(Photo by Ahmed AlMalky)
Every year, hordes of Egyptians head to Al Hussein Mosque in Al-Azhar area to celebrate the birthday of Al Hussein ibn Ali Taleb, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. Al Hussein has a great significance to Muslims and especially Shi’a and Sufis, who celebrate his birthday every year. The festivities in Cairo have a fair-like nature, including games, performances and a market. This year, the festivities, which lasted from 19 to 26 February, ended with what is known as the “big night”, featuring a religious recitation by Sufi Reciter Yaseen Tohamy.
The mosque was built in 1154 BCE during the Fatimid Caliphate. It is believed that Al Hussein’s head was buried underneath the mosque.
