The Druzes: A New Study of their History, Faith and Society (1984)

When this book was first published in 1984, it was the first extensive study of the Druzes to appear for many years. A small community native only in Lebanon, Syria and Palestine, the Druzes have exercised an influence around them greater than their numerical strength. Living for the most part in mountainous territories they have maintained an independent existence for a thousand years. This book places the beliefs of the Druzes in the context of the history of Shibism in its Ismabili form, from which their faith developed. It also describes the role of the Druze community in the history of Lebanon and Syria. In the preparation of this book, the author, a Druze herself, has made use not only of the readily available Arabic and European sources but also of documents and manuscripts that are less easily accessible. When This Book Was First Published In 1984, It Was The First Extensive Study Of The Druzes To Appear For Many Years. A Small Community Native Only In Lebanon, Syria And Palestine, The Druzes Have Exercised An Influence Around Them Greater Than Their Numerical Strength. Living For The Most Part In Mountainous Territories They Have Maintained An Independent Existence For A Thousand Years. -- This Book Places The Beliefs Of The Druzes In The Context Of The History Of Shī'ism In Its Ismā'īlī Form, From Which Their Faith Developed. It Also Describes The Role Of The Druze Community In The History Of Lebanon And Syria. In The Preparation Of This Book, The Author, A Druze Herself, Has Made Use Not Only Of The Readily Available Arabic And European Sources But Also Of Documents And Manuscripts That Are Less Easily Accessible. Racial Origins -- Historical Background -- Fāṭimid Beginnings -- The Fāṭimid Caliphate : The State -- The Fāṭimid Caliphate : Al-daʻwa (the Mission) -- Al-Ḥākim Bi-amr Allāh -- Spiritual Sources -- The Druze Faith -- Druze Ethics -- Druze Habitats -- A Glimpse Into Early Druze History -- The Tanūkh Emirate Of South Lebanon And Beirut -- A Druze Sage : Al-amīr Al-sayyid Jamāl Al-dīn ʻabdallāh Al-tanūkhī -- Fakhr Al-dīn Maʻn Ii -- The Druzes 1633-1840 -- Druze Society -- The Druze Woman. By Nejla M. Abu-izzeddin. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. [236]-246. Contents Preface I. Racial Origins II. Historical Background III. Fatimid Beginnings IV. The Fatimid Caliphate: The State V. The Fatimid Caliphate: Al-Da’wa (The Mission) VI. Al-Hakim Bi-Amr Allah VII. Spiritual Sources VIII. The Druze Faith IX. Druze Ethics X. Druze Habitats XI. A Glimpse Into Early Druze History XII. The Tanukh Emirate of South Lebanon and Beirut XIII. A Druze Sage: al-Amir al-Sayyid Jamal al-Dln ‘Abdallah al-Tanukhi XIV. Fakhr al-Din Ma’n II XV. The Druzes 1633-1840 XVI. Druze Society XVII. The Druze Woman Bibliography Index