The DRUZE

A small religious community in the Near East. The Druze are an offshoot of SHI'ITE ISLAM. In 1017 C.E., a Fatimid ruler of Egypt named al-Hakim became convinced that he was divine. Two MISSIONARIES, Hamza ibn Ali and Darazi, promoted his divinity. Shortly thereafter all three "disappeared." The Druze believe that they went into hiding. A follower named al-Muktana assumed leadership of the community. His letters, as well as those of Hamza and al-Hakim, form the community's sacred book. The Druze observe seven "pillars" or practices. These include always speaking the truth within, but not outside, the community; helping members of the community by military means, if necessary; and confessing the oneness of GOD, who was incarnate in al-Hakim. The Druze expect al-Hakim and Hamza to return at the end of time to establish universal justice. The Druze do not accept converts. Their community consists of two groups, the initiated and the ignorant. Only the initiated may read the Druze secret writings and attend the secret RITUALS. Druze also accept "dissimulation." That is, for survival they may pretend to practice the majority religion wherever they are. In the 19th and 20th centuries the Druze were intensely involved in the military confl icts of Lebanon and the surrounding regions. Durga A Hindu GODDESS, especially popular in eastern India. She is usually shown with eight arms that hold weapons and riding either a tiger or a lion. According to legend, the goddess Durga was created when a powerful water buffalo demon, Mahisha, began to savage the Earth. Each of the gods tried to stop him, but they were unable to, so they decided to combine their powers into one being more powerful than any of them. Perhaps because the Sanskrit word sakti, divine power, is feminine, the being they created was female, Durga. Her images portray her defeating Mahisha. Durga is one of several manifestations of the Goddess in HINDUISM. She is worshipped by followers known as Saktas. Her major festival is Navaratri, observed in Bengal in the cooler time of the year just after the monsoons (see HINDU FESTIVALS). It celebrates Durga's victory over Mahisha.