Moulid_0006

A Sufi woman from the Burhaniya order sits next to Fatimah al-Nabawiya’s shrine on the eve of her moulid in Al-Batiniya, Cairo. She holds a sword, symbolising her guarding of the shrine, and a copy of the Quran, representing spiritual power. Her hands are colored with henna, a symbol of happiness and a good omen. Al-Azhar has tried banning such ritual practices in Egyptian moulids, yet they continue to spread, with followers convinced they must defend their masters against evil spirits.