modern

2103:

verses to justify their position, it more closely mirrors the Christian perspective on marriage. Additionally, the practice of

904: 851: 13688: 11438: 11006: 9224:; according to the same study, Christians with a Druze background (Druze converts to Christianity) still regard themselves as 8902: 6526:

Christians constituted the majority of the population of the Mutasarrifate of Mount Lebanon, and most of them belonged to the

3840:. These Gospel writers are respected for their contributions to spiritual knowledge and guidance. Druze doctrine teaches that 2158: 2154: 96:, with amicable relations between the two groups prevailing throughout history, with the exception of some periods, including 23518: 22554: 22529: 22465: 22349: 22200: 22179: 22043: 22019: 21998: 21924: 21824: 21803: 21580: 21544: 21285: 21183: 20459: 19856: 19747: 19684: 19114: 18532: 18165: 18126: 17284: 16631: 16465: 16319: 15808: 15690: 15571: 15379: 15347: 15287: 15256: 15065: 14877: 14052: 13984: 13945: 13848: 13821: 13796: 13771: 13711: 13682: 13320: 13295: 13233: 13204: 13151: 13122: 13094: 12765: 12712: 11887: 11593: 10922: 10895: 10858: 10814: 10753: 10723: 10359: 10060: 9799: 9195: 9156: 8551: 7158: 6134: 6116: 6076:

converted to Christianity, the Druze lost most of their political and feudal powers. Also, the Druze formed an alliance with

6035: 21550: 18132: 13951: 12718: 7302: 5484:

authors, the Mamluks are portrayed as the legitimate Muslim state working to incorporate Mount Lebanon into the rest of the

2010:

male circumcision is an established practice, and require that their male members undergo circumcision, and it is seen as a

1812:

these groups there has been some dispute among historians as to whether these groups truly were descendants of Manichaeism.

24558: 24523: 24123: 23643: 19501: 14213:...One example of Druze anti—Jewish bias is contained in an epistle ascribed to one of the founders of Druzism, Baha al-Din 11879: 9159:. Among them was emir Haydar Ahmad Abu al-Lamaʿ, who served as the qāʾim maqām of the largely Christian northern district. 6574: 5243: 4852:, either admonishing them for having abandoned the true faith, or exhorting them to repent and convert before the imminent 3650:

for intercession with her Son, Jesus Christ. Additionally, it includes composing poems and songs in Mary's honor, painting

3377: 2774:

took Jesus down from the cross and allowed him to return to his family, to prepare men for the preaching of his religion.

1999: 1235: 826: 21100: 19807:

Lenka Bokova, Laconfrontation franco-syrienne à l’époque du mandat, 1925–1927 (Paris: Editions L'Harmattan, 1990), 220–221

19778:

Lenka Bokova, Laconfrontation franco-syrienne à l’époque du mandat, 1925–1927 (Paris: Editions L'Harmattan, 1990), 220–221

19769:

Lenka Bokova, Laconfrontation franco-syrienne à l’époque du mandat, 1925–1927 (Paris: Editions L'Harmattan, 1990), 220–221

18821:

Religious Interactions in Europe and the Mediterranean World: Coexistence and Dialogue from the 12th to the 20th Centuries

17742:

Religious Interactions in Europe and the Mediterranean World: Coexistence and Dialogue from the 12th to the 20th Centuries

17667:

namely the emirs of the house of Abul - Lama, used to be Druzes before they converted to Christianity and became Maronites

13489:

Religious Interactions in Europe and the Mediterranean World: Coexistence and Dialogue from the 12th to the 20th Centuries

12675: 12397: 9644:

city, Damascus or outside of Syria. Localities in the Hauran with Christian pluralities or majorities include the city of

9378:", i.e., its active missionary phase. Since then, the Druze have been a closed community, in which neither conversion nor 23681: 19306: 16593:

Lebanon therefore was the distributing center of the Druze people and Wādi - al - Taym was the birthplace of their faith.

9249:, there is a small but growing community of Druze converts to Christianity in Syria and Lebanon, with most converting to 8833: 8640:

is one of the most significant historical and religious sites in Mount Lebanon. The original church was destroyed by the

8418:

The Christian and Druze communities have a long history of interaction dating back roughly a millennium, particularly in

4948: 2396:

or Jethro of Midian is considered an ancestor of the Druze who revere him as their spiritual founder and chief prophet.

2150: 789: 22451: 22267: 21984: 21902: 21203: 21069: 13885: 8298:

Arab immigration to Venezuela started as early as the 19th and 20th centuries, with migrants primarily hailing from the

6922:

and like the Salihids, embraced Christianity. The Byzantine era in the Hauran was marked by the dual processes of rapid

6696:, the only governorate in Syria with a Druze majority. In 2010, more than 52,000 registered Christian voters, primarily 5952:'s rule, many members of the Shihab family converted to Christianity and Yusuf also began to rely on the support of the 24563: 24513: 24098: 22378:

Schilcher, L. Schatkowski (1981). "The Hauran Conflicts of the 1860s: A Chapter in the Rural History of Modern Syria".

19054:

Kamal Gunbulat, Das arabisch-islamische Erbe und die Rolle der Drüsen in seiner Konzeption der libanesischen Geschichte

18889: 18424:

Many of the Druze have chosen to deemphasize their ethnic identity, and some have officially converted to Christianity.

15223: 15091: 15025: 12284: 10646:

They also cover the lives and teachings of some biblical personages, such as Job, Jethro, Jesus, John, Luke, and others

10543: 10507: 8472: 7880: 6713: 6701: 6536: 6180:

principality. Thus, the Druze emir Ahmad Arslan was appointed qāʾim maqām of the mixed southern district and Christian

5489: 5407: 5041:

armies. In the 17th century, there was a prevailing belief in France that the Druze were descendants of a lost army of

3349: 3001:

is interpreted allegorically, representing the triumph of good over evil and the protection of the faithful from harm.

2738:, who wrote the Gospels. According to the Druze manuscripts Jesus is the Greatest Imam and the incarnation of Ultimate 2003: 1427: 941: 22250: 15306: 9295:

The Druze faith extended to many areas in the Middle East, but most of the modern Druze can trace their origin to the

4973:

The Druze faith extended to many areas in the Middle East, but most of the modern Druze can trace their origin to the

24538: 23567: 22666: 22604: 22568: 22503: 22368: 22156: 22076: 21945: 21754: 21729: 21680: 21651: 21599: 21473: 21378: 21023: 20978: 20949: 20881: 20856: 20785: 20751: 20657: 20632: 20592: 20567: 20542: 20505: 20424: 20399: 20374: 20349: 20239: 20128: 19981: 19386: 19361: 19336: 19244: 19219: 19086: 19061: 18939: 18914: 18828: 18745: 18476: 18448: 18417: 18371: 18309: 18281: 18252: 18217: 18062: 18030: 18005: 17912: 17749: 17721: 17660: 17632: 17604: 17575: 17547: 17514: 17486: 17458: 17433: 17381: 17345: 17143: 16998: 16876: 16849: 16761: 16732: 16707: 16667: 16586: 16500: 16389: 16344: 16289: 16260: 16231: 16206: 16104: 16029: 15934: 15645: 15608: 15527: 15502: 15477: 15448: 15419: 15196: 15165: 15144: 15123: 14998: 14782: 14499: 14474: 14446: 14368: 14330: 14238: 14206: 14181: 14146: 14102: 14077: 13731: 13655: 13630: 13605: 13577: 13549: 13521: 13496: 13450: 13425: 13377: 13345: 13179: 13018: 12977: 12865: 12822: 12794: 12655: 12623: 12591: 12563: 12535: 12506: 12376: 12224: 12035: 11997: 11944: 11834: 11781: 11721: 11666: 11558: 11530: 11501: 11473: 11419: 11296: 11267: 11109: 10987: 10954: 10639: 10601: 10573: 10467: 10442: 10404: 10312: 10185: 10132: 10091: 9991: 9960: 9900: 9865: 9831: 8867:" policy succeeded with the Druze, who were promised immunity, weapons, and privileges, by the Zionist militias, the 8227: 8075: 7310: 7270: 4751: 3895:, Muḥammad ibn Wahb al-Qurashī, Abū'l-Khayr Salama ibn Abd al-Wahhab al-Samurri, Ismāʿīl ibn Muḥammad at-Tamīmī, and 2630: 2007: 17133: 16450:

Historical Disaster Experiences: Towards a Comparative and Transcultural History of Disasters Across Asia and Europe

13738:...Druze believe in seven prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and Muhammad ibn Ismail ad-Darazi.. 7871:

sector have been educated in Christian schools. Moreover, a significant number of Druze students attend prestigious

23811: 22414: 21784: 21341: 16682: 13264: 9608: 9476: 9094:

in Chouf: Over the centuries, a number of prominent Druze clans embraced Christianity, such as the Abi-Lamma clan.

8498: 8190:

The Jordanian Druze people are estimated to number at least 20,000, as of 2005. The main areas where they live are

8015:, and several ruins in Banias. Christians inhabited most villages and towns mixed with Druze in the Golan, such as 7778:. Rare exceptions include incidents such as the one on April 11, 1981, when a soccer match between two neighboring 7161:. Numerous cultural interactions took place in Mount Lebanon, resulting overlapped symbolism, veneration of common 6971: 6523:

and a flowering of literary and political activity associated with the attempts to liberalize the Ottoman Empire.

6472: 6468: 6004: 5858: 4947:

has been characterized by intense persecution. Meanwhile, interactions between Jews and Druze were rare before the

4577:, known as "Part One", contains several epistles and discussions that offer insights into the Druze perspective on 3439: 2286: 861: 23944: 21323: 19187: 16683:

Hamilton Alexander Rosskeen Gibb; Bernard Lewis; Johannes Hendrik Kramers; Charles Pellat; Joseph Schacht (1998).

13912: 12133: 5394:, a prominent 15th century Druze theologian and commentator; and Muhammad bin al-Muwaffaq al-Tanukhi, an emir and 1041: 24503: 24498: 23078: 22976: 22944: 20259: 18496: 14582: 14153:

They further believe that Hamza ibn Ali was a reincarnation of many prophets, including Christ, Plato, Aristotle.

