ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (Alliance News): Muslims across Pakistan are observing Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) today with religious fervour and solemnity, with prayers, processions, conferences and special programmes being held to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes at provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered after Fajr for the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
The government has declared August 26 a public holiday across the country on the occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1448 AH.
Streets, roads, buildings, mosques and homes have been decorated with green buntings, flags and colourful lights as people mark the occasion with religious devotion.
Milad processions are being taken out in cities across the country, organised by religious organisations, Milad committees and government and community groups. Conferences, seminars and Mahafil-e-Milad are also being held, with religious scholars and speakers highlighting different aspects of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
People are also distributing sweets and food in markets, orphanages and neighbourhoods, reflecting the spirit of charity associated with the blessed occasion.
President, PM’s messages
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages on Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), extended felicitations to the nation and the Muslim Ummah and urged the younger generation to draw guidance from the Seerat of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
President Zardari said the occasion reminded Muslims of the great blessing bestowed by Allah Almighty through the Holy Prophet (PBUH), who brought humanity the message of faith, guidance, justice, mercy and noble character.
He called for the promotion of justice, tolerance, inter-sectarian and interfaith harmony, and protection of human dignity in line with the teachings of Islam.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that overcoming the economic, social and moral challenges facing the country required the nation to mould its collective life according to the guidance provided by Islam.
He urged the younger generation to make high moral character, hard work and service to humanity the purpose of their lives and play their role in making Pakistan a strong, prosperous, peaceful and welfare state.
Seerat-un-Nabi conference in Islamabad
The main official event is an International Seerat-un-Nabi Conference being held in Islamabad under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
This year’s conference is focused on “Protection, Development and Character Building of the Younger Generation in the Light of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH)”.
Religious scholars, intellectuals, researchers, university professors, parliamentarians, diplomats, government officials, media representatives and other prominent figures from Pakistan and various Islamic countries are participating in the event.
Academic papers, recommendations and practical proposals are being presented on different aspects of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) life and teachings, with particular focus on applying them to national life and contemporary challenges.
National call for unity and tolerance
The National Assembly, in its session on Tuesday, also called for Eid Milad-un-Nabi to be marked through national-level programmes and urged federal and provincial governments to ensure widespread participation in the celebrations.
A resolution unanimously passed by the House called for the illumination and decoration of highways and roads and urged government, educational and business institutions, as well as media organisations, to participate in the celebrations.
The resolution also called for the promotion of peace, tolerance and brotherhood in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
It urged the nation to observe the occasion with devotion, respect and unity while renewing its commitment to the Prophet’s teachings and Sunnah.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed by Muslims in Pakistan and around the world on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The occasion is marked by prayers, charity and gatherings centred on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).