Prophet Nabi Shuayb aus Hittin, Filistine - Urdun

[C.Rostfrei]

Nabi Shu'aib
(also transliterated Neby Shoaib, meaning "the Prophet Jethro") is
the name used in English to refer to a site in the destroyed village
of Hittin not far from Tiberias, where the tomb of the Islamic prophet
Shuaib (Biblical Jethro) is believed to be located.
A central figure in the Druze religion, the tomb of Nabi Shuaib, has
been a site of annual pilgrimage for the Druze for centuries.[1] Sunni
Muslims also used to make ziyarat ("pilgrimages") there as well,
though on no fixed date in the year. Shrines dedicated to Nabi Shuaib
are common throughout the Greater Syria region.[2]
Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, and the subsequent transfer
of sole custodianship of the tomb to the Druze community by the
Israeli authorities, Sunni
Muslims have largely ceased their pilgrimages to Nabi Shuaib.[2] The
Druze continue to make an annual pilgrimage there every April between
the 25th and the 28th.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabi_Shu'ayb
--
Talking is SILVER, Silence is Gold

History[edit]



The courtyard of the complex


Another courtyard view
In Islamic and Druze tradition, it is believed that towards the end of
his life, Shuaib took refuge in a cave outside Hittin, where he
eventually died of old age. His followers buried him at the site and
placed a tombstone at his grave.[1] Another Druze tradition holds that
Saladin had a dream the night prior to his battle against the
Crusaders at Hittin. In the dream, an angel promised him victory on
the condition that after the battle, he would ride his horse westward;
then, where the horse would stop, the angel said he would find the
burial site of Shuaib. The tradition holds that when Saladin's dream
was realized, the Druze built a shrine for Shuaib at the site.
Nabi Shuaib has been expanded and renovated over time.[1] The older
section of the existing structure was built in the 1880s, after the
spiritual leader of the Druze, Sheikh Muhanna Tarif from Julis,
summoned an assembly of religious leaders in the community to discuss
and collaborate on its construction. A delegation of high-ranking
community members traveled to Syria and Lebanon in order to collect
funds for new construction and renovations and the local Druze of the
Galilee and Mount Carmel also made considerable contributions.
When Palestine came under British Mandate rule, a dispute broke out
between the Druze and the Higher Islamic Council over who exercised
custodianship over the site of Nabi Shuaib. After Israel's
establishment in 1948, and the total depopulation of Hittin which had
been a predominantly Muslim village, the Druze were granted full
custodianship over the tomb, and an additional 100 dunams surrounding
it. Under the leadership of Sheikh Amin Tarif, the shrine was then
renovated and numerous rooms were added for the hosting of pilgrims.
The Israeli government also paved the road leading to Naby Shuaib and
provided electricity and water infrastructure services there.[1]
Pilgrimage[edit]



Druze scouts visiting the tomb
The first mention of the tomb dates back to the 12th century CE, and
the Druze have held religious festivals there for centuries. According
to Druze tradition, the imprint of Shuaib's left foot (da'sa) can be
seen on the grave. Pilgrims visiting the site pour oil into the
imprint, and then rub the oil over their body in order to be blessed
with good fortune.[1]
The Druze customarily had no fixed date for their annual pilgrimage,
which generally occurred sometime in the spring. When the Israeli
government granted official recognition of the pilgrimage as a Druze
religious holiday, the dates were standardized, such that the event
now takes place between April 25 and April 28.[2] During the
festivities, mass celebrations are held at Nabi Shu'aib, and Druze
religious leaders gather there for ritual purposes and to discuss
religious questions. Prior to Israel's establishment, Druze from Syria
and Lebanon also used to participate in the festival, but are no
longer able to do so today.[1]
References[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nabi Shu'ayb.
^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Dana, Nissim. (2003). The Druze in the
Middle East: Their Faith, Leadership, Identity and Status Sussex
Academic Press, pp. 28–30.
^ Jump up to: a b c Firro, Kais. (1999). The Druzes in the Jewish
State: A Brief History BRILL, 1999, p. 236.