8610:— served as pilgrimage destinations for Christians, Muslims, and Druze alike. Even during conflicts, such as the 8501: 7851:

are among the most educated groups in Israel. Statistically, Arab Christians in Israel have the highest rates of

6986:, where they had several ancient churches. Many of them are members of Christian Arab tribes affiliated with the 6172:

The idea of dividing Mount Lebanon between Christians and Druze was a system proposed by the Austrian Chancellor

5861: 4874: 4724:. Subsequently, Messiah Jesus will expel the Jews from Jerusalem, and Christians will dominate Muslims until the 4439: 4081: 2497: 2190: 1403: 596: 62: 22426: 21935: 18247:

Minahan 2002, p. 1194 Minahan, James (2002). Encyclopedia of the Stateless Nations. Greenwood Publishing Group.

16446:"Several Natural Disasters in the Middle East (at the Beginning of the Eleventh Century) and Their Consequences" 14893: 13542:

Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations

12102: 8930:. In the 15th century, the Holy See sought to extend its relations with various non-Catholic communities in the 8664:

Since the sixteenth century, prominent Druze feudal families have welcomed Protestant missionaries, as well as,

2638: 23770: 23019: 22934: 22575:

Shamai, Shmuel (1990). "Critical Sociology of Education Theory in Practice: The Druze Education in the Golan".

21959: 21775: 21701: 21450: 16491: 15723:

Antoine Isaac, Baron Silvestre de Sacy, Expose de la Religion des Druzes (Paris, 1838; republ. Amsterdam, 1964)

12893: 12113: 9952: 8339: 7770:

The relationship between Druze and Christians in the region, especially during Druze-Maronite conflicts in the

7592:, and other churches, and the Unitarian Druze has resulted in the establishment of mixed villages and towns in 7434:

For historical and political reasons, social and economic conditions vary among Lebanon's sects. Christians in

7401: 7357: 6863:) 11% and Sunni Muslims 2%. In 2010, the As-Suwayda governorate has a population of about 375,000 inhabitants, 5300:. After Yarmouk, their status as foederati ended. They were described as an "autonomous Christian community in 3714: 2153:, many Christian denominations caution against it, citing verses of the New Testament that prohibit it such as 799: 744: 154:, and other churches) and the Druze resulted in the establishment and existence of mixed villages and towns in 22737: 15245:

Meyers, Carol (1 March 2018). Coogan, Michael D.; Brettler, Marc Z.; Newsom, Carol A.; Perkins, Pheme (eds.).

14946: 14909: 13584:

There are several examples of this: "Besides being the patron saint of England and of the Christians of Syria.

12948:

Mbuwayesango, Dora R. (2016) . "Part III: The Bible and Bodies – Sex and Sexuality in Biblical Narrative". In

9333:

and stopped in Iraq on their route that would later to lead them to Syria. The first feudal Druze family, the

5010:

and stopped in Iraq on their route that would later to lead them to Syria. The first feudal Druze family, the

2793:. According to Druze tradition, Jesus sought sanctuary on this summit and held a clandestine meeting with his 24528: 24337: 23577: 22899: 19599: 18689: 15652:

The Druze symbol is a five colored star, with each color representing cosmic principles believed by the Druze

14794: 14506:

the Druze believe that al - Khidr corresponds to St George in Christianity and to the Prophet Yahya in Islam.

12241:

Un traite neo-manicheen du XIIIe siecle: Le Liber de duobus principiis, suivi d'un fragment de rituel Cathare

8712:, during the 18th and 19th centuries, there were significant migrations of Druze from Mount Lebanon to Jabal 7919: 7589: 7254: 7103: 6975: 6896: 6709: 6645:. They both speak the Arabic language and follow a social patterns similar to those of other peoples in the 6618: 6516: 6370:

strategy, various European powers established alliances with the various religious groups in the region. The

5293: 4239: 2157:, while certain Christian denominations have made allowances for interfaith marriage, which is referenced in 934: 505: 459: 427: 151: 19700: 15713:

Hitti, Philip K., Origins of the Druze People and Religion, CHAPTER V, DRUZE THEOLOGY AND ITS SOURCES, 1928.

14921: 8882:

Ibrahim also observes that, unlike other Israeli Christians and Muslims, Druze place less emphasis on their

4131:

al-Hākim bi-Amr Allāh, attributing to him divine qualities similar to those Christians attribute to Jesus.

3177:

Saint George is described as a prophetic figure in Druze sources; and in some sources he is identified with

3119:

had partly to do with Elijah's story and devotion. There are two large Druze towns on the eastern slopes of

2460:

is honored as a prophet in the Druze faith, and as an incarnation of the monotheistic idea. As a practicing

1943: 24548: 24163: 23582: 22659: 21249: 19548: 19523: 18799: 15927:

The Muslim World: A Quarterly Review of History, Culture, Religions & the Christian Mission in Islamdom

8750: 8456: 8284:

in these areas, where students from Christian, Druze, and Muslim backgrounds study and socialize together.

8137: 7601: 7377: 6960: 6146: 6100: 5760: 5591: 5359:

and afterward became Druze. Their leaders in the Gharb may have received and embraced the Fatimid Isma'ili

4925: 2979:

and won over them. In both cases the explanations provided by Christians are that Druzes were attracted to

2529: 2434:

and won over them. In both cases the explanations provided by Christians are that Druzes were attracted to

2096: 1752: 97: 19724: 17803: 16138:

Barcaccia, Gianni; Galla, Giulio; Achilli, Alessandro; Olivieri, Anna; Torroni, Antonio (5 October 2015).

8654: 8633: 8625: 8403: 5707:'s secretary) and his brother Sheikh Abu Nader enlarged the church and added a vault. During the reign of 5680: 5633: 5210:

were the territory of the Jandal, a Druze clan. The leader of the clan, Dahhak ibn Jandal allied with the

3698: 3551: 2894: 24543: 24143: 23653: 23434: 23296: 20288:

El Aissami is a member of Venezuela's sizable Druze community. His father is Syrian, his mother Lebanese.

20056: 13158:... most Christian churches support members who take part in intermarriage, citing 1 Corinthians 7:12-14. 13130:

of whom had religious backgrounds in paganism and many of whom might have spouses who were not believers.

11875: 9591: 8986:

area. However, during periods of civil war when the Druze and Christians (mostly Maronites) clashed, the

8789: 8447: 8237: 7365: 6860: 6664:

The relationship between the Druze and Christians in Syria, Lebanon and Israel has been characterized by

6654: 6610: 6561: 6430: 6166: 5378:, when most of them accepted and adopted the new message, due to their leadership's close ties with then 4849: 4841: 4654: 3594: 3529: 3505: 3297: 3190: 2998: 2972: 2582: 2427: 2198: 2040: 2034: 1629: 1489: 734: 437: 135: 19295: 18975:"Refugee Review Tribunal: What is the attitude of the Druze community toward inter-religious marriages?" 17465:

Soon afterwards, the Shihabi amirs converted to Christianity and identified with the Maronite community.

15339:

Handbook on the Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther

11116:

although today it is widely considered to be a separate religion, some still consider it an Islamic sect

10011:"Refugee Review Tribunal: What is the attitude of the Druze community toward inter-religious marriages?" 9013:, whose followers have coexisted with the Druze for centuries. During visits to the Middle East by Pope 8877:

and Muslims have comparable socio-economic standards when compared to their wealthier and more educated

2649:. The great majority of Christians worship Jesus as the incarnation of God the Son, the second of three 24553: 24444: 24077: 23876: 23763: 23725: 23212: 21854: 20778:

Israel's "ethnic Project" in the City of Shafa-amr: Particularization of Identity Along Religious Lines

19093:

social groups to which she belonged as an upper-class Druze woman married to a Greek Orthodox Christian

17679: 15218: 14230: 13570:

Immigrant Narratives: Orientalism and Cultural Translation in Arab American and Arab British Literature

11928: 11705: 11650: 9260: 9098: 9082: 8598:

associated with revered figures among Christians, Druze, and Muslims —such as shrines dedicated to the

6782:(60,000) and in the United States (50,000); both are predominantly Christian countries. Members of the 5874: 4602: 4307: 4093: 3733: 3525: 3403: 2552: 2174: 2166: 1952: 1694: 1633: 1606: 105: 19: 21146: 19427: 15732: 12891:(June 2003). Carey, Lindsay B. (ed.). "Religion and Sexuality: The Perversion of a Natural Marriage". 11868:

Partakers of the Divine Nature: The History and Development of Deification in the Christian Traditions

8558:. This period saw numerous cultural interactions, leading to shared symbols, the veneration of common 6374:

established an alliance with the Lebanese Christians, while the Druze formalized an alliance with the

5889:, as "a perfect historical predecessor for Lebanon's Christian nationalism of the twentieth century". 5829: 5343:. The warrior peasants who inhabited the Gharb subscribed to the Druze faith, an esoteric offshoot of 5110:

movement are not entirely clear, as the chief sources about him—the contemporary Christian chronicler

4617:. He seeks to align Druze beliefs more closely with Christian beliefs, aiming to demonstrate that the 3269: 2730:, each of them sent in a different period of history to preach the message of God. The Druze venerate 2571:. Despite their many shared beliefs, not all Christian denominations agree on all doctrines, and both 2555:

texts. Christian views of Jesus are derived from various sources, including the canonical gospels and

23806: 23796: 23758: 23513: 23323: 23291: 23245: 23222: 22442: 21975: 21889: 19296:"The Druze population in Israel – a collection of data on the occasion of the Prophet Shuaib holiday" 14960: 11204: 9237: 9221: 9138: 9002: 8849: 8565:

According to scholar Pierre-Yves Beaurepaire, due to the Christian influence on the Druze faith, two

8335: 7779: 7333:(Christian) and Olfat Munther (Druze), Dalia Jumblatt, the daughter of the Lebanese Druze politician 7266: 7107: 6622: 6195: 6121: 4276:) as a religious symbol: green, red, yellow, blue, and white. The First limit (green), identified by 3999:, the daughter of Jethro, after helping save his daughters and their flock from competing herdsmen. 3697:

often reflects a blend of traditions. Shared pilgrimage sites and mutual respect for places like the

3357: 2602: 2568: 831: 784: 774: 629: 469: 432: 155: 22512: 21842: 20301: 12542:

Neonatal circumcision is the general practice among Jews, Christians, and many, but not all Muslims.

