Mohammed Al-darazi

Mohammed al-Darazi one of the founders of the sect of the Druses, was born near Bokhara about A.D. 960. In 1010 he came to Egypt, where he was converted to the doctrines of Hakim al-Mokanna. This doctrine admitted incarcations consecutive with divinity in different persons. He was the first to regard Hakim al-Mokanna, then ruling in Egypt as the last of these incarnates. He published a book in which he set forth the seccessions of inarnations since Adam. The caliph Hakim was so influenced by him as to intrust to him virtually all the management of all government affairs. Darazi, having published his work, read it in a mosque at Cairo, whereupon the people, greatly displeased with his innovations, attempted to slay him. Hakim appeared to disapprove of the conduct of Darazi, but secretly furnished him with money to quietly advance his cause, and advised him to preach his doctrines in the mountains of Syria, where he successfully taught his dogmas, permitting his followers the use of wine, fornication, and incest. Mohammed afterwards returned to Egypt, where he set himself up as the true imam, brought about a revolt against authority, and in the conflict lost his life in 1019. See works referred to in the article SEE DRUSES; SEE ISMAELITES.