The nation is celebrating Eid-ul-Azha with religious solemnity and renewed spirit of sacrifice on December 21(today). On this day, the 10th of Zilhaj, Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) offered the sacrifice of his beloved son, Prophet Hazrat Ismail (AS), in total submission to Allah Almighty, Who blessed with mercy and asked him to sacrifice a ram instead of Hazrat Ismail (AS).
To commemorate this incident, Muslims all over the world slaughter sacrificial animals on this day and draw inspiration from the unique example of sacrifice set by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).
The faithful will throng Eid congregations across the country to invoke blessings of Allah Almighty. They will offer special prayers for Pakistan and well being of the nation. After offering Eid prayers, the faithful will slaughter sacrificial animals.
The government has announced a three-day public holiday from December 20 to 22 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday). The Radio and the TV will present special programmes, while newspapers will bring out special supplements. Many city-dwellers have already left for their native villages or towns to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones.
In the provincial metropolis, Eid congregations will be held at hundreds of mosques, open places and Eidgahs. Main Eid congregation will be held at Badshahi Mosque where the Punjab governor will offer Eid prayers. The Jamaat-e-Islami chief will lead Eid prayers at Mansoora while PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif will also celebrate Eid in Lahore.
Religious scholars have urged the faithful to be imbued with the spirit of the Eid-ul-Azha and further intensify efforts to build a peaceful and discrimination-free society. They also asked the Muslims to follow the example of sacrifice set by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) as a mark of deep faith in Allah Almighty. They expressed optimism that the Eid-ul-Azha would bring peace, prosperity, happiness, and welfare to all.
Moreover, the Rt. Rev. Dr Alexander John Malik, Bishop of Lahore and Moderator Church of Pakistan, in his message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, has extended greetings to Muslim brethren for a happy Eid.
He hoped that this would not only be a time of joyous celebration, but also an occasion of remembering those who are less privileged. The Bishop prayed that in response to the prayers of his faithful people and by his mercy, God would cause cessation of enmity and restore peace in the hearts of humans. The bishop also prayed for the progress, prosperity, and solidarity of the country.
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