The moment is perfect. Just as two men tilt their upper bodies sideways, to the left and right, a photo is taken of a man mid-way through a chant or scream. That his mood is indicative of an extraordinary disposition is most evident by the lack of similar expressions on the faces of those in his general vicinity. Yet his sudden or prolonged state of rapture does not appear off-putting or out of place; almost everyone, save the man with the striped Lacoste polo shirt, has turned their attention elsewhere. It is as though each attendee is left to his own solemn reverie, to seek the breakpoint in the moment where you enter the unknown and your mood is changed for it.

— Emmanuel Iduma

The photo was taken outside Sayyida Zeinab mosque in Cairo that commemorates and pays respect to the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad. Celebrations like these typically see hundreds or thousands of Sufis – followers of Islamic mysticism – flock to the shrines of important Islamic figures who they consider saints. They travel to seek blessings and spirituality during mawlids – the birth dates of these figures – to shrines across Cairo, Egypt and the wider Muslim world. 

I saw this man swaying to melodies and chants in a captivating trance. He seemed totally immersed in the moment, chanting from time to time, and whirling faster and faster. I took some images from afar and slowly got closer to  get the right moment and center him in the frame.

I was happy with how this photo turned out, well centered, lit, conveying strong emotions. There is an energy to the mawlid that I felt this photograph in particular managed to relay.

In my work I often look to center an individual amongst others, to find the small moment that reflects the bigger context, one in which we can find ourselves in, allowing us to find understanding in observation. Photography's impact is often when the mundane is highlighted as part of the shared, beautiful experience of living. To bring to the forefront, visually and beautifully, the moments of life, whether in moments of joy or despair.

— Mosa’ab Elshamy

Mosa'ab Elshamy is an Egyptian photojournalist covering daily news stories, as well as in-depth cultural and social documentary projects across the Middle East and North Africa. His work has been described as dedicated, humane and intimate. He is currently based in Morocco as a staff photographer for the Associated Press. See more of his work on his website and Instagram, plus a conversation on Scene Now.