Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the culmination of the fasting month of Ramazan is being celebrated throughout the country and Azad Kashmir on Sunday, October 14, with religious fervour and festivity. The faithfuls will offer Eid prayers at mosques, Eidgahs and other open spaces amid stringent security measures adopted by the law-enforcing agencies.
Ulema in their sermons will highlight the philosophy of celebrating Eid. Special prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country, unity of the Muslim Ummah, solution of their problems and liberation of Muslim territories, including occupied Kashmir and Palestine would be offered.
In the provincial metropolis, Eid congregations would be held at about 1000 places including mosques, Eidgahs and open places. The biggest congregation would be held at Badshahi Mosque, where Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool and high-ups of the government will offer Eid prayers. The government has declared Eid holidays from October 13 to 16. Almost all markets and business centres will remain closed from October 14 to 16.
The radio and television networks have chalked out special programmes on Eid. According to religious scholars, on Eid day, waking up early, using miswak, taking a shower, putting on one's best clothes, using 'Itr (scent), eating something sweet, preferably dates, before Eid prayer, reciting Takbir-ut-Tashriq (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahilhamd) aloud while going for 'Eid prayer and proceeding to the 'Eid prayer one way and to return home from another way, are Sunnah. Moreover, bakers and confectioners have prepared huge stocks to meet extra demand of people who used to exchange sweets.