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(The Druze are a group of Muwahhideen that were called Druze as a result of Muhammad Nashtakin Ad-Darazi in Bilad al Sham. Though he was an antagonist with the Druze, and later killed by the Muwahhideen, the Druze were urged to adopt his name to avoid being glorified.)
This phenomenon is also the Muslims’ greatest gathering in the whole world, and it occurs annually for ten consecutive days. During these days, Muslims walk around the “Kaaba” and climb mount “Arafat”, and each of these rituals has its own deep “Tawheed” significance. Basically, to enter the “Kaaba” is to enter Allah’s call in a pure, immaculate body and soul, and to stand on mount “Arafat” calling out “Here I come O God…I respond to Your call O God. Praise and Monarchy be to you. You are one with no partner.” Saying this quote, for “Muwahhidun” is to accept Allah’s call with all one’s heart and senses, and standing on the top of the mountain is to reach the highest levels of worship and sacrifice so that one can get close to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). Coupled with that, the animal sacrifices that are made annually, symbolize exterminating our evil whims, worldly desires and sins.
Mansur Al-Hallaj, One of “Twaheed’s” most honourable Soufis (hermit), said about Hajj the following (paraphrased): People have their own pilgrimage, and so do I. They give their own sacrifices, and I give my own sight and blood.
للناس حجّ ولي حجّ الى سكني
تهدى الأضاحي وأهدي مهجتي ودمي
Indeed, numerous “Shoyoukh” from Mount Lebanon, Abey, Baysour, and other villages in Syria used to travel annually to “Makka” on a pilgrimage journey– in Al-Amir Al-Sayid Jamal Al-Din Abdullah Al-Tanukhi’s era. Many still make the trip in the present time, but with no apparent costume or signs for the safety and simplicity of “Hajj”. Though today, “Muwahhidun” don’t go there frequently because of extremist attacks on them, which began 100 years ago, and hundreds of casualties.
“Tawheed” recommends that Eid be celebrated with unique decoration, feasts, and presents, mainly to engage and attract Druze youngsters who aren’t able yet to perceive the deep meaning of the festivity, and so that when they are old enough to grasp the “Tawheed” knowledge, they will practice “Al-Adha” on both deep and worldly levels.
Helping the poor, exchanging gifts, sharing meals, spreading love and peace, setting aside hatred and disputes, visiting places of worship, fasting and praying daily is a must during the 10 days before “Al-Adha” (Oshor Al Eid).
Indeed, Eid is a depiction of the humans’ peaceful and balanced nature. This is what we were born and raised with, despite the unfortunate evil inclinations that we all go through in our lives.
Let’s all together appreciate this time of the year by giving, loving, caring, praying and ascending the mount “Aarafa” inside of us. Let’s all try to be our best version of “Muwahhideen” this and every Eid to come.
Adapted from “Houqouq wa Wajibat Al-Muwahhedeen Fi Al-Dunya wa Al-Deen”, by Sheikh Badri Amaneddine.
Al adha is not a Tawheed festivity as per Al-Hikma, it is forbidden to celebrate it. Get you facts straight, and not from a Druze sheikh, read it yourself!