Some of the Characteristic Traits of the Mouwahidoune Druze Sect

The Mouwahidoune Druze (singular form is ‘mowahid’) are purely Arab who preserved the purity of their Arabian blood and nobility through the limitation of marriage among them. They belong to a conservative society whose members inherit the good and noble of customs and traditions. Their title “Banou Maarouf” stands for those who enjoy values, virtues and good deeds as generosity, truthfulness, honesty, solicitude, gallantry, helping the grieved and the needy, in addition to other noble deeds. The most important traits that characterize most of them and appear quiet obviously are the following:

-      Honesty: It is the first of religious obligations and is a symbol of righteousness; the words “I said” when pronounced by a monotheist, in general, and the religious, in particular, is a binding instrument that resembles the signed agreement guaranteed by witnesses, where taking oath and concluding contracts are unnecessary procedures for many – the transactions of sale and purchase in the non-surveyed villages still take place by word and promise – similar to the commitment to word at the social level, is the commitment to attitude and principles at the political level.

-      Valor: It is a monotheistic general trait derived from their mountainous, natural, as well as social, cultural environment. They believe that their lifetime is definite and “The son of nine would not die the son of ten”, and “who still has time to live would not die with severity.” Their valor appears in different fields, mostly in wars of defending soul, dignity and land; it has been praised by many as Leader Abraham Basha EL MASRI who stated that he fought against many people, yet “he found none as more brave or perseverant as the Druze.”

-      Generosity: As valor, generosity is somehow general among the Mouwahidoune Druze. It is manifested in their hospitality and open houses, set dining tables, feeding the hungry and accommodating strangers. Of the most significant examples attributed to humanity and patriotism, is the time the Mouwahidoune Druze of Mount Arab of Syria entertained half of their number of the needy of different countries and sects during the Great War when the loaf of bread was costly and one third of Mount Lebanon died of famine; besides the hospitality of Mount Lebanon Mouwahidoune Druze to their brothers in many regions is constant in History during the critical periods. Their generosity and defense of homeland were praised by many as the emir of poets, Ahmad CHAWKI, when he said,

“In defense and hospitability of their guest, however,

They acted, as a pure fountain, with severity or tenderness.”

-      Forgiveness: Of its features, remission of crimes and offenses and  concession of rights – an easy task to be performed by Mouwahidoune Druze when polite social behavior is revealed.  Their forgiveness could also be perceived at the religious level in their coexistence and best relationships established with members of other sects and confessions, and at the political level when they refused to carry out any political project of their own - at the time they were at the peak of glory and power – or any political party – at the time sectional and confessional parties were many in Lebanon.

-      Sense of Honor and Pride: In his speech of the Mouwahidoune Druze, Mohammad Kurd Ali says, “They have not lost their Arabian nobility as their sense of honor and pride, for they are too exalted for all that affects their dignity and are far above immoral and illegal acts - even though they could be means to fortune and power - for they prefer death to indignity and disdain. They believe in beggary as humiliation, for this, the needy among  them bear the harshest conditions of need, poverty and deprivation rather than stretch their hands  for begging.

The monotheist woman is distinguished by honor, purity, virtuousness and modesty; she believes that her major mission in life is the righteous upbringing of her children - a commitment she has to be encouraged for. 

Monotheistic Concepts           

Monotheistic Virtues            

The Bureau of Mashyakhat Al Aql of  

the Mouwahidoune Druze Sect – Beirut