The spiritual leader of the Druse, Sheik Abu Hassan Aref Halawi, died Wednesday at the age of 103, Druse officials said.
An offshoot of Islam, the Druse have 300,000 followers in Lebanon and nearly half a million around the world. There are small Druse communities in Israel, Syria and other Arab states.
Druse officials said Halawi, who was the sect's highest religious authority, underwent surgery two months ago, but they declined to specify his illness.
Halawi was said to be a deeply spiritual person. He kept out of the public eye, rarely making public appearances or statements.
But he was widely respected and Druse politicians and clerics sought his backing and heeded his advice.
Halawi issued a religious decree banning the Druse from collaborating with the Israeli government or serving in its army. Druse who live in Israel often serve in the military.
Druse elders are expected to meet to decide on Halawi's successor. However, officials said that if Halawi had named a successor in his will, his choice will be respected.