Pakistan Celebrates Eid Milad-un-Nabi with Religious Fervour

ISLAMABAD: Muslims across Pakistan are observing Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) today with religious devotion and solemnity. Prayers, processions and special programmes are being held across the country to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals. Special prayers were also 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 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. Milad processions, conferences, seminars and Mahafil-e-Milad are being organised in cities across the country.

Religious scholars and speakers are highlighting different aspects of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) life and teachings and urging people to follow his Sunnah.

People are also distributing sweets and food in markets, orphanages and neighbourhoods as part of the celebrations, reflecting the spirit of charity associated with the occasion.

President, PM’s messages

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages on Eid Milad un Nabi (PBUH), congratulated the nation and the Muslim Ummah on the blessed occasion.

They urged the younger generation to follow the Seerat of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and make high moral character, hard work and service to humanity part of their lives.

President Zardari said the day 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 stressed the need to promote justice, tolerance, inter-sectarian and interfaith harmony, and protect human dignity in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the nation must shape its collective life according to the guidance of Islam to overcome the economic, social and moral challenges facing the country.

He called on young people to take guidance from the Seerat of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), develop strong moral character, work hard and serve humanity. He also urged them to 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 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 attending the conference.

Academic papers, recommendations and practical proposals are being presented on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), with a focus on applying them to national life and addressing modern challenges.

National call for unity and tolerance

The National Assembly, in its session on Tuesday, 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. It also urged government, educational and business institutions, as well as media organisations, to take part in the celebrations.

The resolution called for promoting peace, tolerance and brotherhood in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

It also 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 focused on the life and teachings of the Prophet, who was sent as a blessing for all humanity.