The primary religious text for the Druze is known as the “Epistles of Wisdom” or “Rasa’il al-Hikmah” in Arabic. These epistles are a collection of writings that contain the teachings and doctrines of the Druze faith. The Epistles of Wisdom are considered sacred and are central to Druze theology, serving as a guide for religious and ethical principles.
The authorship of the Epistles of Wisdom is attributed to Hamza ibn Ali ibn Ahmad, a prominent figure in early Druze history. Hamza is believed to have compiled the teachings of the Druze faith, which include interpretations of Quranic verses and aspects of Isma’ili Shia Islam. The Epistles cover a range of topics, including theology, ethics, metaphysics, and the esoteric aspects of the Druze faith.
The Druze community places great importance on the secrecy of their religious doctrines, and access to the full content of the Epistles of Wisdom is restricted to a select group of initiates known as the “Uqqāl” (the wise). The majority of Druze, referred to as the “Juhhāl” (the ignorant), are not privy to the deeper spiritual insights contained in these writings.
The Epistles of Wisdom play a crucial role in shaping the religious identity and practices of the Druze community, providing a foundation for their distinct beliefs within the broader context of Islamic traditions.