Sheikh Samih Natour wrote in “Al-Amama” magazine in November 1993, a month after the passing of our master Sheikh Amin Tarif:
Sheikh Amin Tarif was a legendary figure in his lifetime; he was a righteous saint while still alive, and an example of virtue, piety, and faith while he still breathed, moved, and lived.
There are people you hear about, and when you meet them, you find that their name is greater than their entire selves. When you hear about Sheikh Amin, he grows even greater in your eyes when you meet him, even if he does not utter a single word. He was pure presence, awe, and veneration. He cast an aura of holiness upon everyone who knew him. Great leaders would flock to his doorstep to seek blessings before embarking on fateful decisions. This was not out of sycophancy or favoritism, but a sincere feeling and actual conviction they held; they were heads of state and military commanders, and he was the leader of a small community. Yet, they were in need of him.
Sheikh Amin Tarif’s personality was built over decades, supported by divine wisdom and celestial care that must have been behind all his decisions and steps, until his reputation transcended the horizons of our country, and he became a respected name among Druze and non-Druze alike everywhere. And if he was great in his life, he was even greater on the day of his passing.
Very prominent figures have lived in this country and held high positions, and when they passed away, large funerals were held for them, but within reasonable limits. As for Sheikh Amin, no sooner had the news of his death reached the public than tens of thousands of mourners flocked to Julis, and the country witnessed the largest funeral in its history. You could see the elderly man leaning on his cane, walking hundreds of meters to reach the funeral site, as well as women, youth, children, ministers, and dignitaries. Everyone felt they were participating in a historic funeral the likes of which the country had never seen. The crowds spread over the hills overlooking the funeral site, enduring intense heat, thirst, and waiting, all patient, praying for mercy for the deceased and speaking of his virtues, qualities, and deeds. And when the pure body was laid to rest in the room that had witnessed the most important events of his life for decades, the crowds stood in reverence, praising the Lord, praying for the deceased that God would enfold him in His mercy and contentment.
Thus, Sheikh Amin Tarif lived his life as a beacon for the community, the state, and the region, and thus he died, bringing together on the day of his passing all members of the communities in this country. He was a symbol of unity, brotherhood, and tolerance, and in his personality were gathered all the qualities of those who had passed through here over the centuries and had joined the ranks of the prophets, saints, and the righteous. We can truly say that a great name has been added to their ranks. May God have mercy on him.”
