Who are the Alawites, and what do they believe?
The Alawites, also known as Nusayris, are a sect of Shia Islam prominent in Syria. There are about 2.6 million Alawites worldwide, with most living in Syria. The Alawites get their name from Ali, Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law. However, their beliefs differ significantly from mainstream Islam. Here is an overview of Alawite history, beliefs, and practices based on the Bible:
History of the Alawites
The origin of the Alawites is unclear. According to some sources, Alawites are descended from followers of the eleventh Shia Imam, Hassan al-Askari. Others believe they split off from the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam. Alawites began to develop into a distinct religious group in the 9th-10th centuries in Iraq and Syria.
In the Bible, Jesus warns of false prophets who will lead many astray and says “by their fruits you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:15-20). The origins of the Alawites illustrate this principle, as their beginnings are obscure and their beliefs are quite distinct from orthodox Islam.
The Alawites had long faced persecution by the Sunni majority. As an oppressed minority, they resorted to taqiyya, concealing their beliefs outwardly when necessary for survival. Alawites began to emerge from seclusion in the French colonial period, when they served as soldiers and administrators for the French. After Syria’s independence, Alawites became increasingly involved in politics and the military. The Assad family, which has ruled Syria since 1970, are Alawites. This has led to resentment among Syria’s Sunni Muslim majority.
According to the Bible, Jesus calls His followers the “light of the world” and tells them not to hide their light under a basket (Matthew 5:14-16). The long history of Alawites practicing taqiyya to avoid persecution contrasts significantly with what Jesus taught.
Alawite Beliefs
Alawites practice a number of rites that place them outside of mainstream Islam. Here are some of their key beliefs and practices:
– Alawites venerate Ali as a manifestation of God. They believe God first manifested as Muhammad the Prophet, then as Salman the Persian, one of Muhammad’s companions, and finally as Ali. However, they regard Ali as fully divine. This violates the Islamic doctrine of tawhid or the oneness of God.
– Alawites believe in a trinity comprising of Muhammad, Salman, and Ali. This also brings them into conflict with Islam’s radical monotheism. The Alawite trinity is somewhat analogous to the Christian concept of the trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – but Alawites equate divinity with human beings rather than distinct persons of the Godhead.
– Alawites engage in elaborate, mystery-shrouded ceremonies and have secret doctrines known only to a select few. In contrast, the Bible emphasizes openly proclaiming and sharing the gospel (Mark 16:15).
– Alawites permit alcohol, engage in religious dances, and do not adhere strictly to Islamic dress codes or prayer rituals. This freedom from legalism also differs considerably from historical Islamic practice.
– Alawites have doctrines about reincarnation of the soul. This contrasts with the resurrection of the body taught in the Abrahamic faiths.
While Alawites claim to be a sect of Shia Islam, these heterodox beliefs place them outside the Islamic mainstream. An Alawite state would not be a genuine Islamic state implementing sharia law, but rather an oppressive Baathist dictatorship that uses Islam selectively for legitimacy.
Persecution of Alawites
As a marginalized minority, Alawites have faced severe persecution at times. In 1834, the Ottoman governor of Syria proceeded to kill thousands of Alawites. In 1909, when an Alawite leader was accused of being a French spy, fatwas were issued declaring them infidels and authorizing violence against them.
The Bible teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:43-48). Jesus himself endured violence and crucifixion without retaliation. Modern Alawites would benefit from emulating his example in the face of persecution.
Dangers of Alawite Beliefs
The heterodox nature of Alawite beliefs puts them at odds with every school of orthodox Islam. This has made them a state security problem throughout Syrian history. They have an incentive to eliminate opponents and monopolize power so their heresies can be practiced in secret.
The Bible repeatedly warns against false prophets who introduce destructive heresies and lead many astray with smooth, flattering speech (2 Peter 2:1-3). It encourages Christians to test every spirit and watch out for deception (1 John 4:1-6). Syrian Sunnis failed to exercise such discernment regarding Assad’s ideology.
Alawite Rule in Syria
After Syria’s independence, Alawites moved into senior positions in the military and government. By the 1960s Alawites dominated the officer corps and the Baath Party leadership. Hafez al-Assad, an Alawite air force pilot, engineered a coup in 1970 and began consolidating power.
The Bible tells us that “when a wicked person rules, everyone groans” (Proverbs 29:2). The long reign of Assad and his son Bashar illustrate this principle well. They have ruled Syria with an iron fist for 50 years, leaving a legacy of repression, violence and failed economic policies.
After taking power, Assad filled senior military posts with fellow Alawite officers. He also replaced Sunni business elites with Alawite allies. This bred deeper Sunni resentment.
In 1982, Assad ruthlessly crushed an uprising in the city of Hama, killing tens of thousands. The Assad regime has imprisoned dissidents and violently repressed any hint of opposition. Amnesty International reports the regime has tortured children as young as 13.
Jesus tells us that “all who take up the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:51-52). The Assad regime lives by the sword through brutality and violence, so faces perpetual insecurity and threats to its rule.
Syrian Civil War
In 2011, peaceful protests broke out across Syria calling for democratic reforms. Assad responded with brutal crackdowns. Army defections led to civil war between Assad loyalists, mainly Alawites, and rebels largely from the Sunni Arab majority.
The Bible warns that “a man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.” (Proverbs 16:29). Bashar al-Assad provoked the civil war through his violent crackdowns on initially peaceful dissent. His regime also commits war crimes with indiscriminate bombing, chemical weapons, torture, and siege tactics against civilians.
While the Assad propaganda machine portrays the conflict as defending Syrian sovereignty against terrorists, his regime bears primary responsibility for the civil war. Syria will not have peace until his Alawite-dominated government is removed from power and subjected to truth and reconciliation processes.
Jesus tells us that “every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.” (Luke 11:17). Syria today is literally divided into competing ethnic and sectarian enclaves. Reconstruction can only happen when a legitimate government represents all Syrians.
Alawites Today
Syria’s Alawites face an uncertain future. With Iran’s support, the Assad regime has devastated much of Syria to hold onto power. Alawites commit most of the atrocities, leaving many Syrians resentful. Regime change could bring retribution and collective punishment upon Alawites.
However, Jesus’ teachings do not endorse vengeance. He tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-48). Syria’s Christian minority has opportunity to lead the way in reconciliation. They should call for a South Africa-style Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heal the nation’s wounds.
The Bible also encourages us not to repay evil with evil, but to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21). Syrian Christians can minister to Alawites who feel fearful and isolated in a post-Assad future. The answer for Syria is not retaliation or oppression of Alawites, but reconciliation and reform guided by biblical principles.
Christians should avoid partnering with Alawites religio-politically, as their theology contains “destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1-3). However, we must distinguish between Alawite religious beliefs and the Assad regime’s actions. Rank-and-file Alawites should be treated with compassion.
In conclusion, Alawite beliefs and history differ considerably from mainstream Islam. The Assad regime’s tyranny testifies to the fruits of Alawite theology in political power. Yet Jesus’ teachings oppose vengeance and offer reconciliation. May Syria’s Christians help guide the nation in that direction.
