The Islamic Gnostic

  Alawite Beliefs: An Overview The Alawites (also known as Alawis or Nusayris) are a syncretic religious community primarily in Syria, with roots in 9th-century Shia Islam but incorporating elements from Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Christianity, and pre-Islamic traditions. Their faith is highly esoteric, with core doctrines revealed only to initiated males, leading to accusations of heresy from mainstream Sunni and Shia scholars. Below, I'll address the specific aspects you mentioned, drawing on established theological descriptions. View of Reincarnation (Taqammus or Metempsychosis) Alawites hold a unique doctrine of reincarnation that sets them apart from orthodox Islam, where the soul's journey ends in paradise or hell after death and judgment. In Alawite belief: Human souls originated as divine "lights" or stars in a pre-creation heavenly realm. These lights rebelled against God by denying His supremacy or asserting equality with Him, leading to their exile to Earth ...