Lebanon, Islam in
Etymology
Lebanon: Arabic: لُبْنَان (Lubnān), Turkish: Lübnan
Islam: Arabic: إِسْلَام (Islām), Turkish: İslam
Introduction
Lebanon’s unique political and social fabric is knitted through its diverse religious sects, among which Islam plays a significant, multifaceted role. In Lebanon, five main Muslim sects exist: Sunnis, Shiis, Druze, Alawis, and Ismailis. Each sect has its distinct social, economic, and political bearings within the country.
Distribution and Representation
While only Sunnis, Shiis, and Druze have proportional representation in the parliament, the influence of each varies greatly.
Sunnis
Approximately one-fifth of the Lebanese population is Sunni. Geographically, they are mainly concentrated in the coastal cities like Tripoli, Beirut, and Sidon. Sunnis historically enjoy a higher social, economic, and educational status compared to other sects. The Prime Minister of Lebanon is traditionally a Sunni Muslim.
Shiis
The Shia population is predominantly found in north and south Lebanon. Traditionally, Shiis have held lower social, economic, and educational statuses than Sunnis. However, by the 1980s, they had become the largest sectarian group in Lebanon. This demographic shift led to increased demands for better educational and employment opportunities and more equitable distribution of political power. The Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament is customarily a Shiite Muslim.
Druze
The Druze community makes up about 7% of Lebanon’s population. Their settlements are primarily located in the Chouf Mountains and parts of Mount Lebanon. The Druze hold considerable influence despite their relatively small numbers, maintaining a powerful social and political presence.
Alawis
Alawis are numerically insignificant within Lebanon. Nonetheless, their importance rose significantly post-Gulf War of 1990-91 due to their prominence in Syria, another key player in the region.
Ismailis
The Ismaili community in Lebanon is quite small, numbering only in the hundreds, and does not wield any notable political influence.
Political Structure
In Lebanon, political power is intricately interwoven with religious affiliation. The country’s top political positions are allocated based on sectarian identity:
- The President must be a Maronite Christian.
- The Prime Minister must be a Sunni Muslim.
- The Speaker of the Parliament must be a Shia Muslim.
Jurisdiction Over Personal Status Law
Religious officials from each sect have jurisdiction over matters of personal status, which includes marriage, divorce, and inheritance laws. This jurisdiction underscores the significant influence that religious institutions hold over the personal and familial aspects of life for Lebanese citizens.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Shi‘ites of Lebanon: Modernism, Communism, and Hizbullah’s Islamists” by Rodger Shanahan
- “The Druze Between a Community and a Party” by Jean Said Makdisi
- “The Making of Lebanon, 1860–1960” by David S. Klein
Takeaways
- Lebanon is a unique case where religious sects have significant sociopolitical roles.
- Sunnis, Shiis, Druze, Alawis, and Ismailis constitute the primary Muslim sects in Lebanon.
- Historical and social statuses among sects influence their political power and representation.
- The Lebanese political system is deeply embedded in ethnic and religious partitions.
Conclusion
The intricate balance of religious and political life in Lebanon underscores the lasting imprint of its diverse Islamic sects. Understanding these groups’ roles helps us appreciate the broader socio-political dynamics at play in this resilient nation.
