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The Alevis, or Deifiers of Ali
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 November 2011
Extract
A religion different from Islam, centring about the person and teaching of Ali, the adopted son of Muhammed, is steadily gaining ground in certain sections of the Turkish Empire. The believers are called Alevis both by themselves and by the Muslims. The name Kuzul Bash (u as in “cut”), which means “Red Head” and is often used as a term of reproach, is said to have originated at the battle of Siffin. Ali said, “Tie red upon your heads, so that ye slay not your own comrades in the thick of the battle.” In Persia the community is known by the name of Ali Ilāhi, and has commonly been regarded as a sect of Muhammedanism.
The object of this study is to investigate the true nature of this faith with as much accuracy as an oriental religion permits, and to consider the relations of the Alevi brotherhood with Islam and Christianity.
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- Copyright © President and Fellows of Harvard College 1909
References
1 Almuslimu man salima-l-nāsu ‘an yadihi walisānihi. [The Muslim is one from whose hand and tongue men are safe. — A well-known tradition of Muhammed.]
2 waẓīfah.
3 makshūf, ma'lūm.
4 mastūr.
5 raj'at fi'lī.
6 [I.e. The Books of Abraham (Koran 87, end), the Law (Torah), Psalms, Gospels (Euangelion), Koran.]
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