(2 Jan 2019) LEAD IN:
Thousands of people in Cairo have celebrated the birthday of Al-Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
The streets outside Al-Hussein Mosque were packed with worshippers enjoying the party atmosphere.

STORY-LINE:
It is a celebratory night.
Egyptians decorate this special mosque to celebrate the birthday of Al-Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
The place, which is also named after Al-Hussein, sees a large gathering of people wanting to enter.
Many worshippers crowd inside the silver-gilded shrine of Al-Hussein, which some believe to be his burial spot.
This year's Moulid comes after a December attack on a tourist bus in Cairo which killed four and left many injured.
There are traditional chants and storytelling, free food for all along with music and religious dancing, something synonymous with Sufi traditions of Islam.
It is a mystical form of the religion considered as an integral part of the faith by its followers.
They belong to 'Turuq', Arabic for orders, which are founded by masters who trace their learnings to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Egypt has millions of Sufi followers, with the unofficial figure estimated to be around 15 million in the country.
Shrines of Sufi saints are found across the country and celebrations of their saints' birthdays are very popular, drawing millions of Egyptians and some others from neighbouring countries.
Ibrahim Salem is a Libyan man who has come to pay his respects at the mosque.
He says: "Thank God, lots of people come from all Arab countries to celebrate Moulid here. Brothers meeting here, everybody here is equal to one another, the poor and the rich (gather here) for the love of Prophet Muhammad and all his family."
Many practise Sufi traditional dances and chants which they say bring the worshipper closer to God.
They also are active in charity, providing food and hospitality for the poor.
The festive atmosphere in and around the mosque draws a huge crowd, including women.
Um Khalid is a local resident who is here with her husband.
"All from Egypt's governorates and from Cairo are here to celebrate the Moulid."
The celebrations continue into the night with the lights of Al-Hussein Mosque illuminating the darkness.

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