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The Alawites blend various religious traditions, including elements from Islam, Gnosticism, and some pre-Islamic local practices. Their central tenet revolves around the belief in reincarnation, where the earthly existence is viewed as a form of punishment. Unlike traditional Islamic views that stress a singular afterlife path, Alawism incorporates the concept of transmigration of souls akin to Hindu beliefs.
Key to their theology is the veneration of Ali, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and a revered figure in Shia Islam. Alawites regard Ali not simply as a historical figure but as a manifestation of divinity itself. Despite this, many contemporary Alawites distance themselves from such claims to strengthen their connection with mainstream Islam and enhance their political legitimacy.