Guide to The shrine of Sheikh Abu Hassan Arif Halawi

The maqam of Sheikh Abu Hassan Arif Halawi in Barouk is a Druze religious shrine in the cedar village, honouring a sheikh remembered in the local spiritual tradition. Maqams are places of visitation and respect, distinct from mosques and from churches, and they are an essential part of the sacred geography of the Shouf. The Barouk reserve and the river are nearby, so many visitors pass without knowing the shrine is there. Dress modestly, ask before entering, and do not photograph people in prayer. A quiet stop adds a layer of living religion to a day otherwise spent under the cedars.