Towering at 2,814 meters above sea level, Mount Hermon, also known as Jabal El Sheikh, is the highest peak in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. It stands as a silent witness to centuries of devotion, history, and mythology, straddling the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Revered by multiple religious communities—Christians, Muslims, and Druze—the mountain has been a focal point of spiritual journeys, interfaith pilgrimages, and historical intrigue for millennia. Its snowy peaks, ancient ruins, and sacred narratives create a unique fusion of the divine and the terrestrial, making it a living testament to Lebanon’s rich spiritual heritage.
Mount Hermon’s spiritual and historical importance has been well-documented in academic research. In Volume 9, Issue 2 of Sacred Journeys 7: Pilgrimage and Beyond: Going Places, Far and Away, Nour Farra Haddad explores the mountain’s role in religious traditions in her article Mount Hermon (Jabal El Sheikh) in Lebanon, A Sacred Biblical Mountain: Pilgrimages, Traditions and Rituals (July 2021). This scholarly work highlights the inter-sectarian and interfaith interactions that take place through shared rituals and pilgrimages, demonstrating how the mountain has played a vital role in shaping local and national identities while preserving its sacred essence.
A Mountain Steeped in Sacred Lore
Mount Hermon has long been a place of reverence, enshrined in religious texts and historical accounts. In the Old Testament, it is referenced as Baal-Hermon, Senir, and Sirion, appearing over 70 times as a place of spiritual importance. The Canaanites and Phoenicians believed it was the dwelling place of deities, while the Romans constructed temples upon its slopes, marking it as a focal point of ancient religious practices.
Christian traditions hold that Mount Hermon could be the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where he appeared in radiant glory alongside Moses and Elijah before his disciples Peter, James, and John. Though Mount Tabor is traditionally considered the location of this biblical event, many scholars and Lebanese locals argue for Mount Hermon, given its towering presence and historical sacredness.
For the Druze community, Mount Hermon is more than a mountain; it is a spiritual sanctuary and a symbol of their connection to nature and the divine. The Druze, who have historically sought refuge in Lebanon’s mountains, consider it a holy enclosure, integral to their faith and identity.
Interfaith Pilgrimage and Shared Devotion
One of the most striking aspects of Mount Hermon is its ability to transcend sectarian divisions, serving as a common ground for worshipers of different faiths. Over the centuries, Christians, Muslims, and Druze have performed pilgrimages, rituals, and shared prayers at its sacred sites, forging a natural dialogue through faith.
One such example is the annual pilgrimage on August 6th for the Feast of the Transfiguration. This journey to the mountain’s peak brings together believers from different backgrounds, reinforcing Mount Hermon’s role as a site of interreligious harmony. Even before organized pilgrimages, local communities would ascend its slopes, leaving votive offerings, lighting candles, and seeking divine blessings.
The interfaith nature of devotion to Mount Hermon is evident in its sacred sites. The ruins of ancient temples, such as Qasr Antar, a Roman-era shrine at the summit, attest to centuries of worship. Nearby villages such as Rachaya and Hasbaya host religious structures from various traditions, from Christian churches to Druze shrines and Muslim mosques, further highlighting the area’s spiritual inclusivity.
Archaeological and Cultural Riches
Beyond its religious significance, Mount Hermon is an archaeological treasure trove, revealing the layers of civilizations that have revered it. The ruins of multiple Roman temples dot its slopes, their grand columns and inscriptions standing as silent witnesses to bygone eras. The temple at Ain Harsha, dedicated to Jupiter, and the remnants at Hebbariyeh, Yanta, and Nabi Safa showcase how the Romans absorbed and continued ancient traditions of worshipping atop the mountain.
The archaeological evidence not only highlights the religious continuity of the region but also underlines the mountain’s strategic importance. From ancient times through the modern era, Mount Hermon has been coveted for its vantage point, serving as a lookout and military stronghold, most recently by UN peacekeeping forces overseeing the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Pilgrimages, Rituals, and Spiritual Practices
Pilgrimage to Mount Hermon is often driven by personal faith and the search for blessings. Local traditions have preserved rituals that blend cultural and religious elements. One such practice is the tying of prayer ribbons or fabric scraps to trees near sacred sites, a symbol of devotion seen in both Christian and Druze traditions.
The Druze community, known for their esoteric religious practices, also holds spiritual retreats in the mountain’s sacred enclaves, engaging in prayer, meditation, and contemplation. The Khalawat El Bayyada, located near Hasbaya, is a significant Druze religious school and sanctuary where initiates undergo spiritual learning and purification.
Christian communities have also contributed to the mountain’s spiritual vibrancy, particularly through the veneration of Saint Elijah, one of the most revered prophets in Lebanon. The Church of Mar Elias (Saint Elijah) in Ain Ata stands as a pilgrimage destination where both Christians and Druze seek blessings, believing in the saint’s protective powers.
Mount Hermon’s Place in the Modern World
Despite its deep-rooted sacred history, Mount Hermon faces modern challenges. Its location in a geopolitically sensitive area has often deterred large-scale religious tourism, limiting its potential as a recognized pilgrimage site. Additionally, environmental concerns have arisen as increased human activity, infrastructure development, and climate change threaten its pristine landscape.
However, local initiatives have sought to preserve and promote Mount Hermon’s heritage. The municipality of Rachaya, for example, has worked to revive religious tourism, organizing guided hikes to the summit and advocating for the mountain’s recognition as a biblical and cultural landmark. Some local NGOs and religious organizations have collaborated to raise awareness about its historical and spiritual importance, pushing for its inclusion in Lebanon’s official religious tourism circuit.
A Sacred Beacon of Unity
Mount Hermon stands as a powerful testament to Lebanon’s rich religious mosaic. Its towering presence has not only shaped the landscape but also the spiritual consciousness of those who have sought solace, enlightenment, and divine connection upon its slopes. From biblical references to ancient temples and modern-day pilgrimages, the mountain continues to inspire faith, resilience, and unity among diverse religious communities.
In an era where religious and cultural divisions often make headlines, Mount Hermon offers a counter-narrative—one of shared sanctity, mutual respect, and interfaith harmony. Whether as a biblical mount of transfiguration, a Druze sanctuary, or an ancient site of devotion, Jabal El Sheikh remains an enduring beacon of spirituality, calling upon believers to transcend borders and climb towards the divine.
