A man sells traditional doll toys and sweets for children to celebrate the birthday of prophet Muhammad, also known as “mawlid al nabi”, which will fall next week, in a makeshift tent in Cairo, December 30, 2014. (Photo by Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters)
CAIRO – 22 November 2017: The Mawlid al-Nabawi is almost here, as it is celebrated each year on Rabi’ al-Awwal 12 of the Hijri year, which will be on Dec 1 this year.
This sacred celebration has become a colorful festivity throughout Islamic countries. It is not equivalent to the two Eid holidays, but is a joyful remembrance of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (peace be upon him).
The day is mainly celebrated through religious rituals, such as reading the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet. However, since the time of the Fatimid Caliphate in the 10th century, the celebrations became more extravagant, as people started going out to celebrate through singing songs and religious anthems, telling stories about the Prophet (PBUH) and of course eating “Halawat al-Mawlid” (sweet candy).
While the most famous type of Halawat al-Mawlid used to be “Al Arosa” (the bride) and “Al Hosan” (the horse), which were made of molten sugar, they are not as popular anymore. People now resort to more conventional types of Mawlid candy, such as “Foolia” (caramelized peanuts) and “Semsemia” (caramelized sesame treat) and other types of caramelized nut bars and coconut sweets.
Here are the best places in Cairo to buy Halawat al-Mawlid. Have a happy Mawlid, but go slow on the candy and remember to brush your teeth!
Salé Sucré Pâtisserie
Sedra
La Reine Doree Pâtisserie
La Poire
Tseppas
Coppermelt
El Abd Patisserie
Etoile
Monginis
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