Nabi Sabalan

This site is the second most holy site of the Druze in Israel. Some believe Sabalan is supposed to be Zebulun, the son of Jacob. Others believe He was one of the early emissaries (da’is) who joined the Druze religion and helped promote it in the region. This is considered to be the site in which he lived and was buried. There are four good springs on the site which played an important part in the Battle of Hattin. The Muslim village was depopulated during the Israeli War of Independence. The Druze religious leadership established Eid al-Nabi Sabalan (“Feast of the Prophet Sabalan”) in 1971. Today, The land and the Nabi Sabalan holy shrine were annexed to the Druze town of Hurfeish.

You have to drive up to the top of Mount Zvul, although I left  my car down in the village and hiked up. The view is spectacular. The entrance to the shrine of the grave of Nabi Sabalan is free. There is a very large asphalt parking lot surrounded by picnic tables. Next to the entrance there is a kiosk and souvenir shop as well as public toilets. The shrine itself is spic and span as if prepared for military inspection.

Don’t forget to remove your shoes. When entering the shrine men must wear sleeves and shorts are forbidden. Women, of course, must dress modestly, so don’t forget at least a light scarf. Don’t step on the door sill, because the Druze kiss it when entering the room. It is forbidden to photograph inside the shrine.