ISLAMABAD: Pakistani nation is celebrating Eid-ul-Azha today with religious fervour to commemorate the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismael (AS).
The day will dawn with special prayers in mosques for the well-being of the Ummah and the progress, prosperity and security of the country.
Eid-ul-Azha prayers’ congregations will be held at mosques, Eidgahs and open places in all cities, towns and villages.
Ulema, in their sermons of Eid, will highlight the significance of the philosophy of great sacrifice offered by Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismael (AS).
People will offer the sacrifice of animals to act upon the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).
Civic authorities of cities and towns have also made special arrangements for the disposal of offal and other solid waste during the three days of Eid.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has extended his warm felicitations to the nation and the Muslim Ummah on the blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
In a message, President Zardari prayed to Allah Almighty to grant His blessings and happiness to the Muslim world and Pakistan on this auspicious day.
The president highlighted the significance of Eid-ul-Azha, which commemorates the willingness of two chosen Prophets of Allah-Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) to sacrifice their dearest possessions for the pleasure of Allah.
When Allah Almighty put these great personalities through trials, both of them bowed their heads to obtain the pleasure of Allah, he said adding that this act of sacrifice became so popular in the presence of Allah Almighty that He made this worship of sacrifice obligatory on the Ummah of Muhammad (PBUH).
“It is a lesson for us that the key to success is to remain firm in the situation of trials and tests and to obey Allah Almighty.”
President Zardari urged the nation to reaffirm their commitment to the values of brotherhood, sacrifice, and selflessness on this occasion.
He encouraged everyone to share the joy of Eid with those around them, especially those who are unable to celebrate due to financial constraints.
“I prayed to Allah Almighty to shower His blessings and mercy upon the entire Muslim ummah, particularly Pakistan”, he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha felicitated the nation and Muslims around the world.
“On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend the heartiest felicitations to my countrymen and Muslims around the world. “Eid-ul-Azha commemorates the unwavering commitment and readiness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son Prophet Ismail without hesitation, as commanded by Almighty Allah. The day reminds us of the importance of sacrificing what is most dear to us in the way of Allah. It teaches us the value of selflessness and devotion to Allah,” the Prime Minister said.
“The day also serves as an occasion to unite people and foster the bond of brotherhood and fraternity as well as to look after the less fortunate amongst us and make them part of our collective celebration.”
“Whilst our wish is for peace, prosperity and love to prevail all over the world during Eid ul-Adha, we are also watching with sadness and concern about other ongoing conflicts and violence in many countries worldwide. We should not forget the sacrifices and sufferings of the people of Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. On this Eid day, we pray for our Palestinian and Kashmiri brothers and sisters who are bravely facing brutal foreign occupation but remain steadfast in their struggle to achieve their right of self-determination.”
“May the spirit of Eid-ul-Azha, with its message of solidarity and unity, bring prosperity, success and happiness to the entire Muslim ummah. Pakistan Paindabad.”