To the issue of time cycles in the notions of Nusayris

Introduction. In the article an attempt is made to reveal the features and characteristics of the notion of time among the Nusayris (or, otherwise, the Alawites) - adherents of an independent Muslim denomination that belongs formally to Shiism and is prevalent mainly in the territory of Syria. Materials and Methods. To this end, a method was chosen to compare those fragments of Arabic-language sources, where this topic is addressed. Previously, the achievements of modern science on the issues of the Nusayri’s dogma have been studied and translations of several fragments of the published treatises of authoritative Nusayri theologians of different ages have been carried out. Results. The author concludes that the Nusayri doctrine of time cycles in its very generalized form has the following features. All historical cycles, together with prehistoric ones, are built in a single spiral of time, there is a sacred history, also cyclical, and each period was directly connected with the society in which the revelation of the divine meaning with the obligatory attributes of its manifestations was sent down. Thus, the so-called basis (asas) remained unchanged with its eternal hidden truth, and only the visible form of revelation changed according to the person by means of which it is transmitted. The direction of historical development is not seen as a single-valued ascendant. Along with the possibility of spiritual and social progress, as Nusayris believe, from above is sent also the possible path of a “humiliating descent” into the lower, impure realms - for those who do not follow the commandment path. Descent in this case is detailed by periods and their characteristics. Discussion. Information about the duration of epochs and even the approaches to their determination vary greatly by sources. Some authors have certain accents, apparently connected with the purpose and theme of the corresponding treatise. In some cases, there are significant discrepancies in details, especially in terms of time cycles and epochs. Conclusions. Further comparison of data from different sources can clarify the ideas about the course of time and history by Nusayri religion, although such work should go hand in hand with the development of source study - verification of published texts, refinement of their attribution, philological, historical and theological commenting on them.