A Druze spiritual leader navigates the complex political landscape of post-regime Syria
In short: Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze sheikh, has emerged as a central figure in the shifting power dynamics of Suwayda. From his initial support of the former regime to his current role as a vocal advocate for decentralization, his leadership reflects the volatile path of a nation in transition.
Born in Venezuela in 1965, Hikmat al-Hijri returned to Syria to pursue a legal education at Damascus University, graduating in 1990. He assumed his role as a spiritual leader of the Druze community in 2012, following the death of his brother, Ahmed. This position has been held within his family since the 19th century, though his tenure has been marked by internal divisions within the religious leadership, with rival factions operating from the Ain al-Zaman shrine.
Al-Hijri’s political trajectory shifted significantly over time. Initially a supporter of the Assad regime, he distanced himself following the violent suppression of protesters and a personal insult from a military intelligence official in 2021. By 2024, following the collapse of the previous government, he began advocating for a technocratic administration and a national dialogue. He has since rejected the legitimacy of the subsequent government, labeling it extremist and refusing to recognize its constitutional declarations.
In 2025, al-Hijri’s influence became increasingly tied to regional security. During clashes in July, he resisted government intervention and appealed to international leaders for support. Following a government-announced ceasefire, which he rejected, his aligned groups were involved in the killing of 50 Bedouin civilians. By August 2025, he had pivoted toward a vision of a decentralized, pluralistic Syria, endorsing solidarity among diverse ethnic and religious groups. His authority was further solidified when local armed groups merged into a National Guard, explicitly pledging their commitment to his leadership as the representative of the Druze community in the mountain.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Hikmat al-Hijri
- Also: Wikidata — Hikmat al-Hajre · CC0
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