Some Opinions on Druze Beliefs

Question

What are the beliefs of the Druze community? Are they considered part of the Islamic sects? [AR_ID:1113]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. There are differing opinions and research regarding the Druze community. Here are some views on their beliefs:
First: According to the (Bustan Encyclopedia): "The Druze believe that God is one, without beginning or end, and that souls are eternal and reincarnate in human bodies - reincarnation - and that they must face reward and punishment on the Day of Judgment based on their actions... They also believe in the full authority of the will; a person can choose to bequeath their possessions to whomever they wish, whether a relative or a stranger..." (1).

Second: According to the (Encyclopedia of the Twentieth Century): "Among their beliefs is that the ruler by God's command is God Himself, who has appeared on earth ten times, the first being in Ali, then in Al-Baz, until he appeared for the tenth time in the ruler by God's command, and that the ruler did not die but rather disappeared... They believe that Satan appeared in the bodies of Adam, then Noah, then Abraham, then Moses, then Jesus, then Muhammad, and that the devil manifests in the body of the son of Adam... They believe that the number of souls is limited; the soul that leaves the body of the deceased returns to the world in the body of a new child... They believe that the ruler by God's command manifested to them in the first year of 408 AH, relieving them of the obligations of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage, jihad, guardianship, and testimony." (2).

Third: According to the (Islamic Encyclopedia): "The Druze doctrine is based on the idea that God has manifested in humans throughout all times. They believe that God Himself, or at least the creative force, consists of multiple principles, each emanating from the other, and that each principle is embodied in a human. The Druze faith has retained this doctrine, where the caliph ruler, according to this belief, represents God in His oneness... Understanding God's essence, attributes, and manifestations in the series of principles embodied in the imams is part of this doctrine..." (3).

Fourth: According to the (Encyclopedia of World Religions): "Since the inception of their doctrine in the early fifth century AH, the Druze have been cautious in keeping it secret, avoiding its announcement to protect themselves from persecution and aggression at that time. This sect, which branched from Shiism, was subject to the wrath of both Shiites and Sunnis alike... The belief in divine manifestation in Druze doctrine is one of the most noble and honorable beliefs... The contemporary Druze stance towards Islam and Muslims is surprising and strange! Contemporary Druze books are filled with fallacies on this subject. The Druze continuously declare their belonging to Islam and take pride in it, while contemporary Druze literature contains many attempts to absolve the Druze from the accusation of deviating from Islam, following the principle of taqiyya..." (4).

Fifth: According to the book (The Druze in Islam) by Sheikh Mursal Nasr, President of the Druze High Appeals Court in Lebanon: "The Druze, based on their belief in Islam as a religion and Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a messenger, bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. They acknowledge the obligation of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage, jihad, and guardianship...
After this, a question arises for the esteemed reader: What are the differences between the monotheistic doctrine and other Islamic sects?
The answer is that there are several differences, including:
1- The acceptance of one wife.
2- The non-remarriage of the divorced.
3- Freedom of bequest.
4- Reincarnation as a matter of interpretation." (5).

These are some statements about the Druze community from both supporters and detractors. God knows best the realities of matters.
May you remain under God's care.

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References:

(1) Bustan Encyclopedia 7: 675, entry (Druze).
(2) Encyclopedia of the Twentieth Century by Muhammad Farid Wajdi 4: 27 - 28, entry (Druze).
(3) Islamic Encyclopedia 9: 217, entry (Druze).
(4) Encyclopedia of World Religions (The Monotheistic Druze): 29, 33, 134.
(5) The Monotheists (Druze) in Islam: 33, chapter two, 51, chapter four.

Source: Aqaed Questions Website.