The reference Sheikh Abu Said Amin Abu Ghannam, a prominent figure of the Druze Monotheist community, was crowned in late 2006 by the hands of the virtuous Sheikh Abu Muhammad Jawad Wali al-Din with the Mukawwalsa turban in recognition of his merit, appreciation for his conduct, deeds, and virtues, and in regard for his religious status.
Sheikh Abu Ghannam was born in the village of Aramoun in August 1915. He turned towards the orthodox path and dedicated all his weight and interest to religious teachings. He grew up with a group of his brothers at that time in a profound religious upbringing, and they emerged as a group of brethren concerned with the foundations, principles, and teachings, calling people to goodness and to follow the noble path. The support, teacher, guide, and patron of this group was the virtuous, pious, and devout late Sheikh Abu Hussein Mahmoud Faraj, who became their guide, teacher, and mentor; he was the best beneficial guide, and they were the best complete and benefiting students..
Piety and Devotion
Over time, Sheikh Abu Said excelled in forbearance, piety, and devotion. He disciplined himself to practice charitable deeds, recite verses of remembrance, and do everything that serves the interest of the community and the brethren. He became an example in the country for his sound judgment, correct opinion, and vast forbearance, earning the trust of religious sheikhs in general and the satisfaction and support of Sheikh Abu Hussein Mahmoud Faraj. He honored him by dressing him in the white striped Abaya to become one of the notables of the country. Sheikh Abu Said focused his efforts on asceticism, reading, memorization, and study at home; his home became his retreat, and this house was a pilgrimage site, a sanctuary, and a destination for religious men from all walks of life, who would come to meet with Sheikh Abu Said, worship with him, and perform their duties and obligations..
In 1991, Sheikh Abu Said called for the construction of a retreat (Khalwa) in Aramoun. With God's help, this project was completed, and the Sheikh initiated a broad religious revival there. Over time, it became a pilgrimage site for sheikhs and repentant youth, bustling with responders and disciples.
Farewell in Aramoun
With the quietness and reverence of the great pious, the virtuous Sheikh departed, closing his eyes content and satisfied, after his pure soul overflowed with knowledge, piety, and gnosis, and after he performed his religious duties in the best manner to become the ideal example of worshipping God on the path of Monotheism. He left behind a good reputation and a beloved, praiseworthy life among many people of Monotheism, his friends, relatives, admirers, and among the venerable sheikhs who value his contributions, the spiritual values he sacrificed, and his fruitful efforts for the sake of uniting the community and its cohesion, leading it to safety in all circumstances and at every stage.
On December 19, 2013, in a solemn and crowded funeral in Aramoun, the Druze Monotheist community, with its spiritual leadership, the Sheikhdom of Aql, its elders, leaders, dignitaries, and all its members, bid farewell to the venerable Monotheist reference, the late Sheikh Abu Said Amin Abu Ghannam. Delegations of mourners from the Druze community from various regions of the Mountain, the South, Rashaya, Hasbaya, the Bekaa, and Beirut attended the funeral.
During the memorial, Sheikh Majid Abu Saad spoke, recalling the virtues and merits of the deceased. Then, a word of thanks was delivered on behalf of the family, and the Sheikh Aql Naim Hassan gave a speech in which he lauded the deceased, saying: "With contentment and submission to His Almighty will, we bid farewell today to a virtuous, generous Sheikh, one of the notables of our time, and a signpost among the signs witnessing the rootedness in the upright path and sound method, and a fragrant, pleasant scent from the breaths of the people of Monotheism and the righteous predecessors who dedicated their souls for the sake of God, so their blessing spread among the creation and their word rose in truth." Then he led the prayer over his pure body before it was laid to rest in his hometown of Aramoun..
