The Alevis is a sect of Shia Islam who follow the teaching of Twelve Imams and the mystic Haji Bektash Vali. They are mainly based in Turkey and follow rituals and beliefs that are similar to that of the Twelver Shias like the importance of the family of Propet (PBUH), mourning in the month of Muharram etc. In this article we shall look upon the various practices performed by the Alevis to hold Ashura festival.
Keywords: Alevism, Azadari, Muharram, Ashura
The Alevis are a sect of Islam whose followers abide by the views of the mystic Haji Bektash Vali. Based primarily in Turkey, they are close to the Twelver Usuli Shias as they follow the teaching of the Twelve Imams, but do not ahdhere by the fatwas of a Marja. However, the rites and rituals are very similar to the ones of Twelver Shia, vis-à-vis respect for the Ahl-e-Bayt, commemorating Karbala and Azadari in the month of Muharram
For the Alevis, Muharram is one of the important months of the calendar and they have ceremonies like their other ones discussed previously . They commemorate the martyrdom of the grandson of Prophet (PBUH), Imam Hussain (AS), that took place on the tenth of this month in Karbala by the hands of Yazid and his army. These days are known by the name ‘Yas-i-Muharram’. The activities that are done by the Alevis while holding Ashura Festivals are:
Encyclopaedia Iranica 1989, Bektāšīya, , accessed 4th August 2021, <https://web.archive.org/web/20150517012420/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/bektasiya-a-syncretic-and-heterodox-sufi-order-found-principally-in-anatolia-and-the-balkans-with-offshoots-in-other-regi>
Wikipedia 2021, Alevism, accessed 4th August 2021 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alevism>