9383:

cannot have Druze children; the religion can only be passed onto a child born to two Druze parents.

8422:. Over the centuries, they have peacefully interacted and lived together, sharing common social and 5590:

The historian Ahmed Beydoun describes the efforts by 20th-century Maronite authors to emphasize the

4750:

reportedly passed away after al-Hakim's disappearance in 1021. In the 18th century, the Orientalist

4413: 23906: 23786: 23691: 23686: 23501: 23466: 23392: 23348: 23343: 23140: 22966: 22811: 22708: 22703: 18932:

The Culture of Sectarianism: Community, History, and Violence in Nineteenth-Century Ottoman Lebanon

17932: 15427:

that Jethro/Shu'eyb was the "true" concealed prophet behind the secondary, revealed prophet, Moses.

12732: 10887: 10500:

The Culture of Sectarianism: Community, History, and Violence in Nineteenth-Century Ottoman Lebanon

9322: 9190:

in the 1830s, many Druze converted to Christianity to avoid enlistment into the Egyptian army. The

8490: 8443: 6892: 5676: 5543:

altogether, gained adherents among people in Mount Lebanon and its environs, including much of the

5352: 5277: 5176: 4251: 3938: 3908: 3896: 3634: 3472:, who was sentenced to death for refusing to recant his Christian faith. He became one of the most 3435: 3329: 3308:

notes that some people thought that Jesus was, in some sense, Elijah, but it also makes clear that

2361: 2353: 2238: 2069: 1787:, several reincarnationist movements were persecuted as heresies, through the establishment of the 1701: 1678: 1000: 899: 846: 254: 21275: 20205: 17521:

the conversion to Christianity of several Muslim and Druze families aided this growth immeasurably

16079:"Druze: the great survivors How the world's most secretive faith has endured for a thousand years" 15680: 9998:

the conversion to Christianity of several Muslim and Druze families aided this growth immeasurably

9754: 4134:

Some scholars believe Christian elements are deeply embedded in Druze beliefs, introduced through

2426:. According to scholar Ray Jabre Mouawad, the Druze appreciated the two saints for their bravery, 2051:. However, while many Christians might agree with the traditional definition, the terminology and 285: 69:

communities share a long history of interaction dating back roughly a millennium, particularly in

23471: 23205: 23110: 22999: 22949: 22806: 22723: 22698: 21955: 21746: 21324:"Finding a life partner is hard enough. For those of the Druze faith, their future depends on it" 17728:

some Christians (mostly from the Orthodox faith), as well as Druze, converted to Protestantism...

17068: 16120: 14814: 12961: 12647: 12060:

Dwairy, Marwan (March 2006). "The Psychosocial Function Of Reincarnation Among Druze In Israel".

11818: 11289:

The Origins of the Druze Religion: An Edition of Ḥamza's Writings and an Analysis of His Doctrine

10850: 9010: 8863:, with a Christian majority, was not displaced because of its large Druze population. While the " 8236:

contains one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, their presence dating back to the

7864: 7860: 7585: 7404: 7318: 7106:, and other churches) and the Unitarian Druze led to the presence of mixed villages and towns in 7099: 7091: 7070: 6621:, and other churches) and the Unitarian Druze led to the presence of mixed villages and towns in 6614: 6520: 6406: 6203: 5988: 5552: 5239: 3606: 3353: 2794: 2727: 2443: 2178: 1995: 1876: 909: 866: 641: 490: 147: 18524: 16253:

Conflict in the Modern Middle East: An Encyclopedia of Civil War, Revolutions, and Regime Change

15294:

J names Moses' father-in-law as Reuel or Hobab, whereas E knows him as Jethro, priest of Midian.

14728: 14558: 12349: 11762:"Part II: The Basic Structures of Pauline Thought – Theology: God as the Father of Jesus Christ" 10806: 10800: 7811:

youth had spread lies to his friends about the pictures, leading to the escalation of tensions.

7754: 6786:

faith in the United States encounter challenges such as finding a Druze partner and adhering to

5468:

to the Mamluks in 1289, the mountaineers would often block the coastal road between Tripoli and

2971:

According to scholar Ray Jabre Mouawad, the Druze appreciated the two saints for their bravery,

1840: 24281: 24158: 24148: 23984: 23791: 23382: 23240: 23182: 23073: 23052: 22817: 20168: 9637: 9613: 9518: 9401: 9353: 9326: 9284: 8878: 8181: 7975: 7852: 7774:(1975–1990), did not adversely affect the peaceful coexistence between Druze and Christians in 7504: 7424: 7261:, the forerunner of AUB, were Druze, who over generations maintain an affinity to AUB. At the 6991: 6983: 6967: 6956: 6884: 6852: 6693: 6544: 6325: 5813: 5789: 5721:. For uniting modern Lebanon's constituent parts and communities, especially the Druze and the 5664: 5604: 5481: 5465: 5235: 5164: 5059:

The only early Arab historian who mentions the Druze is the eleventh century Christian scholar

5003: 4898: 4771: 4630: 4594: 4562: 4417: 4243: 4176: 3722: 3411: 3281: 3078: 3013: 2814: 2790: 2687: 2658: 2610: 2544: 2447: 1921: 1536:) is the foundational text of the Druze faith. Even though the faith originally developed from 1459: 1267: 1103: 779: 591: 474: 22483: 21740: 20449: 17371: 17274: 16621: 15337: 15081: 15015: 13974: 12755: 12475: 11912: 11807:"Part I: Catholic Teaching – God, the Creation, and the History of Salvation: The Incarnation" 11806: 11761: 11689: 10912: 10304: 10050: 8156:. As of 2017, there was one Greek Orthodox Christian family of five (the Nasrallah family) in 5983:. Geographically, the Mount Lebanon Emirate corresponded with the central part of present-day 5948:

lords and cultivating the Maronite clergy as an alternative power base of the emirate. During

1769: 1728: 24384: 24113: 23974: 23869: 23850: 23449: 23175: 22984: 22887: 22842: 22771: 22066: 21390:"Peasant Protest in the Late Ottoman Empire: Moral Economy, Revolt, and the Tanzimat Reforms" 19737: 19600:"Demonstration of Christian Schools in Jerusalem – Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation" 18155: 16309: 15737:, Article, Les Epitres sacrees des Druzes: Rasa il al-Hikma, volumes 1 et 2, July–Sept, 2009. 15678: 15246: 14765: 13838: 11859: 11638: 11583: 9461: 9449: 9357: 8868: 8665: 8544: 8357: 8331: 8008: 6888: 6830: 6650: 6540: 6138: 6096: 6012: 6008: 5972: 5718: 5600: 5395: 5383: 5091: 4764: 4740: 4709: 4670: 4622: 4557: 4515: 4421: 4398: 4385:

al-Hakim and his doctrines. These display a notable form of Arabic Neoplatonism blended with

4061: 3566: 3541: 3509: 3497: 3345: 2759: 2755: 2646: 2618: 2590: 2586: 2519: 2451: 2349: 2302: 2298: 2282: 2073: 1933: 1897: 1884: 1868: 1850: 1591: 1578: 1556: 1497: 1080: 729: 535: 520: 444: 333: 298: 269: 230: 22033: 19574: 17337:

Notables and Clergy in Mount Lebanon: The Khāzin Sheikhs and the Maronite Church (1736–1840)

15767:

One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the

14991:

Sharing the Sacra: The Politics and Pragmatics of Intercommunal Relations Around Holy Places

12969: 10878:

Kiss, Bow, Or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries

10875: 9789: 9149:. After converting to Christianity, many of Abu'l-Lama clan members assumed the position of 9105:

region. Over the centuries, a number prominent Druze embraced Christianity, such as some of

8812: 8071:. Some Druze communities were established in the Golan during the 17th and 18th centuries. 7664:. Conversely, the largest Druze communities in predominantly Christian towns are located in 5877:

at his deathbed. According to the historian Christopher Stone, Fakhr al-Din was used by the

5738:

to Makhlouf, the Pope entrusted Fakhr al-Din with the protection of the Maronite community.

3292: 2868:

who called people to worship and unify the God and to obey Jesus, considered the son of the

24401: 24168: 23979: 23671: 23621: 23606: 23483: 23192: 23092: 23042: 23037: 22994: 22954: 22882: 21937:

Notables and Clergy in Mount Lebanon: The Khāzin Sheikhs and the Maronite Church, 1736–1840

19974:

Lawrence of Arabia's War: The Arabs, the British and the Remaking of the Middle East in WWI

19952: 17639:

So did other amirs, like the originally Druze Abi-llamah family, which also became Maronite

16151: 12676:"Male circumcision: Global trends and determinants of prevalence, safety and acceptability" 11826: 11693: 11057: 10098:

So did other amirs, like the originally Druze Abi-llamah family, which also became Maronite

9738:

the Druzes and the Christians in the Shuf Mountains in the past lived in complete harmony..

9495: 8998: 8894:

and Christians, a trend Ibrahim attributes to cultural differences between Jews and Druze.

8852:, in villages partly inhabited by Druze, Christians were generally exempt from expulsion. 8618:

remained places where people from different religious backgrounds could meet and interact.

