,
11 tweets,
5 min read
Read on Twitter
On the question of whether Alawites are Muslims. Or whether they identify as Muslims, I asked an Alawite Sheikh, who has read widely in the esoteric theological texts of the faith, to weigh in on the question. Here is his statement: 
The Alawi theology has only one criterion to decide who is a Muslim and who is not: Does the person accept the "divine revelation" brought by the Prophet Muhammed and does (s)he believe in its authenticity? If yes, then the issue is decided affirmatively.
The issue of whether one is a Muslim or not is not decided on the interpretation of the revelation but the belief in its authenticity.
Some Alawi people, including those who gave their opinions to @Elizrael , from a practical point of view, may base their opinion on lifestyle.
Some Alawi people, including those who gave their opinions to @Elizrael , from a practical point of view, may base their opinion on lifestyle.
They may see their liberal lifestyle as different from those who base their Islamic lifestyle on literal interpretations of Islam.
In this regard Alawis are no different than Ismailis. People have forgotten about Ismailis b/c in the past batinism was synonymous with Ismailism.
In this regard Alawis are no different than Ismailis. People have forgotten about Ismailis b/c in the past batinism was synonymous with Ismailism.
Due to the current political climate, people dwell on Alawism. On a related subject, in the last 20 years we see a strong current in Turkish Alevism in which many Alevis (particularly European ones) identify as non-muslims. This is partially due to the baggage Islam brings w it.
But also due to ignorance & politics, some Alevis invented "Alisiz Alevilik" (Alevism without Ali) and claimed that Alevi derives from "alev" (flame) in reference to the flame of Zoroastrianism. They often cite pre-Islamic currents in Alevism as evidence.
But anyone who is versed in heterodox Shia theology knows that they have claim universality: that the divine message does not change in its essence (batin) but manifests itself differently in different epochs (zahir) to suit different societies.
Religious commandments/laws change to fit each epoch. Otherwise we have to 1) refuse all previous religions 2) believe in a capricious God who changes his mind in different times. This explains why Alawis, like Ismailis & other batinis, focus on the essence of the divine message.
And not on its outward laws or commandments. Because the outward laws change but the essence of the message does NOT. Moreover, a fundamental aspect of Alawism is the principle of "theodicy" (divine justice).
A JUST CREATOR must reveal his message to all societies at all times otherwise He cannot judge people based on things they do not know.
