Muharram fasting begins

Düzgün stated, "When the month of Muharram is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is the fasting we observe for the sake of God. According to our faith, this month is a time to reinforce God's pleasure and feelings of peace, to stand against oppression and injustice, to side with the oppressed, to hold one's essence accountable, and to cleanse hearts with the dignity of being human.

Fasting in this month is to join in the repentance of Prophet Adam, and to commemorate Prophet Noah, Prophet Jonah, Prophet Abraham, Prophet Job, Prophet Enoch, Prophet Moses, Prophet Jesus, and the sun of the two worlds, Prophet Muhammad Mustafa.

It is to be adorned with their love. It is to be adorned with their path and their morality, and to be faithful to one's vows. Fasting in this month is to turn the loyalty shown to the 12 Imams, primarily Imam Ali, into action.

Fasting in this month means keeping the noble struggle of the Master of Martyrs, Imam Hussein, and those who pledged their word to him, alive with faith, determination, and perseverance even centuries later.

While the men of the Ahl al-Bayt were martyred in Karbala, Imam Hussein's eldest son survived. The lineage of the Ahl al-Bayt, the Imams and Sayyids, continued through Imam Zayn al-Abidin. Those who follow the path of the Ahl al-Bayt will attain spiritual salvation.

As Alevis, we perform our fasting worship both as a sign of gratitude and praise for the salvation and peace of the prophets and for the fact that the lineage of our Prophet did not end but continued in the world; for this reason, we observe a 12-day mourning fast.

Alevis have loved all people as the work of God, found the essence of Islam in the 'four gates and forty stations,' summarized this with the rule of 'be master of your hands, your tongue, and your loins,' and have always stood by the oppressed, saying, 'Even if you are wronged a thousand times, do not be an oppressor once.' They have defined their path as a path of love, peace, brotherhood, and friendship.

In our Cemevis, we will provide meals to break the fast every evening, hold cem worship services, and conduct Muharram conversations. Blessed are those who fast for the sake of God! Blessed are those who fill their hearts with the love of God and humanity by fasting. May Almighty God accept our fasts, our mourning, and all our acts of worship," he said.