8595: 8452: 8250: 8087: 8079: 7177: 7013:

have many historical and ancient churches, most of them dedicated to saints favored by the

6872: 6398: 6371: 5882: 5391: 5215: 5056:, these crusaders sought refuge in the mountains of Lebanon and settled there permanently. 5049: 5034: 5030: 4878: 4791: 4693: 4678: 4499: 4425: 4394: 4284:, represents eitheras Hamza Ibn Ali or Jesus, symbolizing the "Universal Mind/Intelligence/ 3333: 3062: 3054: 2818: 2673: 2572: 1788: 1644:. The Druze faith incorporates some elements of Christianity, and other religious beliefs. 1341: 1158: 1108: 555: 328: 21117: 19237:

Holy Land Mosaic: Stories of Cooperation and Coexistence Between Israelis and Palestinians

17336: 14744: 10770: 6137:(1843–1861) was one of the Ottoman Empire's subdivisions following the abolishment of the 5730:

threat of direct Ottoman rule. In mid-1609 Fakhr al-Din gave refuge to Maronite Patriarch

4428:. The first French translation was published in 1838 by linguist and Catholic orientalist 4195:. He attributed many aspects of Christ's role to Hamzah in Ali, including titles like the 4107:

elements are clearly evident in the Druze faith. For instance, the concept of a Christian-

1764:, died once forever for the sins of all the human kind. Matthew 14:1–2 mentions that king 8: 24470: 24354: 23840: 23816: 23801: 23720: 23710: 23696: 23676: 23666: 23636: 23616: 23545: 23276: 23105: 23032: 22862: 22791: 22718: 19958: 19271: 14761: 12888: 12277:

The World's Greatest Religious Leaders: How Religious Figures Helped Shape World History

11871: 10876: 9279: 8728: 8095: 7996: 7680: 7521:

The relationship between the Druze and Christians in Israel has generally been marked by

6527: 5918:

was an Arab family whose members served as the paramount tax farmers and local chiefs of

5512: 5420:: a town predominantly inhabited by Christians, albeit with a significant Druze minority. 4932: 4916:

Historically the relationship between the Druze and Christians has been characterized by

4220: 4216: 4212: 4208: 4204: 4100: 4049: 3888: 3884: 3833: 3829: 3825: 3821: 3786: 3782: 3778: 3774: 3766: 3748: 3706: 3205: 3142: 2634: 2278: 2125: 1658: 1598: 1563:. According to various scholars, the Druze faith "diverge substantially from Islam, both 1420: 1396: 1281: 922: 917: 881: 636: 608: 550: 495: 417: 226: 19851:. The Ethnography of Political Violence. University of Pennsylvania Press. p. 107. 18718: 16155: 15013: 9087: 7253:

and accepted an implicit orientation toward Britain. Many of the first graduates of the

7172:

and Easter. These traditions of sharing and celebration persisted both before and after

5492:

led to the destruction of many Christian churches and monasteries and Druze sanctuaries

5288:

were Christianised in the 3rd or 4th centuries, likely while in the eastern half of the

2234: 24482: 24241: 24173: 24128: 24015: 23715: 23661: 23572: 23562: 23353: 23268: 23217: 22827: 22640: 22632: 22446: 22403: 22395: 22323: 22234: 22192:

The Ottoman Cities of Lebanon: Historical Legacy and Identity in the Modern Middle East

22135: 22127: 22086: 21979: 21893: 21873: 21641: 21521: 21486: 21054: 20145:"Sending relief--and a message of inclusion and love—to our Druze sisters and brothers" 20073: 19650: 19475: 19008: 18991:

Are Knudsen (March 2010). "Acquiescence to assassinations in post-civil war Lebanon?".

18769: 18517: 18210:

Palestinian Christians in Israel: State Attitudes towards Non-Muslims in a Jewish State

17963: 16172: 16139: 15963: 15885: 14868:

Mentor, Message, and Miracles (A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus, Vol. 2)

14583:"קראו בכותר – אריאל : כתב עת לידיעת ארץ ישראל – הדרוזים בישראל ומקומותיהם הקדושים" 13514:

By this Sign: A.D. 250 to 350 : from the Decian Persecution to the Constantine Era

12991: 12949: 12930: 12922: 12439: 12331: 12085: 11392: 11343: 11224: 11166: 10266: 9370: 9329:, seem also to point in the direction of this origin. Arabian tribes emigrated via the 9214: 9030: 8970:

sent a letter of gratitude to Ali Jumblatt for facilitating the work of Roman Catholic

8890:. However, they are less inclined to form personal relationships with Jews compared to 8765:

Druze families lost a child, they would baptize the next-born child. The second son of

8746: 8423: 8388: 8375:, along with adherence to Druze values. A prominent example of Druze influence in this 8319: 8311: 7771: 7345: 7173: 7141:

The relationship between the Druze and Christians in Lebanon has been characterized by

7135: 7079: 6764: 6748: 6410: 5331: 5320: 5219: 5160: 5042: 5006:, seem also to point in the direction of this origin. Arabian tribes emigrated via the 4902: 4894: 4834: 4787: 4701: 4674: 4574: 4566: 4495: 4479: 4463: 4363: 4320: 4302: 3744: 3743:

serves as a unifying figure among Druze, Muslims, and Christians, fostering a sense of

3614: 3458: 3369: 3253: 3227: 3045:. The main shrine known as the "Cave of Elijah" is located on Haifa's Allenby Road, on 2968:, is deeply integrated into various aspects of Druze culture and religious practices. 2606: 2564: 2457: 1521: 1485: 1286: 1244: 1128: 661: 654: 545: 540: 525: 410: 338: 198: 74: 50: 21428: 20927: 20923: 20184:"Sending relief—and a message of inclusion and love—to our Druze sisters and brothers" 18388:"Sending relief—and a message of inclusion and love—to our Druze sisters and brothers" 14748: 10397:

The Origins of the Druze People and Religion: With Extracts from Their Sacred Writings

9930:..the Druzes and Christians lived together in the most perfect harmony and good-will.. 9117:

princes who converted to Christianity at an earlier time, the Druze considered him an

4913:

analysis shows significant traces of mitochondrial DNA unique to the Druze community.

4089: 3562:

communities. This veneration reflects the long-standing interfaith harmony in Lebanon.

2885: 2177:, discourage or forbid interfaith marriage. They require the non-Christian partner to 24276: 24153: 24133: 24067: 24046: 23752: 23631: 23537: 23461: 23360: 23333: 23252: 23200: 23150: 22909: 22877: 22872: 22867: 22857: 22847: 22796: 22644: 22600: 22564: 22550: 22525: 22499: 22475: 22461: 22407: 22364: 22345: 22315: 22277: 22196: 22175: 22168: 22152: 22139: 22119: 22072: 22039: 22015: 21994: 21941: 21920: 21916: 21820: 21799: 21771: 21750: 21725: 21697: 21676: 21657: 21647: 21628: 21620: 21611: 21595: 21576: 21540: 21492: 21469: 21446: 21374: 21281: 21179: 21019: 20974: 20945: 20877: 20852: 20781: 20747: 20653: 20628: 20588: 20563: 20538: 20501: 20455: 20420: 20395: 20370: 20345: 20309: 20265: 20235: 20124: 20077: 19977: 19852: 19743: 19680: 19382: 19357: 19332: 19240: 19215: 19160: 19110: 19082: 19057: 19012: 18935: 18910: 18885: 18824: 18741: 18528: 18502: 18472: 18444: 18413: 18367: 18305: 18277: 18248: 18213: 18161: 18122: 18058: 18026: 18001: 17967: 17955: 17908: 17745: 17717: 17656: 17628: 17600: 17571: 17543: 17510: 17482: 17454: 17429: 17377: 17341: 17280: 17139: 16994: 16872: 16845: 16757: 16728: 16703: 16663: 16627: 16582: 16496: 16486: 16461: 16385: 16340: 16315: 16285: 16256: 16227: 16202: 16177: 16100: 16025: 15930: 15814: 15804: 15686: 15641: 15604: 15567: 15523: 15498: 15473: 15444: 15415: 15375: 15343: 15283: 15252: 15192: 15161: 15140: 15119: 15097: 15087: 15061: 15021: 14994: 14873: 14866: 14778: 14495: 14470: 14442: 14364: 14326: 14234: 14202: 14177: 14174:

The Passion of Al-Hallaj, Mystic and Martyr of Islam, Volume 1: The Life of Al-Hallaj

14142: 14098: 14073: 14048: 13980: 13941: 13844: 13817: 13792: 13767: 13727: 13678: 13651: 13626: 13601: 13573: 13545: 13517: 13492: 13446: 13421: 13373: 13341: 13316: 13291: 13229: 13200: 13175: 13147: 13118: 13090: 13014: 12995: 12983: 12973: 12914: 12861: 12818: 12790: 12761: 12708: 12651: 12619: 12587: 12559: 12531: 12502: 12372: 12335: 12323: 12280: 12220: 12077: 12031: 11993: 11940: 11893: 11883: 11840: 11830: 11787: 11777: 11717: 11662: 11589: 11554: 11526: 11497: 11469: 11415: 11396: 11384: 11347: 11335: 11292: 11263: 11240: 11232: 11216: 11170: 11158: 11105: 10983: 10950: 10918: 10891: 10854: 10810: 10749: 10719: 10635: 10597: 10580:

They included Jesus, John the Baptist, Moses, and Mohammed—all teachers of monotheism

10569: 10539: 10503: 10463: 10438: 10400: 10355: 10308: 10297: 10181: 10128: 10087: 10056: 9987: 9956: 9896: 9861: 9827: 9795: 9665: 9633: 9548: 9264: 9091: 8797: 8785: 8380: 8281: 7872: 7763: 7684: 7613: 7558: 7381: 7294: 7212: 6952: 6818: 6569: 6335: 6219: 6154: 6059:

The "Druze-Christian alliance" during this century was the major factor enabling the

5960: 5461: 5379: 5348: 5305: 5297: 5022:

where it occupied the position of a ruling family and apparently was Christianized.

4952: 4814: 4810: 4689: 4578: 4551: 4547: 4429: 4232: 4085: 4065: 3798: 3610: 3218: 3124: 2763: 2661: 2594: 2194: 2099:, highlights a significant alignment with Christianity. While the Druze cite certain 2061: 2048: 1982: 1761: 1670: 1622: 1493: 1465: 1272: 1249: 1167: 886: 856: 836: 769: 719: 647: 464: 323: 313: 27: 23959: 21795:

The Druze Community and the Lebanese State: Between Confrontation and Reconciliation

21175:

Uncompromised: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of an Arab American Patriot in the CIA

20673: 20183: 20144: 18387: 13976:

Systematic Theology, Volume 2, Second Edition: Biblical, Historical, and Evangelical

12934: 9858:

The Druze Community and the Lebanese State: Between Confrontation and Reconciliation

8990:

expressed its displeasure with Druze leaders and naturally aided Christian groups.

8383:, who is of Druze descent. Other notable Venezuelan figures of Druze origin include 6601:

in the early eighteenth century, through the ruling and social system known as the "

3917: 984: 24347: 24304: 24214: 23929: 23496: 23338: 23313: 22892: 22852: 22624: 22584: 22434: 22387: 22307: 22226: 22115: 22111: 21967: 21912: 21881: 21513: 21504:

Chehab, Hafez (1994). "Reconstructing the Medici Portrait of Fakhr al-Din Maʾani".

