Narrative

The Druze religion is a remote one with followers located Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, who neither identify with Muslims nor Arabs, but have similar practices with the two.  The religion started as a political movement in attempts to reform Islam by Al bi Amrbi-Amr Allah, Hamza and Nashtakin-Al-Darazi, Darazi who is credited with deriving the name "Druze." The Druze teachings and practices are primarily secret and they do not reveal anything to outsiders, and they do not accept conversions into their religion due to fear of "bad people" getting in and leaking their sacred information to those who are unworthy.  They are monotheistic people, believing in one God who can become incarnate in humans.  They rely heavily on the unity of God and the power that comes with this.  In addition, they believe in human re-incarnation of members of their own Druze groups.  Wisdom is an extremely valuable quality for all Druze and the one they place above all other things.  They look up to greek philosophers like Plato for this wisdom.  The Druze have strict rules about intermarriage, smoking, and drinking: they are forbidden.  There is no religious hierarchy except for the "Sheikh A'el" (one who has achieved great wisdom), but even this figure more political than religious. Any prayer that is done is done privately in one's home.
Today the Druze have more concretely established themselves. In Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, the Druze are an established religion with their own religious courts, they can vote, and have their own army.  There are some conflicts however with Druze in Syria and Israel over which state they choose to identify with.  The number five is a special number to the Druze because their sacred symbols are made up of five colors with five sides.  Although they are not allowed some Druze do intermarry today with neighboring groups however whether or not the secret is shared with spouses is unknown.  Today there are Druze that reside in the Western world and these people have more freedom than their communities in the Middle East do.   The old customs are being replaced with new ones and intermarriage and conversion is the norm. This has allowed outsiders to become more aware and knowledgeable of their religion because they can openly see how it operates.  While this openness is going on, there are also many stereotypes and superstitions of Druze as well.  When the Druze were so secretive people began rumors which spread and grew, creating a bad image for the Druze.  They are easily mixed in with and confused for other religions, yet they need to be seen as an independent group because that is what they are that is what they have become.
My blog is a compilation of various media outlets and types of sources that give the complete picture of the Druze from images, texts, and understandings, this blog pieces together every facet of Druze faith into one clear composition.  With the majority of posts, a picture or comment accompanies them so that explanations and stories can be brought to life and physically seen or heard.  I have gathered the information that answered every one of my questions about this puzzling religion and that set the facts straight on practices and principles.  The purpose of my page is to receive snippets of information about the Druze that give a basis and foundation of understanding, but also leads to even greater understanding through provided links, images, and comments.