Moulid_0007

A dervish (someone who follows a Sufi Muslim ascetic path and often takes a vow of austerity) stands next to Fatimah al-Nabawiya’s shrine in Cairo on the eve of her moulid. Most Sufi dervishes in Egypt go into a trance state, enabling them to hear the spirits of their masters and convey their messages. Many Sufis receive blessings from such dervishes and provide them with food and clothing in return.