21442:

Syria's Peasantry, the Descendants of Its Lesser Rural Notables, and Their Politics

21401: 21151: 20814: 20065: 19143: 19027: 19000: 18079:"السلطة في لبنان وخريطة الديموغرافيا التمايزية | الموقع الرسمي للجيش اللبناني" 17947: 16453: 16167: 16159: 15848: 15712: 15564:

Syria's Peasantry, the Descendants of Its Lesser Rural Notables, and Their Politics

14288: 13404: 12965: 12906: 12584:

Spirituality and Religion Within the Culture of Medicine: From Evidence to Practice

12479: 12315: 12089: 12069: 11932: 11822: 11709: 11654: 11376: 11327: 11208: 11150: 9544: 9514: 9368:. Al-Muqtana's epistles comprise four of the six books of the Druze scripture, the 9302: 9167: 9133:

region during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Initially adherents of the

9122: 9036:

In modern times, Druze religious and political delegations have made visits to the

8801: 8766: 8709: 8566: 8494: 8460: 8446:, from the mid-16th to the early-19th century, and the "Maronite-Druze dualism" in 8434:

often included Christian families and communities, while Muslim presence was rare.

8384: 8376: 8327: 8293: 7526: 7428: 7353: 7274: 7262: 7250: 7242: 7220: 7193: 7146: 7123: 6772: 6756: 6732: 6669: 6507: 6000: 5964: 5878: 5866: 5854: 5731: 5708: 5653: 5425: 5375: 5289: 5111: 5072: 5060: 4980: 4921: 4890: 4658: 4598: 4511: 4447: 4331: 4224: 4188: 4080:

concerning the Messiah by certain Druze preachers. Modern Western scholars such as

3880: 3845: 3770: 3760: 3694: 3602: 3462: 3383: 3321: 3309: 3167: 3049:, approximately 40 m above sea level. For centuries, it has been a destination for 2949: 2934: 2922: 2904: 2735: 2560: 2415: 2399: 2266: 2254: 2170: 1913: 1740: 1690: 1662: 1311: 1013: 871: 764: 515: 387: 318: 214: 93: 23: 23914: 21770:. British Archaeological Reports International Series 1555. Oxford: Archaeopress. 21670: 21616: 19742:. Culture and customs of the Middle East. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 31. 18734: 11713: 11658: 9946: 7895:, and the Melkite Catholic Episcopal School and the Sisters of Nazareth School in 7842:. The local Druze community has complained that despite their sons serving in the 7675:

Before Israel's occupation, Christians accounted for 12% of the population of the

6751:. On the other hand, Christians constitute approximately 40% of the population in 6708:, where Druze constitute the majority. In 2010 more than 8,000 Christians, mainly 5230:

just south of Wadi al-Taym. Today, the population in the area being predominantly

4539: 4096:

in the theology of early Druze founders as fundamental aspects of their doctrine.

3438:), that has been confirmed by the angel who announced John's birth to his father, 3139:", the green prophet who symbolizes water and life, a miracle who cures the sick. 24458: 24421: 24374: 24314: 24309: 24271: 24108: 24051: 23910: 23705: 23611: 23402: 23100: 22430: 22339: 22190: 22029: 22009: 21963: 21863: 21814: 21793: 21715: 21691: 21570: 21534: 21440: 21368: 20998: 19846: 18116: 17775: 17319: 17084: 16866: 15277: 13935: 13672: 12902: 12700: 11033: 10349: 10347: 10139:

the Maronites and the Druze, who founded Lebanon in the early eighteenth century.

9762: 9268: 9142: 9045: 9026: 9006: 8979: 8971: 8959: 8947: 8891: 8864: 8685: 8524: 8517: 8509: 8411: 8277: 8246: 8185: 8064: 7954: 7848: 7839: 7835: 7827: 7759: 7578: 7570: 7554: 7541:. Additionally, many Druze students are enrolled in Christian schools across the 7508: 7476: 7338: 7169: 7115: 6919: 6768: 6678: 6586: 6565: 6552:

with 30,422 (7.8%) Muslims, 49,812 (12.5%) Druze and 319,296 (79.9%) Christians.

6367: 6344: 6255: 6251: 6199: 6092: 6069: 6049: 5927: 5850: 5834: 5805: 5785: 5748: 5734:

upon the latter's flight from northern Mount Lebanon. In a 1610 letter from Pope

5714: 5668: 5649: 5641: 5624: 5560: 5457: 4944: 4910: 4837: 4794:

exhibited in his writings suggests that he may have been originally a Christian.

4725: 4506: 4459: 4312: 4228: 4180: 4104: 4042: 4002: 3922: 3710: 3598: 3489: 3431: 3365: 2865: 2403: 2142: 2130: 2065: 2011: 1529: 1455: 1377: 1321: 1316: 1217: 709: 618: 143: 22295:"The muqaddams of Bšarrī: Maronite chieftains of the Northern Lebanon 1382–1621" 18333:"Christians in Syria's Suwayda discuss history, coexistence with Druze majority" 17933:"The collapse of the Palestinian-Arab middle class in 1948: The case of Qatamon" 16457: 14650: 13197:

Between Christ and Caliph: Law, Marriage, and Christian Community in Early Islam

12858:

The Sunni-Shi'a Divide: Islam's Internal Divisions and Their Global Consequences

12125: 10178:

Atlas of the Near East: State Formation and the Arab-Israeli Conflict, 1918–2010

9232:. According to the Druze religious courts, between 1952 and 2009, around 10% of 8982:, expressing gratitude for allowing the Maronites to build more churches in the 8109: 6839: 4844:, Jewish communities and Christian Church leaders, as well as the leader of the 4238:

Some scholars suggest that certain Druze religious practices were influenced by

3380:

on the Sunday of the Holy Fathers (the Sunday before the Nativity of the Lord).

24431: 24299: 24041: 23701: 23601: 23397: 23286: 23232: 23165: 23145: 22904: 22745: 22491: 22487: 22438: 22262: 22258: 22149:

Histoire économique et sociale de l'Empire ottoman et de la Turquie (1326-1960)

21971: 21897: 21885: 21566: 21132:"Syrian Druze Christians Become Like Strangers to Their Family Upon Conversion" 20942:

Beirut on the Bayou: Alfred Nicola, Louisiana, and the Making of Modern Lebanon

20585:

Dangerous Gifts: Imperialism, Security, and Civil Wars in the Levant, 1798-1864

20560:

Dangerous Gifts: Imperialism, Security, and Civil Wars in the Levant, 1798-1864

18974: 17568:

Beirut on the Bayou: Alfred Nicola, Louisiana, and the Making of Modern Lebanon

16753: 16659: 15314: 14840: 14828: 14361:

Holy Places in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Confrontation and Co-existence

13648:

Minorities in the Middle East: A History of Struggle and Self-Expression, 2d ed

11936: 11773: 11380: 11154: 10010: 9114: 9106: 9025:, they met with Druze religious leaders alongside leaders of other faiths. The 8935: 8717: 8607: 8583: 8482: 8330:

community consists mainly of Druze and Christians, who are affiliated with the

8299: 8219: 8103: 8056: 8016: 7911: 7875:

such as the Orthodox Arab College-School and the Sisters of Nazareth School in

7823: 7795: 7708: 7641: 7530: 7456: 7408: 7373: 7369: 7334: 7298: 7290: 7224: 7200: 7150: 7119: 7074: 7010: 7003: 6979: 6936: 6856: 6834: 6752: 6740: 6736: 6673: 6658: 6630: 6626: 6448: 6324:

Bitter conflicts between Christians and Druzes, which had been simmering under

6306: 6286: 6235: 6177: 6073: 6064: 6060: 5976: 5923: 5915: 5907: 5898: 5741: 5231: 5196: 5191: 5087: 4906: 4584: 4491: 4367: 4184: 4165: 4069: 3962: 3810: 3806: 3802: 3655: 3642:

themes. Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutherans

3590: 3546: 3501: 3485: 3443: 3361: 3231: 3132: 3050: 3020: 3009: 2985: 2980: 2869: 2706:), defined as messengers or intermediaries between God and mankind, along with 2683: 2575:

on teachings and beliefs have persisted throughout Christianity for centuries.

2461: 2435: 2138: 2134: 1800: 1517: 1435: 1389: 1306: 1192: 967: 755: 714: 694: 565: 530: 382: 303: 163: 159: 126:

in the early 18th century, through a governing and social system known as the "

109: 31: 22628: 22391: 22215:"The Buḥturids of the Garb. Mediaeval Lords of Beirut and of Southern Lebanon" 21406: 21389: 20819: 20802: 20069: 19924: 19887: 19817: 19004: 17951: 16445: 15853: 15836: 15818: 15495:

Fear and Faith in Paradise: Exploring Conflict and Religion in the Middle East

12910: 12319: 12073: 11331: 11102:

Courting Conflict: The Israeli Military Court System in the West Bank and Gaza

11082: 9632:

In the censuses of 1927, 1943 and 1956 Christians accounted for 9%–10% of the

8696:

supported construction of the Saint Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in

6939:('mountain of the Druze'). Persistent migrations of Druze from Mount Lebanon, 6254:), and bad weather controlling the region in 1856–1858, alongside a crisis in 6048:

members became destitute in the 1830s and 1840s and Khazen influence over the

5792:

had become increasingly active in the eastern Mediterranean, pushed for a new

5699:

and rebuilt during Fakhreddine 1st Maan's (1518–1544) reign. In 1673, Sheikh

5691:

in Lebanon, it is one of the most important historical and religious sites in

5507:

In the 12th century Kisrawan had a tribal and religiously mixed population of

3004: 2039:

From the earliest days of the Christian faith, Christian teaching have viewed

1439: 1351: 24492: 24396: 24379: 24369: 23989: 23626: 23557: 23407: 23115: 22755: 22750: 22588: 22479: 22319: 22281: 22254: 22123: 21632: 21076: 20313: 20280:"The U.S. Treasury says that Venezuela's vice president is a drug trafficker" 19461: 19379:

Not Just a Soccer Game: Colonialism and Conflict Among Palestinians in Israel

19354:

Not Just a Soccer Game: Colonialism and Conflict Among Palestinians in Israel

19329:

Not Just a Soccer Game: Colonialism and Conflict Among Palestinians in Israel

17959: 17885: 15773: 15768: 15101: 14861: 14844: 14293: 14276: 13877: 13315:(2, illustrated, revised ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 189. 13290:(2, illustrated, revised ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 189. 12918: 12435: 12327: 12253: 12194: 11769: 11685: 11388: 11362: 11339: 11220: 11162: 11136: 9750: 9552: 9361: 9318: 9253: 9233: 9175: 9171: 9146: 9057: 9041: 8997:

and Druze religious institutions are positive, characterized by meetings and

8907: 8883: 8874: 8693: 8637: 8578: 8577:. Thus, in all the villages inhabited by the Druze and Christians in central 8555: 8486: 8419: 8407: 8372: 8223: 8195: 8118: 8036: 7992: 7962: 7915: 7676: 7605: 7412: 7385: 7330: 7322: 7282: 7185: 7154: 7131: 7111: 7095: 7059:

Christian and Druze women light candles in St. George's Cathedral, As-Suwayda

6932: 6814: 6791: 6760: 6744: 6705: 6642: 6582: 6460: 6314: 6302: 6243: 6231: 6215: 6104: 6088: 6081: 6045: 6031: 6020: 5932: 5919: 5870: 5704: 5692: 5688: 5672: 5637: 5612: 5611:

authors write with a focus on the Druze community's consistent connection to

5536: 5440:. The offensives were launched in 1292, 1300 and 1305. The mountaineers were 5437: 5387: 5356: 5344: 5301: 5296:, the Tanukhids fought with the Romans against the Muslims, including in the 5273: 5103: 5068: 4996: 4882: 4783: 4747: 4736: 4697: 4638: 4634: 4569:

books, and there is speculation that he may have originally been a Christian.

4523: 4343: 4339: 4247: 4192: 4135: 4120: 4053: 4030: 4010: 3934: 3892: 3852: 3794: 3702: 3466: 3415: 3305: 3272:). The exact location of the cave is unknown. There is a "Cave of Elijah" on 3247: 3058: 2961: 2960:. Thus, in all the villages inhabited by the Druze and Christians in central 2875: 2841: 2817:, probably written sometime between AD 1027 and AD 1042, accused the Jews of 2810: 2805: 2801: 2771: 2751: 2642: 2626: 2614: 2556: 2438:

that resemble their own militarized society. Saint George is considered the

2357: 2309: 2085: 1864: 1765: 1723: 1610: 1602: 1583: 1552: 1537: 1451: 1447: 1346: 1089: 1004: 668: 575: 372: 367: 234: 190: 175: 70: 22311: 22230: 22091:

The Rites of Birth, Marriage, Death, and Kindred Occasions Among the Semites

21661: 21496: 21462: 21049: 18055:

Handbook of Asian States: Geography – History – Culture – Politics – Economy

16311:

To Come to the Land: Immigration and Settlement in 16th-Century Eretz-Israel

15213: 15189:

Peace Journeys: A New Direction in Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Research

14533: 12528:

Essential Case Studies in Public Health: Putting Public Health Into Practice

12301: 11313: 11244: 9198:

were posing Christians for practical reasons. The early Druze migrants from

9121:, a traitor to the Druze community in particular. The Abu'l-Lama family and 8856: 8845: 8731:, Christian villages in Hauran enjoyed protection from Druze clans, such as 8621: 7372:

and they fought alongside other leftist and Palestinian parties against the

6464: 4370:

authors. The texts provide formidable insight into the incorporation of the

4013:

and is the holiest shrine and most important pilgrimage site for the Druze.

2209:

from the Druze religion. The Druze community holds a negative perception of

24391: 24219: 24093: 23439: 23387: 23318: 23308: 22989: 22921: 22786: 22682: 22422: 22335: 22289: 22246: 22210: 21436: 19626:"With schools starved of funds, Christians question their future in Israel" 19191: 17554:

the Abillama' amirs, were mostly Christians converted from the Druze faith.

16181: 13528:

St. George is also the patron saint of Lebanese and Palestinian Christians.

12081: 11963: 11916: 11757: 11737: 11735: 11733: 9405: 9330: 9297: 9218: 9179: 9163: 9065: 9061: 9037: 9022: 9018: 9014: 8987: 8967: 8915: 8911: 8841: 8821: 8762: 8603: 8570: 8536: 8468: 8165: 8157: 8141: 8099: 8091: 8048: 8004: 7984: 7938: 7843: 7831: 7704: 7637: 7597: 7393: 7389: 7286: 7278: 7087:: It could be argued that it has the largest Druze population in the world. 6994:, Christians and Druze coexist in several mixed villages and towns such as 6948: 6940: 6795: 6686: 6638: 6578: 6352: 6084: 6016: 5996: 5980: 5949: 5485: 5412: 5227: 5140: 5127: 5007: 4975: 4966: 4721: 4705: 4609:, In this epistle, he addresses the emperor and senior Christian clergy in 4527: 4483: 4390: 4359: 4152: 4124: 3841: 3678: 3586: 3578: 3477: 3273: 3261: 3239: 3201: 3171: 3151: 3120: 3116: 3046: 3028: 2953: 2942: 2938: 2926: 2908: 2853: 2845: 2622: 2485: 2439: 2419: 2411: 2407: 2270: 2250: 2109: 2018: 1978: 1481: 1416: 624: 397: 277: 218: 194: 182: 171: 78: 58: 22522:

Popular Culture and Nationalism in Lebanon: The Fairouz and Rahbani Nation

21592:

The Druze in the Middle East: Their Faith, Leadership, Identity and Status

20971:

The Conscience of Lebanon: A Political Biography of Etienne Sakr (Abu-Arz)

20098: 18118:

Christian Communities in the Arab Middle East: The Challenge of the Future

17863: 17597:

The Conscience of Lebanon: A Political Biography of Etienne Sakr (Abu-Arz)

16022:

Christian-Muslim Relations. A Bibliographical History. Volume 2 (900–1050)

14045:

The Druze in the Middle East: Their Faith, Leadership, Identity and Status

12705:

Worldmark Encyclopedia of Religious Practices: Religions and denominations

11523:

Good Arabs: The Israeli Security Agencies and the Israeli Arabs, 1948–1967

10435:

The Druze in the Middle East: Their Faith, Leadership, Identity and Status

9206:

tended to mix well with the local population, and some Druze converted to

7561:, the largest Druze town in Israel, and marks the contest between prophet 6959:. By then, their numbers in the region had been swollen by migration. The 5808:. Under his auspices the French established a khān (hostel) in Sidon, the 5175:(632–633) and the lower Euphrates in modern Iraq afterward. They embraced 5048:. According to this notion, after the fall of the Christian stronghold of 4958: 4696:

by the Jews, and his descent from the cross. According to these epistles,

4076:'s persona among the Druze, as well as the integration of verses from the 4048:

beliefs might have influenced Druze theology, particularly in concepts of

3673:, in high regard. Although the Druze religion is distinct from mainstream 3073:. The Druze regard it as holy, and many among them identify Elijah as "el- 1831: 24072: 23924: 23919: 23741: 23491: 23454: 23303: 23155: 23130: 23027: 21865:

The Origins of the Druze People: With Extracts from Their Sacred Writings

21424:(PhD). Copenhagen: The Royal Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture. 20985:

Other earlier converts were the Abillamah Druze Emirs and Harfush Shiite.

20803:"A Legend About the Druse-Crusaders In Europe of the 16th–17th Centuries" 20163: 19177:"Beware of Small States: Lebanon, Battleground of the Middle East." p. 62 17611:

Other earlier converts were the Abillamah Druze Emirs and Harfush Shiite.

16579:

The Origins of the Druze People: With Extracts from Their Sacred Writings

14831:, Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 72, No. 2 (Jun. 1953), pp. 103–114 13338:

The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700

13055:"Amal Alamuddin: George Clooney's Betrothed a Star Among Druze Community" 10883: 10594:

The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700

9499: 9453: 9375: 9349: 9342: 9250: 9228:, and claim that there is no contradiction between being Druze and being 9207: 9134: 8793: 8754: 8669: 8658: 8650: 8599: 8464: 8368: 8323: 8218:. Druze settlement in Jordan began in 1918, when 22 Druze families left 8169: 8161: 8145: 8130: 8126: 8114: 8068: 8052: 8020: 7884: 7700: 7688: 7633: 7617: 7349: 7326: 7238: 6923: 6810: 6510:

schools were opened in Lebanon, which were among the main centers of the

6480: 6386: 6239: 6227: 6223: 6207: 5752: 5556: 5532: 5441: 5324: 5264: 5200: 5019: 4886: 4853: 4806: 4666: 4606: 4588: 4375: 4262: 4196: 4175:

Christian influences are evident in the writings of the Druze missionary

4139: 4005:

is the site recognized by Druze as the tomb of Shuʿayb. It is located at

3740: 3666: 3662: 3493: 3481: 3373: 3317: 3313: 2872:. However, his followers did not fully understand his words and symbols. 2857: 2767: 2598: 2262: 2230: 2104: 2081: 2077: 2022: 1917: 1880: 1872: 1821: 1792: 1666: 1560: 1187: 1153: 1032: 1027: 739: 699: 684: 570: 510: 454: 210: 54: 22131: 20744:

Socioeconomic Inequality in Israel: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis

16750:

The Emergence of Islam: Classical Traditions in Contemporary Perspective

15967: 15889: 15786:. Vol. 25 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 119. 15638:

The Middle East Today: Political, Geographical and Cultural Perspectives

13370:

Cultural Sociology of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa: An Encyclopedia

12926: 11730: 11690:"Part V: The Shaping of Christian Theology – Monotheism and Christology" 11585:

Minorities in the Middle East: a history of struggle and self-expression

11466:

The Middle East Today: Political, Geographical and Cultural Perspectives

11412:

The Middle East Today: Political, Geographical and Cultural Perspectives

10947:

The Middle East Today: Political, Geographical and Cultural Perspectives

10270: 8554:, there existed religious symbiosis between the Druze and Christians in 6424: 6414: 5079:

physician and historian of the 11th century. He was most likely born in

4526:", which will occur after the overthrow of all kings, the prevalence of 4366:

are written in a post-classical language, often showing similarities to

24359: 23589: 23328: 23125: 22781: 22713: 22327: 22238: 22099: 21877: 21711: 21525: 20260:"Tariq Alaiseme [reportedly to be] vice-president of Venezuela" 19445:"Patriarch and Nuncio to visit village where Druze attacked Christians" 18497:"Tariq Alaiseme [reportedly to be] vice-president of Venezuela" 15951: 15873: 15682:

