Maozisrael Report September 2024

Published: September 1, 2024 | Maoz Israel Reports

Imagine a world where secrets are the core of your identity, where only a chosen few truly know the mysteries of your beliefs. This is the world of the Druze, one of the most mysterious religious communities on earth. The Druze faith is so secretive that only its top spiritual leaders have ever known its deepest truths, and no one today can convert to become a Druze. No one. It’s a religion that guards its inner workings fiercely, making it both fascinating and elusive.

The Hidden Origins of a Mysterious Leader

The story of the Druze begins with a man shrouded in mystery: Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad. No one knows where he was born, when he was born, or when he died. Tradition maintains he came from a Persian family and was a Shia Muslim mystic. But beyond that, his origins are as enigmatic as the religion he founded.

Hamza was a man of immense intellect, deeply versed in Islamic theology, Greek philosophy, and the religious traditions of the world—from Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism, and beyond. He wasn’t just a scholar; he was a seeker, someone who was not content with the answers provided by Islam alone. He searched for truth in all religions, taking what he believed was the best from each and weaving them into a new faith.

In his teachings, Hamza honored a diverse group of Biblical prophets, from Adam and Noah to Moses, Jesus, and John the Baptist. Interestingly, he also concluded that Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was not only a prophet but the actual ancestoral father of the Druze people.

Foundational Creeds of Hamza

One of the most distinctive aspects of Druze belief is the concept of reincarnation. Hamza taught that the soul is eternal, moving through a continuous cycle of rebirth. All Druze born today are taught they are reincarnations of Druze who died. Depending on one’s actions when alive, he or she will be elevated or demoted in the next life. They testify this belief offers comfort and moral guidance to the Druze, encouraging them to live ethical lives in harmony with the divine will.

The two-tiered Druze community is divided into two distinct groups: the al-Uqqal, or the Knowledgeable, and the al-Juhhal, the Ignorant. The vast majority, about 95%, fall into the latter category. These members are not permitted to view the holy texts nor do they attend religious meetings; yet nearly all Druze hold a belief in God.

However, central to Hamza’s teachings is to understand the oneness of God—a God who is beyond human understanding, beyond time, space, and the human experience. Hamza grasped the greatness of God but missed the personal nature of a God who desires relationship with His creation. 

A Royal Ally: The Role of Al-Hakim

But how did this secretive religion gain thousands of followers (today they number over a million worldwide)? The answer lies with a powerful ally: al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. Al-Hakim was not just any ruler; he was the supreme leader of much of North Africa and the Levant (Israel, Lebanon and Syria), with residence  in Cairo. Both a Caliph and an Imam, he was rumored to by some to be a descendant of Muhammed while by others to have had a Christian mother. He was eccentric and controversial and ruled with absolute authority. He met Hamza, listened to his new doctrines and embraced them fully. Al-Hakim would become the twin founder of the new Druze religion.

Al-Hakim’s endorsement of Hamza’s teachings was crucial. On May 30, 1017 AD, Hamza officially proclaimed his new religion, and declared al-Hakim to be a divine figure—a bold departure from Islam that marked the start of the Druze faith. Al-Hakim’s religious actions were often seen as enigmatic and contributed to his reputation as a mysterious and controversial figure. Without doubt, Al-Hakim’s support lent the movement the gravity it needed to flourish.

The Fate of Ad-Darazi and Al-Hakim

Among Hamza’s early followers was Muhammad bin Ismail ad-Darazi, a magnetic evangelist who brought many converts to the new faith. However, ambition got the better of ad-Darazi, leading him to claim divine status for himself—a move that Hamza did not support. Hamza excommunicated ad-Darazi, but al-Hakim is believed to have executed him to preserve the unity of the Druze movement. Ironically, despite his fall from grace, the religion became known as Druze, named after this discredited figure.

Al-Hakim’s reign ended abruptly in 1021 when he mysteriously disappeared during a night ride in Cairo. His disappearance remains one of history’s unsolved mysteries, adding to the aura of intrigue surrounding the Druze faith. To this day, the Druze await his return, believing that he will be miraculously reborn and usher in a new Golden Age at the Last Judgment.

Surviving Through the Centuries

In the early days of the Druze faith, converts were welcomed. Hamza and al-Hakim actively spread their teachings, drawing followers from diverse backgrounds. As a unique side note, while Druze are considered Arab ethnically, some genetic researches have found evidence that Druze today have more genetic similarities to Ashkenazi Jews than Arabs.

But in 1043, Baha al-Din al-Muqtana, who succeeded Hamza, declared that the Druze faith would no longer accept new converts. Baha felt he must maintain the purity and integrity of Druze doctrine. New converts were likely to bring other beliefs that could corrupt the original canon, whereas those born and raised in the faith would be faithful to its teachings. This decision sealed the Druze community’s identity as a closed and secretive faith, open only to those born into it.

