On the road that leads to the top of the Arbel Cliffs, on the west side of Lake Galilee, there is a turn off that leads to the most sacred Druze site in Israel. Today, April 26, the Druze will celebrate the Nebi Shu’eib holiday.
View from the Nabi Shu’ayb complex looking northeast. The Arbel Cliffs and the Sea of Galilee are visible in the distance.
This site is located on the lower northeastern slope of the Horns of Hattin and commemorates Nabi Shu’ayb (=”the prophet Shu’ayb” = Jethro). The identification of Shu’ayb with Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses is a Muslim and Druze tradition.
View of the entrance ways into the main room that houses the “tomb” of Nabi Shu’ayb.
In the picture above, note the man on the left who is putting on a gray cape that covers him from head to calf. Of course, one removes their shoes before entering the room. As a non-Druze I was not permitted to enter the tomb area via the main doorway, but had to enter and exit via a side door—I was escorted by a Druze elder. I was not permitted to take pictures within the room.
View of a courtyard with a fountain that is located west of main room that houses the “tomb” of Nabi Shu’ayb. No one used the fountain while I was visiting the site.
Since 1948 this shrine has been under Druze control (= holy property [wakf]). It was rebuilt in the late 20th century and is a place of pilgrimage for Israeli Druze. On April 25th, the Druze community has an annual meeting (celebration) here. Usually new Druze soldiers in the Israeli army swear loyalty to the state at this site.
This is one of 4 or 5 places where Shu’ayb is said to be buried. The main tomb of Shu’ayb is in Jordan and there are several candidates in Sinai.
To view 9 images of this sacred site Click Here.
For a quick overview of the Druze Religion Click Here.
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