The Druze religion is an esoteric offshoot of Shia Islam
that developed in the 11th century in Egypt. It has some unusual beliefs
regarding the afterlife, divinity, and reincarnation of the soul. The Druze faith
is monotheistic, ethnoreligious, and an Abrahamic religion. Druze are
unitarian, but they recognize many prophets, including Jesus, John the Baptist,
Mohammed, Khidr, and Moses. However, their most respected biblical prophet is
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law.
The Druze believe in reincarnation, or ‘Taqammus’, and
that there is a finite number of Druze in the world. The belief is that the
Druze are the reincarnated souls of the original Druze of the eleventh century.
That a Druze soul will only be reincarnated into a Druze body, and that this
cycle will continue until the soul is ready to join alongside God. For those
Druze who cannot be reincarnated into the Druze community, their soul is
believed to go to China. Principally, the Druze faith has not accepted converts
since 1043, and marriage outside the faith is forbidden.
However, when it comes to menopause, the Druze have a
pragmatic approach that emphasizes the physical and psychological changes that
occur during this transition. In this essay, we will explore how the Druze view
menopause, what rituals or practices they have around it, and how these customs
relate to the religion's overall worldview.
Firstly, the Druze believe that menopause is a natural
and inevitable part of a woman's life cycle. They do not consider it a curse, a
punishment, or a sign of weakness, but rather a stage of maturity that calls
for respect and support. According to the Druze, menopause marks the end of a
woman's reproductive years and the beginning of a new phase of wisdom,
serenity, and inner strength. They recognize the physical symptoms that women
may experience during this time, such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings,
and vaginal dryness, but they do not see them as disorders or illnesses that
need medical treatment. Instead, the Druze encourage women to listen to their
bodies, rest when needed, and seek natural remedies like herbs, teas, or
massages.
Secondly, the Druze have some rituals and customs that
are specific to menopause. For example, they may organize a gathering of older
women in the community to celebrate and honor the woman who is going through
menopause. This event could include singing, dancing, storytelling, and sharing
of wisdom and advice. The purpose of this ritual is to acknowledge the life
experience and dignity of menopausal women, to connect them with their peers,
and to offer them emotional and social support. This celebration is known as
the "Hajj Al Nisa" and is a way to honor the women who are
transitioning into this new phase of life. Additionally, the Druze may have
some dietary or hygiene rules for menopausal women, such as avoiding cold or
spicy foods, taking more showers or baths, or using natural oils or ointments
to moisturize the skin.
Thirdly, the Druze view menopause as an opportunity for
spiritual growth and development. They believe that menopausal women are closer
to God and have a higher potential for enlightenment than younger women or men.
This is because menopause marks the end of a woman's earthly duties and
distractions and allows her to focus more on her inner self and her connection
to the divine. The Druze encourage menopausal women to meditate, pray, and
reflect on their lives, their values, and their relationship with God. They
consider menopause as a time of purification, transformation, and liberation
and encourage women to let go of old beliefs, habits, and fears and embrace a
new sense of purpose and meaning.
Fourthly, the Druze have a gender perspective on
menopause that is different from many other religions or cultures. They do not
see menopause as a solely female issue, but the transitional phase is viewed as
a natural process that affects men and women alike, and everyone should be
supported during this period. They embrace their community's values in which
both genders are equally respected and play a specific role in society.
In conclusion, it is clear that the Druze have a unique
perspective on menopause that differs significantly from Western cultures.
Menopause is viewed as a natural and transformative process that is celebrated
as a new beginning for women. This perspective is grounded in the belief that
women are powerful and influential beings who play a crucial role in their
communities. The Druze have developed rituals and ceremonies that honor women
during this important time, and these practices have contributed to the strong
sense of self and identity that many Druze women possess.