Eid prayers were offered in more than 12,000 mosques in Saudi Arabia, including Masjid Al Haram and Masjid-i-Nabwi. Imam of Ka’aba Sheikh Abdullah Juhany delivered the Eid sermon in Masjid-ul-Haram while Sheikh Dr Abd al-Bari bin Awad al-Thubaiti delivered the sermon in Masjid-e-Nabawi.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman congratulated all the leaders of the Islamic world, including Pakistan, on Eidul Adha.

“We thank Allah that we saw pilgrims this year from different countries from around the world, performing Hajj with ease,” King Salman said in his video message.

One million Muslims performed the Hajj after spending the night in Muzdalifah under the open sky. They left Mina after Fajr’s prayers. They will offer sacrifices today, shave their heads and take off their ehram.

This year’s Hajj was the largest since the coronavirus pandemic. But, the resurgence of Covid-19 cases has prompted a tightening of the virus protocol to stem the spread.

As part of the preventive measures, all pilgrims were required to submit proof of full vaccination and negative PCR tests. They were also given small bags containing masks and sanitiser upon arrival at Mina on Thursday.

Bohra community celebrates Eid

The Bohra community is also celebrating Eid today here and around the world. Their biggest congregation was held in Karachi’s Bohri Bazaar.

Special prayers were offered for national security, peace, and stability. Security officials took strict measures to ensure order during prayers. The livestock was slaughtered to mark the 10th of Zilhaj.

On the second day of Eid, the Ismaili community would celebrate the 65th “Imamat Day” of their spiritual leader His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.