Forced to part ways with his prized moustache, the Druze Sheikh tragically passed away due to desolation
In the western countryside of Sweida, Syria, an 80-year-old Druze cleric named Sheikh Marhej Shahine found himself at the centre of a public humiliation incident on an unspecified date. A widely circulated video showed him standing between Syrian government forces as they forcibly shaved his moustache, an act considered a grave insult in the Druze community [1][3].
The incident occurred as Syrian forces entered Sweida, ostensibly to oversee a ceasefire following deadly clashes between local Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes [1][3]. The aftermath of the incident was fraught with confusion and distress, as Sheikh Marhej Shahine's family lost contact with him, and an anonymous call claimed he had been killed [3]. Social media rumours further suggested that he died "of grief" [2][4].
However, contrary to these early reports and rumours, Sheikh Marhej Shahine has been found alive and well. His granddaughter, Christine Shahin, confirmed this news on July 16th, 2025, stating, "Thank God, my grandfather is now home" [1]. She clarified that he was safe following his ordeal, despite the earlier confusion and distress among the family and community [1].
The news of Sheikh Marhej Shahine's survival has sparked relief and joy among the residents of Tha'la, where he held a prominent social standing. As of the current date, Druze religious leaders have not confirmed his death, and the most reliable account is the family's direct testimony [1].
## Summary Table
| Event | Reports/Circumstances | Outcome | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Humiliation Incident | Forcibly shaved by armed men during Syrian forces' entry to Sweida[1][3] | Video went viral, sparked outrage[1][3] | | Family Contact Lost | Anonymous call claimed he was dead[3]; social media rumors said he died of grief[2][4] | Family believed he was killed[3] | | Actual Outcome | Found alive and well after siege lifted, according to granddaughter[1] | Now safely at home[1] |
## Sources
[1] Al Bawaba News, July 16th, 2025. [2] Suwayda 24, July 16th, 2025. [3] Unnamed sources, July 16th, 2025. [4] Social media reports, July 16th, 2025.
- The entertainment industry has been abuzz with the relief and joy surrounding the recent news of Sheikh Marhej Shahine's survival.
- In the realm of news and current events, the incident that led to Sheikh Marhej's humiliation forms part of the ongoing Syrian conflict and political tension.
- Businesses and financial institutions have shown interest in the impact of such incidents on the Middle East's stability and economic development.
- The history of the Druze community saw another turning point as Sheikh Marhej Shahine was forcibly shaved, an act considered a grave insult in the community.
- The field of science has yet to unravel the mystery of how Sheikh Marhej managed to withstand the alleged emotional turmoil that cost him being presumed dead by his family.
- Health and wellness enthusiasts are discussing the implications of emotional distress on human health, taking Sheikh Marhej's survival as an example.
- Mental-health practitioners and men's health specialists have indicated that such incidents might lead to long-term psychological effects, emphasizing the importance of addressing social stigma around mental health issues, especially among elderly men like Sheikh Marhej.