Ancient moulids face modern pressures

Translated by: Amira Elmasry Local moulids in Egypt — celebrating the births of Sufi masters and “Al-awliya” (pl. custodians, protectors) — are of particular cultural significance for Egyptians. Moulid celebrations are one of the places in which traditions with a long legacy that dates back to Pharaonic times are practiced, such as receiving the blessings of awliya, henna and lighting candles. They are also an important place for Egyptians, from urban and rural areas, of different sects and ages, to gather, dance, celebrate and listen to chants and prayers. While Cairo is the most important site for various moulids, due to the large number of shrines to awliya and Sufi masters in the city, many other areas outside Cairo have their own wali (s. custodian, protector). Despite several attempts by official religious institutions and Salafi sheikhs to ban moulids, Egyptians are still celebrating them in their own ways.