The Druze are a monotheistic religious group originating in the Middle East.
It is one of the region’s ethnic minorities since the number of followers of the Druze faith is estimated to be around over one million, most of whom are spread across Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Being Druze is not walk in the park, at least not for Jenna Chami, a young Lebanese student, who tweets about her own way of dealing with misconceptions surrounding her faith.
1. On being called "backstabbers"
One of the crudest stereotypes surrounding Druze is that they are backstabbers.
This is due to Lebanese MP and Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt's ever-changing stances. Dubbed the weathervane of the local political scene, he is well-known for changing his views and alliances depending on the political climate.
2. “Why can’t I join?”
You've probably noticed that the Druze faith is somehow resemblant to an exclusive club. One cannot simply "join."
You can look for a loophole all you want, but you are either born Druze or you're not.
3. The chopping off
In 2013, the Lebanese family of a Druze woman who had eloped with a Sunni man attacked her new husband, chopping off his genitals, and pulling out his teeth.
This violent incident sent shockwaves across the country, paving the way for much dark humor on the matter.
4. "Do you even pray? Do you know anything about your religion?"
Contrary to popular belief, Druze believe that prayer is an essential part of life and a continuous state of being, instead of something one does at specific times of the day.
Their temples are called mazar or maqam, typically located on hilltops.
5. "You celebrate Adha? But you’re not even Muslim"
People often confuse which Muslim holiday is celebrated by Druze.
It is Eid al-Adha, not Eid al-Fitr.
It is actually the only religious holiday in the Druze faith.
6. "Would you date/marry non Druze?"
Marrying outside the religion is strongly advised against in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Druze follow this creed as well.
7. "Only Druze reincarnate?"
Probably the first thing that comes to one's mind when hearing the word "Druze" is reincarnation.
While it is true that reincarnation is one of the faith's key beliefs, it is not exclusive to Druze.
Most faiths adhere to the notion life after death, one way or another.
8. You only live once... Oh, wait.
Yolo? Not really.
9. All the jokes about past lives
Were you Napoleon in a past life? Hitler? A princess?
Guess we'll never know.
10. Matté
Matté is a tea-like drink that originated in South America. While it is true that Druze have embraced it as a traditional drink, it has no spiritual or religious significance to them.
It's not exclusive for Druze and it actually has many health benefits.