Muslims across Pakistan celebrated Eidul Azha with religious fervour on Monday (today) as the feast of the sacrifice began with prayers and was marked by large social gatherings and giving meat to the needy.

Eidul Azha marks the end of the Hajj and commemorates Prophet Ibraham’s (AS) readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to Allah.

The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for the well-being of the Ummah and the progress, prosperity and security of the country, according to Radio Pakistan. Eid prayers congregations were held at mosques, Eidgahs and open places in all cities, towns and villages.

In their sermons, ulema highlighted the significance of the philosophy of great sacrifice offered by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).

People are sacrificing animals to act upon the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Civic authorities of cities and towns have also made special arrangements for the disposal of offal and other solid waste during the three days of Eid.

The government has requested people to ensure safe disposal of offal and remains of sacrificial animals at designated places to avoid bird-aircraft collision risk.

“The public is requested to avoid throwing offal in the areas around the airports because it leads to the gathering of scavengers and birds that may collide with the airplane and lead to a serious tragedy,” it said.

President Zardari calls for reaffirming commitment to values of brotherhood

President Asif Ali Zardari has extended his felicitations to the nation and the Muslim Ummah on Eidul Azha.

In a message, he prayed to Allah Almighty to grant blessings and happiness to the Muslim world and Pakistan on the auspicious day.

The president highlighted the significance of Eidul Azha, which commemorates the willingness of two chosen Prophets of Allah Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) to sacrifice their dearest possessions for the pleasure of Allah.

“When Allah Almighty put these great personalities through trials, both of them bowed their heads to obtain the pleasure of Allah, he said adding that this act of sacrifice became so popular in the presence of Allah Almighty that He made this worship of sacrifice obligatory on the Ummah of Muhammad (PBUH).

It is a lesson for us that the key to success is to remain firm in the situation of trials and tests and to obey Allah Almighty,“ he said.

President Zardari urged the nation to reaffirm their commitment to the values of brotherhood, sacrifice, and selflessness on this occasion.

He encouraged everyone to share the joy of Eid with those around them, especially those who are unable to celebrate due to financial constraints.

PM Shehbaz urges nation to look after less fortunate ‘amongst us’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended warm greetings to the Pakistani nation and Muslims around the world on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

In a message, he said Eidul Azha commemorates the unwavering commitment and readiness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son Prophet Ismail without hesitation, as commanded by Almighty Allah. “The day reminds us of the importance of sacrificing what is most dear to us in the way of Allah. It teaches us the value of selflessness and devotion to Allah.”

The prime minister said the day also serves as an occasion to unite the people and foster the bonds of brotherhood and fraternity as well as to “look after the less fortunate amongst us and make them part of our collective celebration.”

He also expressed his concerns over the ongoing conflicts and violence in many countries worldwide. “We should not forget the sacrifices and sufferings of the people of Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.

“We pray for our Palestinian and Kashmiri brothers and sisters who are bravely facing brutal foreign occupation but remain steadfast in their struggle to achieve their right of self-determination,” PM Shehbaz said.

“May the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha, with its message of solidarity and unity, brings prosperity, success and happiness to the entire Muslim ummah,” he added.

Armed forces, CJCSC and services chiefs felicitate nation on Eid

The armed forces of Pakistan, the chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC) and services chiefs extended their warm felicitations to all Pakistanis on Eidul Azha.

“This sacred event embodies the spirit of sacrifice for the greater good. On this auspicious day, we are indebted to our martyrs and ghazis for the independence and peace which prevail in the country, and pay tribute to their ultimate sacrifices,” said a statement from the Inter Services Public Relations.

“May Allah Almighty continue to bestow His blessings upon Pakistan and protect it from the nefarious designs of its adversaries, Ameen,” it added.