Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) is being celebrated on Tuesday across the country with religious zeal and fervour with a message from President Dr Arif Alvi to the nation to follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet.
The day dawned with a 31 and 21 gun-salute in the federal and provincial capitals respectively.
Special prayers were offered after Fajar in mosques for peace, progress and prosperity of the country, besides liberation of Palestine and Kashmir.
Special prayers were also offered in mosques following Mehfil-i-Naat and conferences last night.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: In his message, President Alvi said that following Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example was the key to success in this world and hereafter.
“The only solution to the problems being faced by the Muslim ummah, including chaos, oppression and injustice is following the seerat,” he said.
The president also appreciated the government’s “exemplary efforts to make Pakistan a welfare state in line with Riyasat-e-Madina”.
“We need to gain knowledge of seerat in order to understand the true concept of Islam,” he added.
PRIME MINISTER: Imran Khan said Prophet Muhammad’s birth brought a revolution in every aspect of human society, broke the system of oppression in the world and opened the doors of welfare.
“Rabiul Awwal is a month when the creator of the universe sent Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a guide for the success of humanity in this world and hereafter.”
The premier said it was the effect of the Prophet’s arrival that the Arab tribes who were victims of internal chaos for centuries emerged as a nation. The rights of women were protected, slaves were given respect in society, and orphans and needy people got protection, he added.
He said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) laid the foundation of Riyasat-e-Madina which emerged as an example for others in terms of humanity, justice, and rule of law.
In that state system, minorities were protected, poor and needy were taken care of and rights and obligations of the state and citizens were determined, the premier noted.
He said the government had formed the Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen Authority to apprise the people and the world about the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The authority will research the individual and collective aspects of the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and make the world familiar with the Islamic revolution, he added.
“The authority will make the world aware of the respect that Muslims give to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and will take steps for stopping Islamophobia.
“On this auspicious day, I want to appeal especially to the parents to tell their children about the different aspects of the moral values espoused by Prophet Muhammad during education and character building.
“We are determined that together, we will make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state on the lines of Riyasat-e-Madina and will continue to make efforts to live our lives in light of the golden principles of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” the prime minister added.
THE CELEBRATION: Meanwhile, Special conferences, events and Mehfil-e-Milad are also being held across the country. All government and private buildings, streets, markets and mosques have been decorated with colourful lights and buntings.
Processions and rallies have been organised in small and big cities of the country in which love for the Prophet (PBUH) is being expressed.
Religious scholars will also address the gatherings in different cities in which the life of the Prophet (PBUH) would be narrated.
People have decorated their houses with beautiful lamps. In addition, beautiful models of the Kaaba and the Masjid-e-Nabwi have been placed on the streets in different cities.
In order to thwart any untoward incident, the government has put in place strict security arrangements. Special contingents of police have been deployed for the security of processions and rallies. More than 4,500 police personnel have been deployed for the security of the main procession in Karachi.
In Islamabad, the Central Milad Procession will start from Bhutto Cricket Ground, near Sitara Market in Sector G-7.
In Lahore, a Milad ceremony will be held at the mosque of the Chief Minister Office. In the provincial capital, a large Milad procession will start from the Lahore Railway Station.
The main procession will be taken out from the Walled City in which small processions merge.
Processions will also be held in Faisalabad, Abbottabad, and other cities.
