Druze

The Druze (Arabic: duruzī درزي, pl. durūz دروز, Hebrew: druzim ??????) are a small and distinct religious community residing mainly in Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Turkey and Jordan (small communities of expatriates also live in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia, and Europe). They use the Arabic language and follow a social pattern very similar to the Arabs of the region. They are not considered Muslim by most Muslims in the region, although most Druze say that their religion is Islamic. Most Druze consider themselves to be Arabs http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_1-2-2004_pg3_5, although some Israeli Druze do not. There are about 1 million Druze worldwide, the vast majority in the Middle East http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3612002.stm.

Related Topics:
Arabic - Hebrew - Lebanon - Israel - Syria - Turkey - Jordan - United States - Canada - Latin America - Australia - Europe - Arab - Muslim - Islam - Middle East

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The Druze call themselves Ahl al-Tawhīd or al-muwahhid?n, "the People of Monotheism". The origin of the name Druze is debated but is usually traced to Muhammad al-Darazi, an early messenger of the community who is considered a heretic by the Druze today.

Related Topics:
Muhammad al-Darazi - Heretic

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