The Ashirra
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.Predominant Clans: Clan Brujah, Clan Assamites, Clan Lasombra, Clan Nosferatu.
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.
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 time of the second world war so has the Ashirra entered a truce with the camarilla.
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