Griffithes Wheeler Thatcher

“ The religion of the Nosairis seems to have been almost the same in the first years of the 5th century A.H. (11th century A.D.) as it is to-day, judging by the references in the sacred books of the Druses. As set forth in their own sacred book, the Majmū', it seems to be a syncretism of Isma'īlite doctrines and the ancient heathenism of Harrān. The ages of the world are seven in number, each of these having its own manifestation of deity. But the manifestation of the 7th age is not a Mahdi who is yet to come, but the historical person 'Ali ibn abu Ṭālib. ”

“ Each of the seven manifestations of God in the ages of the world has been opposed by an adversary.
The Nosairis are divided into four sects. (1) The Haidarīs (from the name haidari, “lion,” given to 'Ali on account of his valour) are the most advanced. (2) The Shamālis or Shamsis preserve many traces of the old nature-worship. ”

“ Religion is restricted among the Nosairis to the initiated, who must be adults over fifteen years of age and of Nosairi parentage. The initiator, who must not be a relative, becomes a spiritual father, and the relation cannot be broken except by his consent. ”