THIS year the Muharrem fasting month, started on Tuesday, August 10 and will last for 12 days.
Muharrem Orucu is a major Alevi fast which is generally held in the first 12 days of the month of Muharrem. In addition to abstaining from food, many Alevis who fast during these 12 days, also abstain from drinking water both day and night.
On the final day of the month, the England Alevi Cultural Centre and Cemevi (İAKMC) organised its annual event to share Ashura soup, once again opening its doors for those fasting for Muharrem.
The statement said: “Before the Muharram fast, the 3rd day Innocent Pak fast is held. A total of 16 days is fasted, including 1 day of Mother Fatma Fasting and 12 days of Muharram fasting. Ashura is made and distributed to end the fasting after 16 days. Here, especially on this mourning day, Hz. Hussein and those who were killed in Karbala and with him throughout history, who did not keep secrets, resisted injustice and were killed for this cause, are commemorated.”
Adding that “This year, the UK-wide fasts will be opened every day from 8pm. The mourning of all our souls, we hope that it will be accepted by Hz. Hüseyin. After the day of fasting has passed, mourning ends with Ashura. It is shared with the public as a symbol of fertility. We invite all our fasting or non-fasting souls to share our bites and conversations under the roof of İakm and Cemevi, and we offer our respects.”
The Ashura day event, organized by the IAKMC every year and attended by thousands of people, will be held on August 22 at it headquarters in 19 Clarendon Road, London N8 0D.