Druze Faith

A secretive Levantine monotheism grown from Ismaili Shia roots.

c. 1017 CE · Levant · Abrahamic

The Druze emerged in the 11th century from Ismaili Shia Islam but developed into a distinct, esoteric monotheism that draws on Greek philosophy and teaches reincarnation. Their sacred writings and full teachings are reserved for the initiated (the uqqal), the community is closed to converts, and it survives as a tight-knit people across Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.

Key figures

• Hamza ibn Ali
• The five cosmic principles

Texts

• Epistles of Wisdom (esoteric)

Beliefs

• A strict, hidden monotheism
• Reincarnation of the soul
• Truth veiled beneath outward forms

Rituals

• Secret study for the initiated (uqqal)
• Private communal gatherings

Grew from

• Shia Islam

Connections in the atlas

• The Epistles of Wisdom (Rasāʾil al-Ḥikma)
• The Arabs
• Monotheism
• Islam
• Reincarnation