MUHARREM VE AŞURE

Abstract

Muharrem and Fast in Muharrem which has long been practiced within the Anatolian Alevi community is mentioned in the previous studies. These religious practices has been used when people narrate both similarity and difference between Sunnis and Alevis. In this article, these two practices will be explained based on the understanding and the practices of Muharram fasting and Ashura in the communities under its domain. At the same time, I describe the way how to understand the religious practices such like Fast in Muharrem and Ashura from the point of view of an Alevi religious leader called Dede who is descendant of Ahl al-Bayt (Dede Garkin Ocagi).In Sunnism and Shiism, Ramadan fasting is regarded as one of the most important religious practices. As for Alevis, fasting means Kerbelâ and Muharram fasting. Apart from classically being a fast, Muharram fasting signifies a period for mourning. During that time, people remember Karbala incident and they shed tears to commemorate Imam Hussein. The aim is to oppose the tyrant and to be on the oppressed side and hold out on cruelty. It is to be loyal to the hand, tongue and waist and to live honorable life.