Heterodox doctrines in contemporary islamic thought: The druze as a case study

The following paper explores contemporary Islamic attitudes towards the Druze community and its doctrine. The diverse and even opposing views found within contemporary Islamic literature on the Druzes are placed within three broad categories: the inclusive approach, the exclusive approach; and the conspiracy approach. The article discusses the major arguments found within each approach and some of their most prominent proponents. In so doing, the article illustrates how Islamic attitudes towards heterodox sects, including the Druzes, are affected by political and historical circumstances as well as by ideological constructs.