The Nuṣayr−i-ʻalaw−i Religion: An Enquiry Into Its Theology and Liturgy

14460: 14458: 11698:

The Cambridge History of Christianity, Volume 1: Origins to Constantine

10254: 9681: 9641: 9425: 9365: 9306: 9245: 9229: 9110: 8825: 8677: 8532: 8528: 8353: 8242: 8153: 8149: 8028: 8012: 7892: 7799: 7783: 7720: 7712: 7669: 7661: 7645: 7629: 7397: 7033: 6987: 6915: 6907: 6903: 6868: 6844: 6809:

integrated well with the local population, and some Druze converted to

6476: 6418: 6382: 6379: 6339: 6173: 5568: 5172: 5168: 5152: 4984: 4845: 4759:) recounts how a delegation of Jewish and Christian representatives in 4543: 4514:

being described as "carriers of wisdom". Another epistle mentions that

4200: 4128: 4116: 4057: 4045: 4026: 3872: 3868: 3856: 3643: 3469: 3450: 3235: 3197: 3186: 3155: 3147: 2578: 2165:

addresses originally non-Christian couples in which one of the spouses

2162: 2057: 1964: 1905: 1773: 1674: 1653: 1637: 1618: 1513: 1501: 1423: 1075: 679: 139: 89: 39: 24319: 22636: 22399: 22294: 22214: 19422: 19420: 16163: 15798: 12055: 12053: 12051: 11228: 10125:

Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah: The Unholy Alliance and Its War on Lebanon

8688:

sponsored the building of the Maronite Church of Our Lady of Durra in

8367:

assimilated well into the local population, with some even converting

7863:

university students come from Christian schools, and about 87% of the

7735:, which have a Muslim majority. Before 1948, some Druze towns such as 7679:, and they tended to have a high representation in science and in the 7513: 6107:; yet they did not succeed to convert Druze to Christianity en masse. 6063:

to maintain power. By the middle years of the eighteenth century, the

5695:

and dates to the 16th century. The second church was destroyed by the

5206:

For much of the early 12th century, the Wadi al-Taym and the southern

4647:"The Epistle Tracking and Seeking the Opinions of What Remains of the 4482:

present a unique perspective on religions and philosophies, including

3372:

2 August). He is greatly revered among the Orthodox as a model of the

24342: 24103: 23999: 23939: 23746: 23594: 23429: 23419: 23412: 23370: 23365: 23160: 23120: 22612: 21764:

Hartal, Moshe (2006). Dar, Shimon; Hartal, Moshe; Ayalon, E. (eds.).

19651:"Why Angry Christians in Israel Are Crying Discrimination – Features" 15014:

Raymond Edward Brown; Joseph A. Fitzmyer; Karl Paul Donfried (1978).

13086: 12801:

Male circumcision is standard practice, by tradition, among the Druze

12306: 11924: 11701: 11646: 11537:

the Druze connection to the Muslims remained a matter of controversy.

11367: 11318: 11141: 9338: 9334: 9314: 9310: 9203: 9183: 9151: 9126: 8777: 8736: 8732: 8697: 8681: 8646: 8513: 8364: 8356:

area hold Venezuelan citizenship, the majority of whom belong to the

8345: 8060: 7896: 7868: 7791: 7732: 7653: 7472: 7420: 7208: 6806: 6799: 6779: 6778:

In 2021 the largest Druze communities outside the Middle East are in

6717: 6697: 6247: 5953: 5903: 5801: 5797: 5722: 5656: 5629: 5544: 5497: 5449: 5371: 5285: 5259: 5255: 5211: 5187: 5156: 5095: 5064: 5045: 5026: 5015: 5011: 4992: 4988: 4731:

The author of the epistle "The Report of the Jewish and Christians" (

4717: 4673:. According to scholars, these epistles demonstrate familiarity with 4648: 4618: 4610: 4409: 4386: 4258:

influenced by Christian norms, although divorce is readily accepted.

4119:. This belief also extends to al-Hakim, whom some Druze believe will 3864: 3639: 3630: 3559: 3517: 3095:

Druze tradition honors several "mentors" and "prophets", and Elijah (

2975:

and the Prophet Elijah because he competed with the pagan priests of

2702:

is considered and revered as one of the seven spokesmen or prophets (

2548: 2533: 2469: 2430:

and the Prophet Elijah because he competed with the pagan priests of

2210: 1986: 1920:, became flesh when he was miraculously conceived in the womb of the 1804: 1705: 1686: 1682: 1681:(wholly independent of, and removed from, the material universe) and 1641: 1509: 1212: 1094: 1018: 841: 704: 674: 21517: 16893: 16097:

The Middle East: A Guide to Politics, Economics, Society and Culture

15994: 15992: 15990: 15988: 15986: 15984: 14455: 7815:

the commander of Northern District commander called the violence "a

5784:

and its export to Europe. Toward the close of the 16th century, the

5535:

Shia Islam in the early 11th century, and separated later from both

5504:

villages and the killings and mass displacement of its inhabitants.

4684:

Epistles 13–14 of the first part of the Epistles of Wisdom focus on

3554:, also known as "the Virgin of the Druze", is venerated by both the 197:, along with adopting Christian elements and teachings found in the 24453: 24416: 24231: 23135: 23004: 21767:

Rafid on the Golan: A Profile of a Late Roman and Byzantine Village

21765: 21672:

An Occasion for War: Civil Conflict in Lebanon and Damascus in 1860

20051: 19494:"Israeli Christians Flourishing in Education but Falling in Number" 19417: 19028:"Qui est Manal Abdel Samad, la nouvelle ministre de l'information?" 18690:"الرئيسية – أبرشية بصرى حوران وجبل العرب و الجولان للروم الأرثوذكس" 14947:"Bible Gateway passage: ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 1:36 – SBL Greek New Testament" 13556:

He is also the patron saint of the Palestinian Christian community.

13059: 12615: 12499:

The Female Circumcision Controversy: An Anthropological Perspective

12048: 11551:

Reorienting the East: Jewish Travelers to the Medieval Muslim World

11212: 10291: 10289: 10287: 9948:

An Occasion for War: Civil Conflict in Lebanon and Damascus in 1860

9480: 9379: 9288: 9118: 8994: 8963: 8927: 8923: 8887: 8817: 8781: 8740: 8689: 8641: 8594:

Nour Fara Haddad, a scholar of religious anthropology, states that

8399: 8265: 8203: 8083: 8032: 7980: 7958: 7830:

in Israel have high socio-economic status and are more akin to the

7736: 7728: 7692: 7621: 7609: 7584:

Interaction between Christians, including members of the Maronite,

7574: 7566: 7452: 7416: 7189: 6995: 6787: 6602: 6594: 6490: 6487: 6394: 6360: 6348: 6318: 6273: 6142: 6126: 6053: 6040: 5936: 5809: 5772: 5756: 5726: 5696: 5684: 5596: 5583: 5528: 5516: 5508: 5429: 5417: 5340: 5309: 5269: 5179:, like many Bakrites, before the advent of Islam in the 620s–630s. 5038: 4743: 4728:, when the divine Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah returns to judge humanity. 4443: 4378:

in 11th century Egypt, when the deity showed itself to men through

4355: 4328: 4255: 3996: 3718: 3626: 3622: 3618: 3574: 3513: 3395: 2965: 2833: 2723: 2650: 2477: 2206: 2092: 2052: 2044: 1808: 1626: 1372: 689: 560: 127: 119: 116: 21050:"Religious conversion in Syria : Alawite and Druze believers" 18697: 17507:

Catholics and Sultans: The Church and the Ottoman Empire 1453–1923

16545: 16543: 16360: 16358: 16356: 15679:

Me'ir Mikha'el Bar-Asher; Gauke de Kootstra; Arieh Kofsky (2002).

14607: 14323:

Geography, Religion, Gods, and Saints in the Eastern Mediterranean

12987: 11897: 11844: 11791: 9984:

Catholics and Sultans: The Church and the Ottoman Empire 1453–1923

8479:

other words, operated as one group, working together in harmony".

7277:. Notable Druze figures who studied at these institutions include 6548: 6444: 6338:). The sultan deposed Bashir III on 13 January 1842 and appointed 6278: 5910:

flag: Many members of the Shihab family converted to Christianity.

5037:, they are depicted as fierce warriors dedicated to repelling the 2222: 24465: 24194: 23949: 23835: 23444: 23424: 23281: 23170: 21342:"Dating Druze: The struggle to find love in a dwindling diaspora" 20908: 18332: 17884:

This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the

17164: 16078: 15981: 13265:"Dating Druze: The struggle to find love in a dwindling diaspora" 12829:

Circumcision is not compulsory and has no religious significance.

11439:"Are the Druze People Arabs or Muslims? Deciphering Who They Are" 11007:"Are the Druze People Arabs or Muslims? Deciphering Who They Are" 9689: 9669: 9457: 9259:

Prominent converts from the Druze faith to Christianity include:

9191: 9170:

and churches in Druze strongholds, with some Druze converting to

9033:(Rasa'il al-Hikmah), dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. 8975: 8951: 8837: 8673: 8540: 8315: 8303: 8172:

are characterized by goodwill, peaceful coexistence, and mixing.

7775: 7724: 7593: 7542: 7522: 7204: 7181: 7142: 7127: 6999: 6944: 6775:

are predominantly inhabited by Christians and Druze populations.

