Related Terms • Muslim

Definition:
This is a religious community generally considered to be Muslim but whose practices also contain elements of Christianity and paganism.

The religion was brought to Lebanon around the eleventh century by Darazi (hence the name Druze), a disciple of Al-Hakim, a Fatimid caliph from Egypt who considered himself the final incarnation of God.

The religion is secretive: very few members are masters, and many don't know much about their own faith because the doctrines are revealed over time. The Druze community can be found primarily in Lebanon in West Beirut, the Shuf Mountains, the Al Matn district and the regions around Hasbayya and Rashayya.

Also Known As: none

Alternate Spellings: none

Common Misspellings: none

Related Resources:

What is Islam?
What is Islam? What do Muslims believe? Where did Islam come from? What is jihad? Find the answers to these questions and more in our Islam FAQ.

Who are the Druze?
The Druze comprise another sect which is not widely regarded as being "truly" Muslim. This group diverged from mainstream Islam in the eleventh century when some Isma'ilis started to believe that God became manifest in the personality of a prophet or imam.