The faithful thronged to mosques, as Jummat-ul-Wida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramazan, was observed with religious fervour and sanctity amid stringent security measures adopted by the law-enforcing agencies on Friday. The faithful thronged mosques in the city to offer Juma prayers and to seek the blessings and mercy of the Almighty Allah.
Special arrangements were made to accommodate the extraordinary surge of faithful in all mosques in various areas of the city. The management of mosques had erected tents outside the main mosque buildings to create additional space for offering of prayers. At a number of places, the faithful offered prayers on roads. Police officials in uniform and plain clothes were deployed in a large number at various mosques.
The Khateebs and Ulema delivered special sermons highlighting the significance of Jummat-ul-Wida and Shab-i-Qadr. They exhorted the faithful to submit themselves to the will of Almighty Allah to seek His mercy and blessings. They called for greater unity among the Muslims to counter the present-day challenges. Special prayers were offered for the progress, peace and prosperity of Pakistan, the unity of Muslims the world over and for their emancipation.
They said the Muslims had everlasting message of peace for humanity and a true Muslim could not be a terrorist. They said the Muslim world was passing through a critical phase because of its rulers, who had joined the international imperialist alliance under the US.
In Lahore, big congregations were held at the Badshahi Mosque, the Data Darbar mosque, Minhaj ul Quran, Jamia Ashrafia, Masjid Ibrahim, Bagh-e-Jinnah and many other mosques. Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Haji Ehsan Uddin Qureshi visited Badshahi mosque to review the arrangements extended to those who joined "Eiteqaf". Khateeb Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad was also present. Minister took a round and inspected the security system, cleanliness and other arrangements made by Auqaf Department there.
Haji Ehsan Uddin Qureshi said on the occasion that sacred month of Ramzan demands more sense of responsibility and firm determination to work for the betterment of this beloved motherland. He said that "Eiteqaf" makes relation strength between man and "Allah" and this month actually overhaul our energies to work for the up-lift and betterment of society.