FILM: Moulid: Sufi Ritual in Upper Egypt Monday, December 1 / 7 PM / FREE McCune Conference Room, 6020 HSSB, UCSB Mulid literally means birth in Arabic. In the Muslim world, Mulid is a popular celebration of the birth of a religious Saint. In Egypt, both Muslim and Christian saints are commemorated through annual festivities held on the date of the saint's birth or death. The celebrations include public processions and parades of Sufi Orders, Hadras (Sufi rituals featuring Sufi chanting or Inshad and dhikr), and other religious rites. Many customs have often been associated with Mulids, such as circumcision and the sale of Mulid candy. The festive atmosphere transcends religious activities; ferris wheels, swings, and other entertainment activities usually surround the celebration's center. Shot in August 2003, this film depicts a small Mulid celebration near Assyut (Upper Egypt) and features Sheikh Ahmad Al Tuni, the Sultan of the Munshiddin. To the rhythm of his Inshad (melodic rendering of various classical Muslim and Sufi texts), Egyptian Sufis move their bodies to experience the divine. Mina Girgis, Miles Jay and Alex Pasternak will introduce the film. Top of Page <<Back