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Druze Spritual Leader Dies

Sheikh Abu Hasan ‘Aref Halawa, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Lebanon, died at the age of 103 on Wednesday.

Halawa underwent surgery two months ago to determine his ailment, but doctors could not identify it, Druze sources in Beirut stated.

The secretive Druze sect is an offshoot of the Muslim Shi’ite tradition. There are some 300,000 in Lebanon and over half a million in the world, with many residing in Israel and Syria.

Sheikh Halawa was regarded as the highest religious authority in the Druze faith.

Highly spiritual and deeply respected within the Druze community, Sheikh Halawa was a mentor for Druze politicians in Lebanon, who sought his advice and support when shaping their policies.

He kept a low public profile and was opposed to Lebanese infighting.

In Israel, the Druze are fully integrated into society and serve in the army. Sheikh Halawa condemned this practice and called on them to cease collaboration with Israel.

Druze religious and community elders will meet shortly to choose Sheikh Halawa’s successor. However, if he had designated a successor, his choice would have been honored.