Both a religion and an ethnic group comprised of 350,000 (Western estimate) to 900,000 (Druze estimate) members. Druze religion combines elements of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Druze consider themselves Muslim -- although other Muslims do not -- but can pray either at mosques or churches. The basic belief system of the Druze centers around the Fatimid caliph al-Hakim, whom the Druze believe to be the incarnation of God that will return one day to bring about a new golden age. (al-Hakim is believed by most Muslims to have died in 1021.) A belief in reincarnation similiar to that of Gnosticism is also part of their theology. The Druze are mainly concentrated in the mountainous areas of Lebanon and surrounding environs.

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