The Druze have faced countless challenges over the centuries, yet they have always found ways to protect their independence and unique identity. They settled in remote, mountainous areas in Lebanon, Syria, and northern Israel, where they could live somewhat isolated from the empires that ruled the region. They would be both a peaceful community and fierce warriors when threatened.

As the Middle East underwent significant changes following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century and the establishment of Israel, the Druze adapted to the new political landscape. You can see these adaptations in their clothing. The older generation of men wear a baggy trousers unique to the Druze, while elderly ladies wear traditional robes similar to their Arab peers.  But their young people dress similarly to Israeli youth, yet with a somewhat more modest look.

A New Challenge: Modernity and the Gospel

Today, the Druze face a different kind of challenge—one that cannot be fought with swords. Modern society, technology, and the opportunities they bring are pulling the younger generation in new directions. However, this gradual exposure to the outside world has also opened a crack in the door for some Druze to hear the Good News.

Until now, becoming a Christian was almost unheard of in the Druze community. And those who have taken that step pay a heavy price—they can never return to their own people as true Druze. This is a heavy choice to make for people who grow up with such a strong sense of belonging. But for some, the promise of a real connection with a God through His Son—who was previously unattainable, is worth the sacrifice. 

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Shira Sorko-Ram

Shira has lived in Israel since 1967. She has worked as director and producer of documentary films. “Dry Bones,” a film on the prophetic significance of Israel’s rebirth is acclaimed around the world and was seen by Golda Meir. Shira has written for many publications concerning the Messianic Jewish Movement and the Christians’ part in Israel’s spiritual resurrection. For forty-four years she published the monthly MAOZ ISRAEL REPORT, giving a prophetic, political, and spiritual perspective of current events in Israel. Shira, along with her husband, Ari, co-founded Maoz Israel Ministries, leading for over 40 years. During that time, they pioneered several Messianic Jewish congregations in the Tel Aviv area, sponsored national conferences for the Israeli believers, and established a humanitarian fund, IstandwithIsrael. They published well-known books into Hebrew, encouraged and sponsored born-again Jews returning to Israel, helped immigrants with small businesses, supported Arab leaders who have a heart for evangelism and for Israel, and assisted in the fight for the civil rights of Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus) in the land of Israel. They passed the leadership of Maoz over to Kobi and Shani Ferguson, their son-in-law and daughter, in January 2021.​Ari and Shira reside in Ramat HaSharon. They have two sabra (born in Israel) children, and six grandchildren. Shani has a unique ability to unite the authenticity of Middle Eastern culture with the Western palate.

A Druze Family’s Leap of Faith

Published: September 1, 2024 | Maoz Israel Reports

Shalom from Jerusalem!

     As you may have gathered from the articles in this report, to the Druze, being a Druze is an honor—a privilege. A priceless inheritance.

     And while Druze are fiercely protective of their own, they can be just as aggressive against someone from their community who chooses to abandon their ways.

     As we covered the tragedy that occurred this month, we reached out to our network of over 100 congregations in Israel to see if there were any Druze who had come to the Lord whom we could help.

     One of our close friends who is a pastor responded by sharing about members in his own congregation that came out of the Druze community. To protect them from persecution we will avoid sharing full details, but here are some.

     Joud (not his real name) and his wife and many children have all paid dearly for the choice they made to follow Yeshua and have experienced many difficulties. For years, Joud has worked most of his life in maintenance with a small salary, but he made sure that every spare shekel they had was spent on his children’s education.

     His kids are now grown; one is an officer in the army and another works with the police. Three of their boys have served in the military—and their youngest just finished registering for higher education studies. This is no small feat for a family of small means.

     But just as this milestone brought them great joy, Joud was informed this month that he was being let go from a job he has held for years as some people with influence decided to give his job to a relative (it’s a Middle East culture thing.) Both Joud and his wife have serious health issues. So, at 59 he must now find a new job to support his family—in a community that opposes his belief in the New Covenant.

     Thankfully, they have a home that has been in the family for generations, but their pastor pointed out some specific needs they have been struggling with for many years that will only cost $13,000 to clear up.

     It is clear that choosing to accept the message of forgiveness of sins and a personal relationship with God through Yeshua is one of the bravest decisions a Druze can make. And we want to honor the brave among us.

     Would you like to join us in blessing this Druze Christian family?

     Joud and his family are among the few, the first fruits from the Druze community and we are believing for this community in Israel to grow!

Together For the Least of These,

Kobi & Shani Ferguson

Shani Ferguson

Shani Ferguson, daughter of Ari and Shira Sorko-Ram and the granddaughter of Gordon and Freda Lindsay was born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel. Having grown up immersed in Israeli culture but also connected to her American heritage, Shani has a unique ability to unite the authenticity of Middle Eastern culture with the Western palate.