The Alawites, Alawiyya, or Nusayris
The Alawites, also known as Alawiyya or Nusayris, derive their name from Ali ibn Abi Talib, whom they follow as their Imam after the death of Muhammad. They are divided into several branches:
1. The Alawite Dynasty
This is a Moroccan dynasty originating from Tafilalt, on the edge of the Sahara, founded in the 17th century. The dynasty claims lineage from Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet. They seized power after the Saadian dynasty and have ruled Morocco since 1666. Today, they are a Sunni royal family governing Morocco.
2. The Alawites or Nusayris
This is a sect within Shia Islam, which was established in the 9th century. It is particularly strong in Syria and Turkey. Although considered a minority, the Alawites hold political power in Syria.
Shia Islam also includes other minority sects, such as:
- Druze (in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel)
- Nusayris (in Syria)
- Ismailis (in Syria and Yemen)
- Zaydis (in Yemen)
- Alawites (a minority in Turkey)
The Alawite Belief System
Alawites represent an esoteric branch of Shia Islam, known for Gnostic beliefs and mysticism. They emphasize humanistic principles and maintain a strong secular stance as a means of protecting themselves from the Sunni majority. They also play a significant role in Turkey’s political landscape.
It is said that the Alawite sect was originally founded secretly by Ibn al-Rawandi, and today, it has around 25 million followers, including 5 million Kurds.
The Alawites of Turkey differ from the Nusayri Alawites of Syria in that they remain less detached from traditional Shia Islam compared to their Syrian counterparts, particularly in southern Turkey’s Hatay province (formerly part of Syria).
Alawite Practices and Persecution
Alawite reverence for Ali has led Sunni Muslims to label them as heretics, resulting in centuries of persecution. This forced them to conceal their religious identity, practicing taqiyya (dissimulation) to protect themselves. Their belief system is difficult to fully identify due to the secretive nature of their doctrines.
According to Irene Melikoff, Alawism originates from the shamanistic traditions of Turkic nomads, which merged with Islam over time. This syncretic process led to a blend of ancient spiritual beliefs and Islamic influences.
Alawite Doctrine and Teachings
A well-known saying within their community states:
“To become a true Muslim, one must first convert to Judaism, then Christianity, and only then become an Alawite.”
This implies that true Islam, in their view, is a matter of conscious choice upon reaching adulthood.
Alawite Religious Beliefs and Practices
- Alawites do not pray in mosques.
- They identify as Muslims but have moved away from Quranic orthodoxy over time.
- Ali is their spiritual leader and holds the highest position in their beliefs.
- They venerate the Twelve Imams, with Ali at the pinnacle of their spiritual hierarchy.
- Human beings are central to their theology.
- There is no gender distinction; men and women are equal.
- Pilgrimage to Mecca is not obligatory.
- Ritual ablution (wudu) is unnecessary.
- They do not observe fasting during Ramadan but instead fast for twelve days in the month of Muharram to commemorate Imam Hussein’s martyrdom at Karbala.
- They revere the shrine of Haji Bektash Veli rather than making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
- There are no formal clergy, only spiritual guides (pirs), who are descendants of the Twelve Imams and also serve legal functions.
- They reject divine revelation, believing that truth is acquired through human intellect and wisdom.
- They observe dietary restrictions, such as prohibiting the consumption of rabbits and horses.
- They incorporate wine in religious ceremonies.
- Religious observances are considered a personal relationship between the individual and God.
- Every Alawite is required to choose a spiritual twin (a “companion”) as a lifelong partner in faith.
Alawite Mysticism and Symbolism
Alawite Sufism is deeply rooted in the dialectical relationship between the outward (exoteric) and the hidden (esoteric) meanings. Everything, including the Quran, is subject to interpretation.
Alawite men wear red turbans with twelve folds, symbolizing the Twelve Imams. The life of Ali is central to their narratives, along with the martyrdom of Hussein at Karbala and the influence of Shah Ismail, who presented himself as an incarnation of Ali. These themes are continually reflected in Alawite poetry, songs, proverbs, and oral traditions.
Final Thoughts
Many might be impressed by the Alawite doctrine, admiring its tolerance and progressive stance. Some may even wish to convert to Alawism.
However, it must be noted that Alawism is a hereditary sect and does not accept converts. Despite its apparent tolerance and openness, it remains a religious sect like any other, rooted in myths and mysticism. While their progressive views are a result of being a minority, history has shown how Alawites have wielded power in Syria—raising questions about their true nature when in control.
Sacred Alawite Verses
“We have drowned in the essence
That envelops the human body
I have discovered the path of the universe
Everything is within the human bodyThe Torah and the Gospel,
The Psalms and the Quran—
All the words ever written
Are found within the human body.I am the mirror of the world
Because I am human.
I am the ocean in which truth takes shape
Because I am human.
I can write the Torah as I understand it,
The Gospel and the Quran,
Each interpreting the other,
Because I am human.”
