Sufi Ecstacy: a journey through spiritual Egypt

Sheikh Nasser Khawatim, a farmer and Sufi mystic, guides us on a journey from his home in Sohag, Eygpt to the colourful four-day celebration of the Sufi Saint Sidi Abdel Reheem El Qinawi in Qina. One of many Mawlids (Sufi Festivals) that he visits every year; he attends with the purpose of gathering with friends on the path and with the hope of receiving personal messages, orders and blessings from the saint. He submits himself to the Mawlid without any expectations – in his words, “you can find anything you’re looking for (there) as long as you’re on the right path”.

Over the four-day celebration, the area surrounding the shrine is completely transformed by the community and its visitors. Temporary structures to eat, sleep, and dance spring up, whilst other areas are transformed into a market space, selling clothes, jewelry and toys. Traditionally, a fairground is also erected.

Nasser guides us through these spaces as well as taking us between various services organised by the Sufi groups to provide free food and places to rest (Khidma’s).
In these Khidma’s we meet many of the films passing characters who discuss with Nasser the meaning of Sufism, their relationship to the saints, why they attend the Mawlid and their understanding of Islamic religious teachings. In the evening a space is cleared for the collective Zikr, where visitors dance and chant in remembrance of God in spiritual ecstasy.

Along the journey we meet Iman, Nasser’s ex-wife. Although Nasser has been avoiding her, discussions about a cure for her diabetes and the meaning of love and forgiveness helps to ease some bitter feelings from their past.

Nasser’s journey to Sidi Abdel Reheem is an experience that sheds light on the cultural, social and spiritual relevance of the mawlid, and the power and relevance it still carries within Egyptian and Islamic culture today.