الدروز (Ad-Durūz) - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Ad-Duruz, an esoteric monotheistic religious community, often identified as an offshoot of Islam yet distinct in its beliefs and practices, holds a unique position at the crossroads of history, faith, and cultural identity. Sometimes mistakenly categorized as Muslim, or subject to other simplifications, the Duruz represent a complex belief system shrouded in secrecy, inspiring both fascination and misunderstanding over centuries. The genesis of the Duruz faith can be traced to early 11th-century Egypt, specifically during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. Historical chronicles, like those of the Arab chronicler Ibn Taghri Birdi, detail the emergence of figures such as Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad, considered a key founder, who proclaimed al-Hakim as an incarnation of God in 1017 CE. This declaration, along with other unconventional doctrines, set the stage for a schism within the Ismaili Shia community and marked the birth of the Duruz faith.
The evolution of Duruz beliefs was significantly shaped by figures like Baha ad-Din as-Samuqi and al-Muqtana Baha'uddin, who solidified the faith's theological framework. The Rasael al-Hikma (Epistles of Wisdom), a collection of sacred texts, encapsulates esoteric teachings reserved for the initiated, known as uqqal. Allegedly, key tenets include reincarnation and a rejection of traditional Islamic practices such as prayer and fasting. Intriguingly, the practice of taqiyya (dissimulation) allows Duruz to outwardly conform to the dominant religion of their environment, further obscuring their true beliefs and feeding the aura of mystery that surrounds them.
The Duruz faith continues to exert its influence, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, where significant Duruz communities maintain distinct cultural identities. Contemporary interpretations often emphasize the symbolic nature of its esoteric teachings, drawing parallels with philosophical concepts and universal spiritual truths. However, the veil of secrecy and the lack of widespread accessible information surrounding their religious practices ensure that the Duruz faith remains a subject of both intense interest and speculation. Are the Duruz truly an Islamic sect, or does their syncretic nature suggest a faith transcending conventional categorization, forever challenging our understanding of religious identity?