Ashirra

The Ashirra, from the Arabic word for brethren, was the organization under which Islamic kindred declared their faith in Allah, and which ruled over Arabia and North Africa in the Dark Ages. Members of the Ashirra believed that redemption for the kindred was among the promises Muhammad made if they chose to follow Allah. While some kindred were true followers of Islam (most notably the Bay't Mutasharid), the vast majority of kindred involved in the Ashirra followed Islam because it was convienent for them or to make it easier to operate in the Middle East. Like the Camarilla or Sabbat, the Ashirra was prone to power plays and political manueverings.

The term was also used as one for any kindred who followed Islam, not just those who were actually members of the group.


 * VTDA: Veil of Night, p. 14-15, 19