ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Muslims across Pakistan are celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) with enthusiasm, religious zeal and reverence on Thursday (12th Rabi-ul-Awal) amid tight security arrangements.
The day-long programmes started with special prayers in mosques located in various urban and rural areas after Namaz-e-Fajr for unity, prosperity and solidarity of the country.
The faithfuls have decorated and illuminated their houses, streets, mosques, religious seminaries, shrines, buildings, important roads and plazas with colourful lights and buntings to celebrate the day.
In order to mark the birthday of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), numerous Milad processions are being taken out from various parts of the country where Naat Mahafils have been arranged by different religious parties to pay homage to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Likewise, conferences and meetings on Seerat-un-Nabi are also being held every nook and corner of the country where speakers are highlighting various aspects of `Uswa-e-Hasna’, the sacred life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Meanwhile, all the provincial governments have made foolproof security arrangements for the Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) to ensure peace and tranquillity throughout their respective provinces.
Hundreds of policemen aided by other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have been deployed in various areas to ensure security to the processions taken out on Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). There are strict monitoring of the processions while Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have also been installed to ensure security.
In addition, a ban has been imposed by concerned authorities on display of arms, firing, objectionable speeches, distribution of objectionable literature, posters, banners, advertisements and wall chalking across the country.
Similarly, Rescue 1122 has been put on high alert on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal with trained paramedical staff and fully equipped emergency vehicles to provide swift response in case of any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, a public holiday has been announced across the country on December 24 in respect of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH).
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday celebration ‘sinful’: Saudi Grand Mufti
It is pertinent to here that the Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh earlier this year warned against celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), saying that it is a superstitious practice that was illegally added to the religion.
“It is a bida (a sinful religious innovation) that crept into Islam after the first three centuries when the companions and successors of the companions lived,” he said in his Friday congregational sermons at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque in Riyadh on January 2, 2015, according to Arab News.
Instead, the Grand Mufti said, it is obligatory for Muslims to follow last Prophet’s teachings as contained in the Sunnah.
The Saudi Grand Mufti said that those who urge others to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are evil and corrupt.
“The true love of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is manifested by following in his footsteps and supporting his Sunnah … that is how the love for the Prophet (PBUH) is expressed.”
