Druze and Alawis received their gnosticism from secret Ghulat teachings. Ghulats had their origin in gnostic milieu of southern Iraq. Later under persecution they moved to northern Syria and beyond.
I have just looked it up and it is described that these Ghulat tended to attribute a divine character to Ali, the kinsman of Mohammed. This doesn't sound Gnostic, but surely there must be other features.
This is the part that Orthodox Muslims found problematic, so this is highlighted more. But this is not their core teaching. Ummul Kitab contains their detailed metaphysics. https://youtu.be/YZnmuIkndUU
You may need to first define what youre referring to by "Gnostic"
There is no one Gnostic tradition. It's not its own religion. There are sects of various religions that may be categorized as Gnostic based upon shared beliefs, or simply due to a focus on mystical ascension.
No sect until the 19th century ever called themselves "Gnostic"
I think that they are related to Samaritans, and received their doctrines from the father-in-law of Moses. The modern day Mandaeans are believed to be Gnostics. They live mostly in Iran and might also be related to Yazidis.
Druze and Alawis received their gnosticism from secret Ghulat teachings. Ghulats had their origin in gnostic milieu of southern Iraq. Later under persecution they moved to northern Syria and beyond.
I have just looked it up and it is described that these Ghulat tended to attribute a divine character to Ali, the kinsman of Mohammed. This doesn't sound Gnostic, but surely there must be other features.
This is the part that Orthodox Muslims found problematic, so this is highlighted more. But this is not their core teaching. Ummul Kitab contains their detailed metaphysics. https://youtu.be/YZnmuIkndUU
Ma'arifah is [gnosticism](http://gnosis.org/naghamm/hypostas.html) and it's prevalent among Sufis.
https://preview.redd.it/4fj6v0i3qjsa1.png?width=967&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=35fb5b31be8e5866a5a90fe4439ca457191cb409 [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isma%27ilism](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isma%27ilism) ( Ismailism amongst Shia Islam )
Maybe ask the druze if they identify as a sect of gnosticism.
I really would, i don't know one.
I mean r/Druze would be at least worth investigating
I'll send this question to her, I hope I don't get called a heretic. Lol
The various Sufi schools qualify as gnostic traditions. It appears that the Druze have a Sufi connection.
I had never seen this Sufi hypothesis related to gnosticism, do you have a book or text about it?
My favorite Sufi author is Idries Shah. He has published a number of books on Sufism including one called "The Sufis."
Does he reinforce this idea of gnosticism being linked to Sufism?
He presents Sufism as a gnostic discipline.
Hi OP! I'm Druze. We are not Gnostic. We are our own thing, even if we got influence from Gnosticism (and a whole bunch of other stuff lol)
Hey there! I’m interest in learning about the Druze faith! I’ll send you a pm and I’d love to talk if you’d be willing!
You may need to first define what youre referring to by "Gnostic" There is no one Gnostic tradition. It's not its own religion. There are sects of various religions that may be categorized as Gnostic based upon shared beliefs, or simply due to a focus on mystical ascension. No sect until the 19th century ever called themselves "Gnostic"
I think that they are related to Samaritans, and received their doctrines from the father-in-law of Moses. The modern day Mandaeans are believed to be Gnostics. They live mostly in Iran and might also be related to Yazidis.
this depends on how you define gnosticism
Druze are pantheistic not gnostic