The Druze are an Arabic-speaking ethno-religious group that began to take form in Egypt in the 11thcentury. Approximately a million and a half Druze can be found across the globe, the majority in the Middle East. The largest Druze communities reside as minorities in Syria, Lebanon and Israel.
According to historical accounts, the first Druze disciples splintered off from Shia-Isma'ili Islam in the year 1017. From that point and until the year 1043, the community welcomed new followers, but the gates were then shut. Afterwards, all new followers had to be born to Druze parents. According to Druze tradition, the religion actually dates back to ancient times, with the mid-11th century being a temporary period during which newcomers were welcomed.
The word "Druze" is derived from one of the first proponents of the religion, Muhammad bin Ismail Nashtakin ad-Darazi.
The Druze in Israel
The Druze arrived in the Land of Israel during several immigration waves, beginning as early as the 11thcentury, and continuing periodically until the 20th century. When the State of Israel was established, approximately 15,000 Druze resided in the country. In late 2021, the Druze population in Israel was estimated at 150,000 people, or about 1.6% of the population. Israel recognizes the Druze as an independent religious community, and their religious judicial system is acknowledged as well. The majority of Druze reside in the Carmel region, the Galilee and the Golan Heights. The largest Druze settlements are Daliyat al-Karmel and Yarka.
The Druze in Israel have contributed immensely over the years to the country's development and security. Druze have been assimilated into Israel's political, military, social and economic arenas, while preserving their own unique culture and religion.
The National Library of Israel safeguards many historical artifacts, incorporating antique and rare manuscripts pertaining to Druze heritage and history. These items elucidate the cultural, religious and social aspects of the society. One of these relics is a collection of poems by the notable Shi'ite Arab poet Sharif al-Radi, from the 10th century. The compilation was copied for a Druze nobleman who ruled southern Lebanon and northern Israel in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Moreover, the Library has accumulated numerous books, editorials, studies, photographs, posters, maps and newspaper articles that relay the history of Druze society over the generations.
The original name of the Druze religion was Din al-Tawhid ("The Religion of Unity/Oneness [of God]") and its followers are thus called, al-Muwahhidun ("those who profess the oneness of God"), expressing the monotheistic doctrine of the faith. The Druze also refer to themselves as Bnei Ma'aruf ("Sons of Benevolence").
From its nascent state, the disciples of the religion endured extensive persecution. This was what led the Druze to migrate from Egypt to other parts of the Middle East. They often settled in mountainous regions to enhance their sense of security and maintain their unique religious identity. As a result of being an oppressed minority, the tenets of the Druze religion have been kept a secret, with only the sages of the community being initiated into the complete doctrine. In addition to monotheistic beliefs, other core principles of the Druze religion include: speaking the truth, protecting members of the community, a prohibition of idolatry, belief in destiny, belief in reincarnation, refraining from intermarriage and an emphasis on moral values and mutual respect. Druze society is characterized by religious tolerance, with its people free to choose between a religious or secular lifestyle.
The most sacred site in the Druze faith is the Tomb of Nabi Shu’ayb, located at Hittin (Hattin) in the eastern Galilee. Nabi Shu'ayb (the Prophet Shu'ayb) is associated with Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, whom the Druze regard as the most important prophet. His tomb is a pilgrimage site, welcoming visitors throughout the year, principally on the Nabi Shu'ayb holiday. This formal religious holiday is celebrated annually, beginning on the 25th of April and lasting four days. The Druze also observe Eid al-Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice), which is similar to the Muslim holiday, but with different practices. Below are photos of Druze celebrating their festival at the Tomb of Nabi Shu'ayb near the Horns of Hattin.
Many of these items were part of the library of Nayif Saleem Su'yad, a resident of the village of Peki'in
