Marking Moleed in Egypt... Here's Original Story

Egyptians used to mark Prophet’s Mohamed birthday (Moleed) in different cheerful forms.

The celebration includes spiritual chanting sessions for praising prophet Mohamed and his family (Al Hadra), spreading sweets and foods (Halawet El Moleed), carnivals (El Lila and El Zafah), and certain toys for boys and girls.

The earliest Moleed celebration is dated back to the Fatimid Caliphate era in Egypt. Many historians confirmed the main reason for preparing those celebrations in Egypt is political more than a religious one.

The Fatimids were Shiite, unlike the Egyptians who were Sunni. Therefore, the Fatimids converted the religious tendencies of Egypt from Sunni to Shiite so they held those preparations to embrace the Egyptians and deliver them a religious message to stop any protests.

According to Dr. Abdel Rihim Khalaf, Islamic History Professor, Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah was the earliest ruler of Egypt who set local celebrations for Moleed includes spreading gifts, setting up banquets, decorated parades. Moreover, many volunteers had the responsibility of distributing sweets in the Al Azhar mosque and the caliph’s palace.

Regarding the traditional Moleed sweets, the Egyptians mastered making sugar desserts and compose very cheerful shapes from it like palaces, buildings, and folk shapes.

This industry paved the way to the iconic Bride of the Moleed’s (A’aroseet El Moleed). The Bride of the Moleed is characterized by a very colorful dress and long hair.

It is believed that there is a connection between the ancient Egyptian legend of the Pride of the Nile and the Pride of the Moleed according to Khalaf. The horse and the knight may be inspired by the parades of the caliph and his state men.

Regarding the food, the Egyptians try to follow certain food codes during the celebration alongside family gatherings such as grilled meat (Kabab), Rice Kabab (Koftet Roz), Fatteh, and Couscous.

One of the most famous shows portrayed the rituals of el Moleed is El Lila El Kibera composed by Sayed Mekawi and written by Salah Gahin. The earliest show of the performance was staged by puppets directed by Salah El Sakka.