Sufī Shaykhs argue about whether or not to celebrate the Mawlid (translator's note: birthday celebrations of important religious figures of the past. If these religious figures were martyrs the date of martyrdom is seen is being born into eternal life) of al-Hussayn bin-Ali (626–680). The general council of Shaykhs of the Sufī orders stated that "the festivities next to the al-Hussein mosque should be cancelled because we are afraid of terrorist attacks".

Dr. 'Abd Allāh al-Nāsir Hilmī, secretary general of Tajammu' Āl al-Bayt al-Sharīf (a sufi group honoring the family of the prophet) and the Ittihād al-Quwwá al-Sūfiyya (the union of Sufi orders) and of the Head of  al-Bayt al-Masrī party (a sufī oriented political party) said that "the Mawlid of Hussayn is different from other Mawlids as it has many followers." He said that he was opposed to this decision, but that the Ministry of Interior asked them to cancel the festival this year. He stated that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior to provide sufficient security. It does not mean that we have to cancel all activities due to some threats. He added, "I will go to the mosque to visit Imam Hussein, even if it is closed and I have to sit on the street", highlighting that Sufis are not afraid of death because they know that God decides when people die. Sheikh 'Abd al-Majīd al-Sharnūbī, Shaykh of al- Sharnūbīa Sufi order, on the other hand said that it is not true that the festivity was cancelled and that it would take place as announced (Hānī Yāsīn, al-Tahrīr, Feb. 16. p. 4). Read original text in Arabic.