Sage and spiritual mentor who helped to inspire unity within the Druze during troubled times in Lebanon. Shaikh Abu Hassan Aref Halawi was one of the least politically active and held no official position. He was a sage, rather than a cleric, and so politicians made a display of seeking his advice for he was held as one of Lebanon's 'national pillars.' During that tragic conflict, Shaikh Abu Hassan strongly disapproved of hostage-taking by the Druze, let alone massacre of enemy civilians. Shaikh Abu Hassan Aref Halawi who lived in a modest style was buried in his hometown of Borouk in Mount Lebanon that was attended by many thousands of his mourners and many who came from Europe, Syria and Jordan.