Marriage And Divorce Among The Druze Library Of Modern Middle East Studies 142

Marriage and divorce are vital aspects of human relationships that have been studied extensively across various cultures and societies. In the context of the Middle East, the Druze community stands out with its unique traditions and customs surrounding marriage and divorce.

Understanding the Druze Community

The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority predominantly located in the Middle East, with significant communities in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and other neighboring countries. They have their own distinct religious beliefs and practices, which differ from both mainstream Islam and Christianity. The Druze community places a strong emphasis on strict endogamy, meaning they prefer to marry within their own religious and cultural group.

Family Law in Lebanon: Marriage and Divorce among the Druze (Library of Modern Middle East Studies Book 142)

by Lubna Tarabey (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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Marriage is a significant milestone in Druze society and holds great importance for both individuals and their families. It strengthens social connections, reinforces community bonds, and ensures the preservation of Druze customs and traditions from one generation to another.

The Arranged Marriage System

In the Druze community, marriages are often arranged through a matchmaker who works closely with families to find suitable partners for their children. This practice helps ensure compatibility in terms of religious beliefs, family background, and social status. The matchmaker carefully considers multiple factors before suggesting potential matches, including age, education, occupation, and reputation within the community.

Once a prospective match is identified, the families of the bride and groom meet to discuss the details of the marriage, such as dowry, wedding expenses, and the terms of the union. This negotiation process aims to establish a mutually beneficial agreement that satisfies both parties and promotes harmony between the families.

The Wedding Rituals and Traditions

Druze weddings are rich in cultural traditions and rituals. The celebrations usually last for several days and involve various ceremonies symbolizing love, unity, and commitment. During the traditional Druze wedding, men and women dress in elaborate attire, perform traditional dances, and enjoy lively music.

One of the most significant Druze wedding rituals is the "Zaffe," a vibrant procession that takes place before the actual wedding ceremony. The Zaffe involves drummers, bagpipers, and dancers who accompany the bride and groom to the wedding venue, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere.

Divorce in Druze Society

While marriage is highly valued in the Druze community, divorce is considered a last resort and a socially complex matter. Divorce is generally discouraged within the community, and individuals are encouraged to seek reconciliation before contemplating legal separation.

If a marital dispute cannot be resolved, the couple may seek the intervention of a Druze religious authority or a family arbitrator. This person assists in mediating between the spouses and works towards finding a mutually acceptable solution that preserves the sanctity of the marital bond.

Challenges and Adaptations

Like any community, the Druze face modern challenges that have influenced their marriage and divorce dynamics. The younger generation, especially those who have been exposed to different cultures and ideas through education and globalization, may place greater emphasis on personal choice and individual freedom in matters of marriage.

As a result, the Druze community is experiencing a gradual shift towards more flexible attitudes regarding marital unions. This shift is evident in the increased instances of intercultural marriages and a growing acceptance of love marriages, where individuals choose their partners based on personal compatibility and mutual affection.

Marriage and divorce in the Druze community reflect the significance of communal cohesion and preservation of cultural identity. The intricate system of arranged marriages, elaborate wedding rituals, and the emphasis on reconciliation in cases of marital disputes underscore the strong bond within the Druze society.

However, as the community adapts to modern times, the dynamics of marriage and divorce are gradually evolving. The younger generation's inclination towards personal choice and individual autonomy brings forth new challenges and demands a delicate balance between tradition and progress.

The subject of marriage and divorce among the Druze is a fascinating aspect of the Library of Modern Middle East Studies 142. It sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of the Druze community and provides valuable insights into the dynamics of human relationships in Middle Eastern societies.

Family Law in Lebanon: Marriage and Divorce among the Druze (Library of Modern Middle East Studies Book 142)

by Lubna Tarabey (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10216 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages

FREE

Much of the life and ritual of the Druze in Lebanon appears mysterious to outsiders, as this esoteric sect remains closed to non-members. Lubna Tarabey, herself a member of this community, is ideally placed to offer insight into the family life, tradition and religious practices of the Druze. She looks back to the 1970s, and the start of a civil war that shattered Lebanon along confessional lines, to explore how the substantial social and political changes that have shaken the country have affected marriage and divorce practices. Family Law in Lebanon highlights the social ramficiations of this civil war, as Lebanese society divided according to sectarian affiliations, strengthening this facet of identity to the detriment of a wider 'Lebanese' identification. It was through this process that the internal cohesion and solidarity of a group such as the Druze became even more important. Thus, for generations, the Druze way of life was characterized by a high degree of 'traditional' practices and customs. Examining the development of attitudes towards marriage and divorce uncovers the extent to which these traditions are being developed, negotiated and even cast aside.
Through analysis of court records, Tarabey explores established and emerging patterns of marriage choices and grounds for divorce. She thus focuses on two interconnected trajectories: one that considers the changes in these overall family patterns and another that places these changes within the legal context in which they occur, focussing on the interplay between the social and the legal. It is through this that she highlights a complex web of change and continuity, of traditional values competing with enhanced individualism and personal freedoms.