Ashirra

Symbol of the Ashirra

The Ashirra (from ashira, Arabic for "clan") is the sect under which Islamic vampires declare their faith in Allah, and which rules over Arabia and North Africa, beginning in the Dark Ages. Members of the Ashirra believe that redemption for the Kindred was among the promises Muhammad made if they chose to follow Allah. While some vampires are true followers of Islam (most notably the Bay't Mutasharid), the vast majority of Kindred involved in the Ashirra follow Islam because it is convenient for them or to make it easier to operate in the Middle East. Like the Camarilla or Sabbat, the Ashirra is prone to power plays and political maneuvering.

In some instances, Ashirra can be used to refer to any vampire who follows Islam.

History

The Ashirra were founded in the earliest days of Islam. In 622 CE, an Arabian Lasombra named Suleiman ibn Abdullah converted to Islam and took up the task of defending the faith and spreading it to fellow Cainites. Within a few years several other converts spread the faith across the Arabian peninsula and beyond. By 632, the core tenets of the sect had taken shape and the Ashirra established themselves as a major power in the Islamic world. At their height, they stretched across the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, conflicting with Frankish Cainites during the Crusades and the Reconquista, and with Mongol Cainites during their invasion of Persia and Central Asia.

It is never mentioned what led to the decline of the Ashirra. The sect spread into Asia with Muslim traders, establishing themselves on the Indian subcontinent and the Malay archipelago as far east as Mindanao despite opposition from both local Hindu Cainites and the Wan Kuei. They even managed to establish Sultans in Mumbai, Delhi, and Lahore. As late as the 19th century, the Ashirra were still vying for influence in Egypt, the Holy Land, and the steadily declining Ottoman Empire. By the modern era, their influence is greatly reduced and the Ashirra have entered a truce with the Camarilla to preserve what power they have left.

The sect is strongest in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Afghanistan, though it has some influence in Egypt as well.

Terminology

Political Terms

• Umma. The community of the faithful among the Ashirra. Many decisions are made by a vote of the Umma.
• Sultan. The Ashirra equivalent of prince.
• Imam. The spiritual leader of the Ashirra community.
• 'Ulama. Wise men and other religious scholars in the community.
• Mullah. The most respected religious scholars of the Ashirra.
• Qadi. The judges and lawkeepers of the community.

Terms for Clans and Bloodlines

Note that in cases where it is used, "bay't" stands for "clan," so a member of Bay't Mushakis is a Mushakis.

• Banu Haqim (Assamites)
• Al-Amin (Salubri)
• Bay't Majnoon (Malkavians, lit. "Crazy House"). Plural: Majanin.
• Bay't Mujrim (Ravnos, lit. "Felon House"). Plural: Mujrimin.
• Bay't Mushakis (Brujah, lit. "Aggressive House"). Plural: Mushakisin.
• Bay't Mutasharid (Nosferatu, lit. "Vagrant House"). Plural: Mutasharidin.
• El Hijazi (Ventrue). This term is used for a small group of Ventrue in Arabia. Most other Ashirra of the clan have no special name.
• Qabilat al-Khayal (Lasombra)
• Qabilat al-Mawt (Cappadocian)
• Ray'een al-Fen (Toreador)
• Shepherds of Islam (independent)
• Wah'Sheen (Gangrel)

V20 Timeline

The Ashirra have begun to integrate into and join with the Camarilla, seemingly bringing the Assamite clan along with them.

References

• VTDA: Veil of Night, p. 14-15, 19
• VTM: Cairo by Night
• VTM: State of Grace