Festival of the Faithful
Moulids, or saints' festivals, are a popular and long-standing tradition that take place all across Egypt.
There is a popular Egyptian saying to describe disorder and chaos that goes, "mulid wi sahbuh ghayib", which translates to “it's like a moulid without its leader!”. Moulid festivals are indeed busy, crowded events, but it is the saint at the center, the leader, that transforms them into celebratory festivals filled with ritual, fellowship, and blessings.
Coptic MoulidAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Interfaith Celebrations
While there are far more Islamic moulids in Egypt, there are also several Christian moulids throughout the country honoring Christian saints. Both share a festival-like atmosphere, acts of piety, amusements, and stories of the saint’s miracles.
Luxor Temple Square (2018-11-11)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Root Meaning
Dr. Noha Abou-Khatwa explains the origins and activities of Moulids, a term derived from the Arabic word meaning birth. It is often used in reference to al Mawlid al-Nabawi, the celebration of the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.
Almost every village in the country has their own local celebration. But there are at least 20 larger moulid festivals that attract pilgrims from all over Egypt, including the festivals of Sayyid Al-Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet.
Women at a Moulid Festival (2018-11-20) by Ehab Kamal (MENA)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Major Moulids
Dr. Noha Abou-Khatwa describes some of the more popular moulids in Egypt and the importance of receiving blessings, or baraka.
Venerating Al-Sayyida Zaynab
Another is the moulid of Al-Sayyida Zaynab, granddaughter of the Prophet and daughter of ‘Ali, the first Imam of the Shia branch of Islam. These moulids bring together hundreds of thousands of people in the heart of historic Cairo.
Mulid Festival of Abu'l Hajjaj in Luxor Egypt (2011-07-15)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Enduring Traditions
Another major moulid takes place in Luxor to venerate Sheikh Abu’l Hajjaj. Boats and shrines are paraded through the city in honor of him, an ancient tradition with roots in Pharaonic Egypt.
A Moulid Festival at Night (2017-03-08) by Ehab Kamal (MENA)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Community Celebrations
Although each moulid is unique, they are all a mix of pilgrimage, piety, celebration, community, and entertainment. They take place in the public squares and streets of the city and are usually multi-day festivals culminating in a “great night”.
At the start of the festival, lights and decorative banners are hung in the streets surrounding the mosque or shrine of the saint.
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Sacred Shrines
The saint’s shrine or mosque is the focal point of the activities and the place pilgrims go to for blessings. Islamic saints are venerated for their exceptional piety and devotion to God.
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There are many ways to venerate the saint at their shrine; some people pray, recite Fatiha (the first surah of the Quran), touch or kiss the shrine, or circle the space.
Dhikr
There are other acts of devotion to God at the moulid including Dhikr, which is the recitation and singing of certain prayers and phrases. Dhikr can be a structured, organized event, or a spontaneous gathering, but all who participate are focused on honoring and venerating God.
Performer at a Moulid Festival (2018-04-10) by Ehab Kamal (MENA)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Often Sufi groups travel to moulids, each with their own sheikh, or leader. They set up tents in the surrounding streets where they eat, sleep, and receive visitors. Popular Sufi singers perform religious music in the evenings.
Children on Swings at MoulidAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Joyful Pursuits
There are also vendors and entertainers set up in the streets. They sell toys, candy, party hats, and food while visitors socialize, partake in games, and enjoy rides.
Man Serving Drinks at a Moulid Festival (2018-01-16) by Ehab Kamal (MENA)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
The activities mostly happen at night and temporary cafes are often set up to welcome pilgrims and host popular singers.
Luxor Temple Square (2018-11-11)American Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Cycle of Celebration
After the moulid is over, the streets begin to empty as visiting pilgrims pack up and leave, sometimes traveling onward to the next moulid festival.
Man Selling Foods at a Moulid Festival by UnknownAmerican Research Center In Egypt (ARCE)
Threads of Connection
Moulid festivals are a fun celebration but, more importantly, the tradition is at the heart of Egyptian communities and central to the religious, social, and economic life of the people who live there.
Special thanks to Dr. Noha Abou-Khatwa, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Arab and Islamic Civilizations at The American University in Cairo.
Story by Tessa Litecky
3D scanning of the Abu'l Hajjaj Mosque by Andreas Kostopoulos (ARCE) and Ayman Damarany (MoTA)
This story was created in association with a museum exhibition and academic conference titled Exalted Spirits: The Veneration of the Dead in Egypt through the Ages, jointly organized by The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), The American University in Cairo (AUC), and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) in Egypt.
