The main focus of this mourning period is the remembrance of what is known as the Karbala event, in which Imam Huseyin and 72 of his followers were killed by the troops of Caliph Yezit for standing up for justice in 680 AD.

Mutual respect, compassion and agreement (Rızalık) for harmonious coexistence among people are more important than ever at this time. Alevi fasting envisages mainly restraint, mindfulness and reflection for 12 days and nights. The renunciation of meat, clear liquids and festivities are in the foreground.

At the end of the twelve-day fast, a sweet dish called Aşure is prepared and distributed to acquaintances, relatives and neighbours. This dish, consisting of twelve different ingredients, is also seen as a gift in memory of the Twelve Imams. Among other things, it is also a sign of gratitude that Zeynel Abidin, the son of Imam Hüseyin, survived the Karbala event due to his illness, which allowed the lineage of Imam Ali to continue.

Alevi Theological Studies