History/Founder: Druze was founded in the eleventh century by al-Hakim, 6th Fatimid Caliph, as a reform movement within Islam. The reforms proposed by al-Hakim never caught on to mainstream Islam, and al-Hakim began to believe himself first to be a prophet, and then, to be an incarnation of God. His mysterious disappearance while riding led many to believe he had been lifted directly into heaven.
Current leader/governing body: Ajawid and Uqqul, learned initiates, are the de facto spiritual leaders, but there is no formal hierarchy.
Number of Adherents: About one million worldwide, with the majority in Syria. Clergy: The Uqqul, learned initiates who act as spiritual leaders.
A very few Uqqul who are very learned become Ajawid, and are the spiritual leaders of the community. Requirements to join: One must be born into Druze in order to be initiated. One cannot convert into the religion.
Church/temple: The Khalwa, a simple, sparsely furnished temple for prayers and getherings. Scripture: Druzes accept as meaningful the Koran, the Judeo-Christian bible, and the writings of Hakim.
Required observances, dietary restrictions: Druze adherents wear customary dark robes and white head coverings, and avoid liquor and tobacco.
Code of Conduct: The Druze Code of conduct consists of seven principles:
love of truth loyalty to other Druze renunciation of all other religions Avoidance of evil and evil doers Accept divine unity in humanity Acceptance of the acts of al-Hakim Obedience to the will of al-Hakim
Basic teachings and Beliefs of Druze: The Druzes are strict monotheists. They revere Hakim as an incarnation of God, and expect him to return one day. Druze are also Unitarians, believing all mankind to be divine. They believe in reincarnation and the spiritual superiority of women. Symbols: A five segmented star, symbolizing mind, soul, truth, will, and the material world:
for more information go to: http://altreligion.about.com/cs/druze/ You can join Unsolved Mysteries and post your own mysteries or
interesting stories for the world to read and respond to Click hereScroll all the way down to read replies.Show all stories by Author:  15675 ( Click here )
Halloween is Right around the corner.. .
|
