For hundreds of years, Egyptians have continued to commemorate birthdays of revered figures in Islamic history such as Prophet Muhammad, his relatives and Sufi Saints. Every year, millions of worshipers flock to the shrines of the saints, across cities and deserts , where they are believed to be buried. At the Mawlids, they seek redemption, blessing and fortune as they publicly exhibit their vulnerable love. The tradition of mawlids began in the days of the Fatimid Caliphates who ruled Egypt during the 10th and 11th centuries, and has stayed strong until now as the popularity of Sufism in Egyptian society has remained steady. More than 50 mawlids - almost one for every week of the year - are now held in even some of the most remote parts of country. The celebrations always take place around a mosque which usually has the same name as the Saint being celebrated. Sufi followers spend their time in the mawlid in big circles called al-hadra in which they listen to religious songs and whirl around while being rapt in spiritual revelations.