The Druze and their Faith in Tawhid (Contemporary Issues in the Middle East)

Description

As a small sect that emerged from Islam over a thousand years ago, the Druze religion and society has long been cloaked in a tradition of secrecy. Veiled from the outside world, the religious tenets have been vulnerable to distortion, misunderstanding, and misrepresentation. In this book Dr. Anis Obeid, a Druze layman, provides a penetrating analysis of Druze scriptures and beliefs (Tawhid). Presenting a chronological narrative of the foundation and development of the faith, he explains the historical conditions and religious rationale behind this closed religion. The Druze faith is the product of Abrahamic monotheism as it coalesced with other philosophies, belief systems, and political structures of the West and the East and, as Obeid maintains, should be recognized for its core monotheism, and not fundamentally different from Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. He argues convincingly, with examples and translations from the Druze scriptures, only now accessible to a non-initiate public, that Tawhid is a progressive and dynamic spiritual process based on freedom of choice. This rich exploration of their faith, the author’s appeal for a sincere cultural dialogue will resonate with a wide audience in the West and in the Middle East. Review: Rational perspective - My ongoing search for a spiritual perspective is enhanced in the reading of "The Druze and Their Faith in Tawhid," so much so that I will purchase copies of it for my loved ones who too are searching. As we age, our faith evolves and what better framework for this evolution than within the fabric of Obeid's revelations. He has given me yet another piece of the puzzle contributing to the other faiths: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, etc. - none of which are absolute, all of which are relativistic. Review: This is definitely remarkable work and probably along with Sami ... - This is definitely remarkable work and probably along with Sami Makarem's The Druze Faith, the most profound summary of the Druze and the Tawhid philosophy written in English. It is crucial that any member of the Druze diaspora who is fascinated by their origin and their faith have a copy of this book. I for one, am indebted to the author and commend him highly for his time and diligence in educating me on the Tawhid principles, the origins of the Druze, the onset of Islam and the many detailed issues and controversial questions that the faith and the community ask.