Some leads on Alawi/Nusayris - part 1

The following notes are taken from this thread.

According to siraatoaliyinhaqqun 

Member of this sect do not perform salah (Muslim prayers). Neither do they believe in the twelve Imams of Ahlul Bayt (Shia Ithna Asharis). This group has been noted in religious books (Shia), i.e., in the Rijal of an-Najashi and in al-Khisal of Shaykh Saduq. It is believe that Ibn Saba was a member of this group. Imam Hassan Askari (may peace be upon him) have cursed Nusary and considered him as an exaggerator (ghulat).

According to Cosmos (who had a few discussions with a member of this sect from Syria)

Abu Shu'ayb Muhammad ibn Nusayr started the Alawi sector during the 9th century, and spread to Syria during the 10th century. Members of this sect worship Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and consider him a manifestation of God. They do acknowledge Ahlul Bayt and accepts all the twelve Imams. Their main book is Kitab al-Majmu. Other books used by them (for debates) are the Holy Quran and Nahjul Balagha. Alawi or Nusayris (named after sect founder) call themselves Alawi Shia muslim, there are over 2 million of them and most are in Syria, others are found in Turkey and some in Lebanon, most of their religion is a mixed bag originating from mixtures of ancient pagan, gnostic and Christian elements along with Shia Islamic teaching. Alawis came to power in Syria in 1960's when Hafez Assad was elected as president, he is also an Alawi, hence he gave them more freedom and power.

Bhooka provided a reference from rijal al-Kashi on his blog. According to him, a hadeeth stated that the founder of the Nusayris sect (Muhammad b. Nusayr al-Numari) claimed prophet-hood for himself. Muhammad b. Nusayr al-Numari also claimed that he was a representative of Imam Hassan Askari. He promoted ideas and teachings that were contrary to Islam, such as, the belief in the reincarnation/transfer of the soul, exaggeration about the Imams of Ahlul Bayt (divinity of Imam Ali), haram acts (e.g. relationship between the same sex). 

To be continued in part 2 .....