Summary The 'Alawi religion, known for most of its history by the name Nu?ayriyya, emerged in Iraq over a millennium ago. An esoteric, syncretistic religion with a close affinity to Shi'i Islam, its origins are shrouded in obscurity. Over time, beliefs and rituals deriving from paganism, Zoroastrianism and Christianity were grafted to the radical Shi'i substrate, giving the religion its distinctive character. Throughout their history the 'Alawites were a persecuted religious minority, but in the 1970s they came to power in Syria and retained absolute rule until recently. There is also a significant population in Hatai Province in southern Turkey. Arising from the authors' long-standing interest in the 'Alawi religion, this anthology offers for the first time a selection from the distinctive literature of the mysterious religion. The book opens with a detailed introduction setting the background for the themes it will cover: the mystery of the divinity in the 'Alawi faith; rituals and ceremonies; calendar and festivals; the doctrine of reincarnation; initiation into the divine mysteries and the esoteric circle; and finally, the identity and self-definition of the religion's followers vis- -vis Islam and other religions. TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Introduction Chapter 1: The Mystery of the Divinity The trinity 'Ali-Muhammad-Salman and its emanations God's incarnation in human figures: incarnation and docetism Cyclical revelation of the deity Chapter 2: Reincarnation Introduction On the knowledge of the garments of light and the garments of darkness Reincarnation as retribution for the believer's sins The punishment of twenty-four groups of Israelites reincarnated in animals The story of a Nusayri-'Alawi believer reincarnated in a wolf Chapter 3: Antinomianism, Rituals and Festivals Introduction Antinomianism Rituals and Festivals Chapter 4: Initiation Introduction Ta'liq - the spiritual marriage and the bond between master and disciple Sama' - The spiritual pregnancy and birth The rules of the ta'liq The initiation of Sulayman al-Adhani Fulfilment of "the obligatory commandment and the mandatory duty" Chapter 5: Identity and Self-Definition Introduction Muhammad ibn Nusayr - creator of the Nusayri-'Alawi identity The Nusayri-'Alawi identity in the pre-cosmic world and in this world The attitude towards the first two caliphs and to Sunni Islam The figure of 'Ali vis- -vis that of 'Umar Curses against opponents and enemies of the Nusayri-'Alawi religion Mujib al-Murshid in the eyes of his followers Selected sayings of Saji al-Murshid Epilogue: The Ode for the Ghadir Khumm Festival Introduction Ode Bibliography Index