Nabulsi society is characterized by the presence of the three religions, Islam, Christianity, and Samarian which have lived in the city throughout its history and do so to this day. Harmonious co-habitation between the different religious faiths is one of the city’s most prominent features.

These inhabitants form an integral part of Nabulsi society. There is a tie that binds its members into social relationships which are for the most part cordial and appreciative, despite differences of religion and sect.

The present-day population of the Samaritans in Nablus does not exceed 408 persons.

The Samaritans are the descendants of Yaqūb ibn Ishāq ibn Ibrahīm (the Jacob of the Old Testament), and Mūsa Ibn 'Imrān (Moses) is their prophet. They claim kinship to the ancient Israelites. They say: “The name Israel is an adjective of our master Jacob, and the meaning of Israel is 'the power of right’.”

Mount Jarzeem is the holiest site in the Samaritan religion. It is the direction to which the Samaritans face when they pray. According to the Samaritans, the tabernacle that God ordered Moses to build had been carried to a site on the top of the mountain. They call the site: “The Castle of the World.” It is the holiest of the holies that they have kept for 3,600 years. Among the Samaritan records there is a complete list of the community’s high priests extending back to more than 130 generations. The Samaritan synagogue has what they claim as the oldest Torah scrolls in the world written in the distinctive form of old Hebrew.

Long ago, the Samaritans had lived in a special quarter in the south western part of the old city, named after them. It is known as “Hārat as-Sumarah,” which is a part of al-Yāsmīnah quarter. After the earthquake of 1927 AD most of the members of the Samaritan sect moved to live in the suburbs of the city. During the First Intifādah, the number of the families who moved to live permanently on top of mount Jarzeem increased noticeably. Over recent decades, the holy mountain has become a permanent residence for many of them.

The Samaritans claim: “there is neither a Samaritan religion, nor a Jewish one. The religion according to them is just Israeli. The name Samaritan returns to the time of Dāwūd and his son Sulaymān (the Biblical Kings David and Solomon). Since there had been dissent between Dāwūd, the king, and the chief priest because the latter refused to build a temple in Jerusalem, his followers had been called Shumrīm. It means in Arabic the conservators; i.e., those who conserve their old traditions”. Consequently, they had refused to build a temple in Jerusalem. The Samaritan people are related to two of the tribes of Israel - the Tribe of Levy, whose people form the clergymen and priests, and the tribe of Yūsuf, descendants of which comprise the remainder of the community-.

The Samaritans live according to the strict rules of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the testament. They observe very tight dietary restrictions where meat is not considered to be kosher unless the front quarter has been given to the high priest. Samaritan women maintain strict menstruation taboos. They also believe that mount Jarzeem is the site that God had chosen for the temple, rather than the city of Jerusalem

The beliefs followed by the Samaritans have five pillars and the most important one is monotheism. The Samaritans bathe to remove impurity, they bury their dead and declare the name of God by saying “We announce and say that there is no God but God.” Their prayer is preceded by a complete purification ritual and an ablution. Their prayer includes prostration and kneeling, facing the direction of Mount Jarzeem, and they do this twice a day, once before sunrise and once before sunset. On Saturday (Shabbat), they have to pray at seven appointed times of day.

There are a number of rules and laws that the Samaritan belief imposes and they cover family relationships, marriage and other subjects. Saturday is the Samaritans' holy day, and they are not allowed to eat sacrifices, except from another Samaritan, and the sacrifice must have special conditions.

The Samaritans do not eat carrion or pork, the sacrifice will not be allowed unless the high priest is given his share from it in return for his supervision, and this share is the right front leg.

The annual calendar of the Samaritans is lunar, and their feasts are seasonal. Their calculations follow a balance between the lunar year and the solar year by a system of leap years which consist, according to their calendar, of thirteen months and recur approximately every four years.

Visitors are encouraged to see the exhibition of photographs covering construction of the synagogue. Entry is free, but needs prior arrangement with the management of the school at the site of the exhibition. See the special section for general celebrations to acknowledge the special festivals of the Samaritans.