6665: 6634: 6598: 6498: 6452: 6282: 6162: 6024: 5984: 5842: 5793: 5660: 5477: 5473: 5445: 5362: 5136: 5099: 5080: 5076: 5053: 4962: 4917: 4642: 4379: 4169: 4156: 4144: 3837: 3789:, the authors attributed with the creation of the four canonical 3682: 3419: 3399: 3243: 3112: 3108: 3100: 3039: 2715: 2678: 2654: 2524: 2345: 2333: 2321: 2294: 2290: 2182: 2100: 1990: 1909: 1587: 1541: 1477: 1055: 724: 449: 422: 246: 206: 167: 123: 20052:"The Episcopal Church in Jordan: Identity, Liturgy, and Mission" 19976:. New Haven: Yale University Press. pp. 273, 367–368, 426. 19107:

Popular Culture in the Arab World: Arts, Politics, and the Media

18023:

Lebanese Women at the Crossroads: Caught Between Sect and Nation

16934: 15748:

Silvestre de Sacy. Le projet européen d'une science orientaliste

13598:

Perictione in Colophon: Reflections on the Aesthetic Way of Life

11236: 10284: 8897: 6955:

against the authorities, in response to a conscription order by

6194:

Haydar Ahmad Abu al-Lamaʿwas a member of Abu'l-Lama clan, which

4627:"The Epistle Entitled Christianity and the Mother of Asceticism" 4056:. Some suggest that the Druze practice of religious secrecy and 2468:, though he later became preoccupied with travelling throughout 1967:

children wearing traditional circumcision costumes (left) and a

1693:

human nature, thus becoming man in a unique event known as "the

1434:. Its adherents, known as Christians, believe that Jesus is the 24209: 23994: 23934: 22651: 22498:. Vol. III: H–Iram. Leiden: E.J. Brill. pp. 292–293. 17540:

Politics and Change in a Traditional Society: Lebanon 1711–1845

16702:(illustrated ed.). Harvard University Press. p. 430. 16540: 16384:(illustrated ed.). Harvard University Press. p. 134. 16353: 15372:

Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions

14894:"Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 11:14 – New King James Version" 12957: 11814: 10716:

Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions

9685: 9657: 9575: 9313:, first came from the Arabian Peninsula into the valley of the 9199: 9102: 8943: 8931: 8758: 8724: 8713: 8615: 8574: 8559: 8431: 8273: 8233: 8215: 8024: 8000: 7934: 7816: 7696: 7657: 7625: 7562: 7534: 7435: 7258: 7232: 7228: 7162: 6880: 6813:. However, the majority maintained a strong sense of Druze and 6682: 6646: 6439: 6356: 6330: 5940: 5821: 5781: 5735: 5579: 5548: 5469: 5433: 5223: 5182:

This valley became one of the first places where the heterodox

4991:, first came from the Arabian Peninsula into the valley of the 4870: 4830: 4779: 4662: 4614: 4405: 4382: 4296: 4112: 4092:

have highlighted the Messianic tendencies and the influence of

4006: 3992: 3986: 3978: 3950: 3946: 3926: 3912: 3790: 3690: 3647: 3570: 3521: 3427: 3423: 3352:. Catholics believe that he was unmarried and celibate. In the 3337: 3265: 3257: 3222: 3213: 3178: 3128: 3070: 3066: 3042: 3024: 2957: 2930: 2912: 2739: 2481: 2423: 2393: 2389: 2385: 2377: 2373: 2369: 2341: 2274: 2242: 2113: 1892: 1796: 1784: 1777: 1736: 1710: 1573: 1545: 1476:, who revere him as their spiritual founder and chief prophet. 1469: 1050: 876: 377: 222: 186: 112:

members, as well as the Abi-Lamma clan, embraced Christianity.

101: 35: 19677:

The Israeli Palestinians: An Arab Minority in the Jewish State

18854: 18852: 17395: 17393: 16700:

Byzantium and the Arabs in the Sixth Century, Volume 2, Part 2

16495:. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. p. 2213. 16382:

Byzantium and the Arabs in the Sixth Century, Volume 2, Part 2

14849:

The Acts of Jesus: the search for the authentic deeds of Jesus

13247: 13245: 12217:

The Medieval Manichee: A Study of the Christian Dualist Heresy

10687:"World's largest religion by population is still Christianity" 10348:

D. De Smet; Ismāʻīl Tamīmī; Ḥamzah ibn ʻAlī ibn Aḥmad (2007).

9076: 8276:

there are Christian and Druze communities coexisting with the

8086:, forming the second largest population group there after the 7941:: a Druze-majority town with significant Christian communities 7727:

region, and more than 12,000 Christians and 9,800 Druze lived

4203:, and claimed Hamzah ibn Ali as the one who sent the apostles 3646:

the Virgin Mary. This veneration especially takes the form of

3166:

Druze, like some Christians, believe that Elijah came back as

2832:) has a "foundation" or "guardian" who is responsible for the 2581:

doctrines include the beliefs that Jesus was conceived by the

2464:, he dedicated much of his early life to studying to become a 24226: 24204: 24199: 23892: 23377: 22837: 22776: 22733: 22341:

A House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered

21643:

Beyond the basilica : Christians and Muslims in Nazareth

20710: 20708: 20706: 19999:"الأب د. حنا كلداني: نسبة الأردنيين المسيحيين المقيمين 3.68%" 19462:"Druze teen admits spreading rumor that sparked Maghar riots" 17653:

A House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered

17276:

A house of many mansions: the history of Lebanon reconsidered

17230: 16844:(illustrated ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 46. 16560: 16558: 16137: 15443:(illustrated, reprint ed.). Paulist Press. p. 212. 14005: 13789:

The Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Its History, Doctrine

13482: 13225: 11913:"Part II: The content of Christian doctrine – The Triune God" 10838: 9872:

the Druze had been able to live in harmony with the Christian

9661: 9595: 9571: 9445: 9429: 9421: 9225: 8983: 8955: 8860: 8770: 8349: 8307: 8269: 8261: 8257: 8211: 8199: 8191: 8044: 8040: 7888: 7876: 7808: 7803: 7794:

incident occurred in 2005, when Druze attacked Christians in

7787: 7748: 7744: 7740: 7716: 7665: 7649: 7546: 7538: 7491: 7216: 7029: 7014: 6928: 6876: 6864: 6783: 6606: 6511: 6494: 6434: 6310: 6186: 6158: 5992: 5945: 5838: 5777: 5608: 5564: 5540: 5524: 5520: 5501: 5453: 5335: 5207: 5183: 5107: 5083: 4866: 4826: 4822: 4800: 4760: 4713: 4685: 4641:

of Jesus in the present era, and indeed, he is also the true

4535: 4531: 4487: 4451: 4351: 4347: 4335: 4160: 4108: 4077: 4073: 4034: 4021: 3982: 3942: 3876: 3860: 3820:

tradition honors several "mentors" and "prophets", including

3817: 3726: 3686: 3674: 3582: 3555: 3454: 3407: 3341: 3325: 3277: 3209: 3182: 3159: 3136: 3104: 3096: 3090: 3074: 3036: 3032: 2994: 2825: 2778: 2731: 2719: 2699: 2695: 2540: 2507: 2503: 2473: 2381: 2365: 2337: 2325: 2301:

and other common figures. The Druze faith shows influence of

2258: 1968: 1961: 1896:

of Isma'ilism, since they exaggerated the cult of the caliph

1860: 1748: 1614: 1564: 1505: 1473: 1431: 975: 392: 354: 250: 202: 131: 85: 66: 22065:

Mishaqa, Mikhail (1988). Thackston, Wheeler McIntosh (ed.).

21370:

The Druzes: A New Study of Their History, Faith, and Society

21273: 19939:"Last Christians of Israeli-controlled Golan Heights endure" 19925:"Last Christians of Israeli-controlled Golan Heights endure" 19902:"Last Christians of Israeli-controlled Golan Heights endure" 19888:"Last Christians of Israeli-controlled Golan Heights endure" 19848:

Settling Hebron: Jewish Fundamentalism in a Palestinian City

19832:"Last Christians of Israeli-controlled Golan Heights endure" 19818:"Last Christians of Israeli-controlled Golan Heights endure" 18574: 18235:

Citizens of equal duties—Druze identity and the Jewish State

17324:. Institute for Women Studies in the Arab World. p. 83. 17089:. Institute for Women Studies in the Arab World. p. 83. 16375: 16373: 15248:

The New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Version

15058:

Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: agreements and differences

13909:"What the Bible Says About Death, Afterlife, and the Future" 13480: 13478: 13476: 13474: 13472: 13470: 13468: 13466: 13464: 13462: 10914:

The Druzes: A New Study of their History, Faith, and Society

9352:, the Druze do not accept converts to their faith. In 1043, 8657:

before going into battle. They would touch the image of the

6951:

administration of Syria, the Druze of Jabal Hauran launched

6351:". Both officials were to be responsible to the governor of 5926:

rule. Their reign began in 1697 after the death of the last

5873:

in Keserwan during his adolescence, or claiming that he had

5155:(later Taym-Allah) ibn Tha'laba. The Taym-Allat entered the 4881:. Additionally, Druze belief inherited aspects from various 4338:

Faith, the full Druze canon or Druze scripture includes the

4172:

sect, who believed that Christ suffered only in appearance.

3364:, he is commemorated on the same date (in the 21st century, 3016:

on Mount Carmel in Haifa: venerated by Christians and Druze.

2257:

are regarded as "carriers of wisdom". Both religions revere

24236: 24189: 22100:"Political Dynamics in the Rise of Fakhr al-Din, 1590-1633" 21000:

Religious, Cultural, and Political History of the Maronites

19212:

Recovering Beirut: Urban Design and Post-War Reconstruction

18849: 18157:

Religion and Fertility: Arab Christian-Muslim Differentials

17777:

Religious, Cultural, and Political History of the Maronites

17390: 16821: 16773: 15251:(Fifth ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 81–83. 14922:"Bible Gateway passage: Luke 1:17 – New King James Version" 14608:"מערת אליהו הנביא בחיפה – קדושה לכל הדתות ○ ד"ר דוד בר און" 13242: 9645: 9130: 8939: 8160:, and one Christian family of twelve (the Assaf family) in 8102:

had begun fighting French forces in the nearby province of

7337:, who is currently married to Joey Pierre El Daher, son of 7197: 7084: 6902:

Most of the Christians of Jabal Hauran are descents of the

6532: 6191: 6181: 6165:

in the mid-nineteenth century, through the creation of the

6027:, with some members having reached high political office. 5968: 5745: 5148: 4905:

philosophies. These findings are consistent with the Druze

4818: 4462:

houses several Druze manuscripts, primarily volumes of the

4371: 4285: 3651: 2976: 2711: 2707: 2465: 2431: 2329: 2317: 2313: 1609:, contrary to the beliefs of the Druze; on the other hand, 1568: 242: 238: 21575:(Second ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 21418:

Vernacular Tradition and the Islamic Architecture of Bosra

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