The Druze are a monotheistic ethnoreligious group whose faith originated in 11th-century Egypt as an offshoot of Ismaili Shiism during the reign of Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (996–1021), blending Islamic tenets with Greek philosophy, Hindu influences, and elements from Judaism and Christianity.[1][2][3][5] Key figures like Hamza ibn Ali promoted al-Hakim's divine nature, but persecution forced the movement underground, primarily in mountainous regions of Syria, Lebanon, and later northern Israel.[3][5][6] Proselytizing ended around 1043–1050, sealing the community to outsiders; today, all Druze descend from early adherents, with beliefs in reincarnation dictating that living souls had prior chances to join.[1][2][4][7] Central doctrines emphasize **tawhid** (divine unity), rejecting rituals, daily prayers, holy days, or pilgrimages in favor of constant spiritual reckoning; they view Abrahamic scriptures as parables and recognize prophets like Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad while criticizing ceremonial practices.[2][4] Druze society divides into **uqqal** (initiated, knowledgeable elite) and **juhhal** (uninitiated majority), with secretive texts accessible only to the former.[1][3] Historically, Druze warriors resisted Crusaders (1099–1291), served Ottoman emirs like Fakhr al-Din, and co-founded modern Lebanon via 19th-century Maronite-Druze dynamics amid conflicts, including the 1860 civil strife.[2][3] They endured massacres, such as in Antioch and Aleppo, yet maintained autonomy in Mount Lebanon.[3] In Israel, Druze (about 1% of population) serve notably in the military, fostering loyalty to the state.[8] Globally numbering around 1–1.5 million, largest communities persist in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, blending into societies while preserving insularity and rare intermarriage.[1][4][5] Recent tensions in the Middle East highlight their strategic positions amid regional conflicts, underscoring ongoing relevance.[6]