Al-Saheefah Al-Alawiyah Or the Alawite Book

Book excerpt: A Collection of Prayers The Alawites, also known as Alawis (Alawiyyah), are a prominent religious group, centred in Syria, who follow a branch of the Twelver school of Shia Islam but with syncretistic elements. Alawites revere Ali (Ali ibn Abi Talib), and the name 'Alawi' means followers of Ali. The sect is believed to have been founded by Ibn Nusayr during the 9th century. For this reason, Alawites are sometimes called 'Nusayris', though this term has come to have derogatory connotations in the modern era; another name, 'Ansari' (al-Ansariyyah), is believed to be a mistransliteration of 'Nusayri'. Today, Alawites represent 12 percent of the Syrian population and are a significant minority in Turkey and northern Lebanon. There is also a population living in the village of Ghajar in the occupied Golan Heights. They are often confused with the Alevis of Turkey, another Shia sect. Alawites form the dominant religious group on the Syrian coast and towns near the coast which are also inhabited by Sunnis, Christians, and Ismailis. Alawites have historically kept their beliefs secret from outsiders and non-initiated Alawites, so rumours about them have arisen. Arabic accounts of their beliefs tend to be partisan (either positively or negatively).