All Days
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The mountainous areas of Syria have always been a safe haven for minority groups seeking security. Three Islamic sects found refuge there: the Assassins (Nizari Isma’ilis) and the Druze who were direct offshoots of the Isma’ili Sevener Fatimids of Egypt, and the Alawis who were based on extremer Twelver Shi’a thought mixed with syncretic Christian and traditional influences. The Alawi are one of several groups of extremist Shi’a sects known as the Ghulat (exaggerators). While most Shi’a groups revere Ali and his family, the Ghulat have gone beyond veneration, considering Ali to be the very manifestation of God.
The Alawis are a tribal people, divided into four main tribe. They are a closed society and they see themselves as a persecuted and despised people, who actually are the chosen people of God, the only ones to have seen the light in a world of darkness. While maintaining their beliefs they pretend to adhere to the dominant religion present in order to escape persecution.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Alawis believe that all people were stars in the world of light, but fell from there due to disobedience. They believe they must be reincarnated seven times before they once again return to the stars where Ali is prince. If they are sinful, they will be reborn as Christians until their atonement is complete. Infidels will be reborn as animals. The actual Alawi beliefs and practices are based on their book, the “Kitab al-Majmu”.
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