Eidul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated today in the country including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with great religious fervor and festivity.
Eid is an Arabic term meaning “festivity” or “celebration” while Fitr means “to break the fast”. It falls on the first day of Shawwal Al-Mukarram, following a month of fasting.
Eid is celebrated for three days period. It is a joyous occasion for all Muslims, particularly children. It is a time for spreading peace, sharing with others and giving thanks for completing another period of fasting for the month of Ramazan.
Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting, but also thanks Allah for the help and strength that He gave them throughout the holy month to help them practice self-control.
On the occasion, the faithful wear clean, neat clothes and offer Eid prayers at mosques, `Eidgahs’ and open places across the country – seeking divine blessings for peace, progress and prosperity.
Following the Eid prayers, Muslims will spend their time feasting with family and friends and feeding those who are less fortunate. Sweets and other special dishes would be prepared for serving the guests. People will also exchange gifts on the occasion.
Special prayers would be offered for the progress and prosperity of the country, unity of the `Ummah’, solution of their problems and liberation of Muslim territories, including occupied Kashmir.
The government has declared Eid holidays from July 5 to July 8.
In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the `Eid’ congregations would be held at more than 500 places.
In Islamabad, the biggest congregation would be held at the grand Faisal Mosque, where the high-ups of the government will also offer Eid prayers. In Rawalpindi, the biggest Eid congregation would be held at the historic Liaquat Bagh.
The Radio and Television channels have chalked out a series of special programmes on the occasion of Eid. While, newspapers will publish special supplements, highlighting the significance of the day.
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police have devised a comprehensive security plan for Eid ul Fitr and special deployment would be made to guard worship places besides measures of effective patrolling in various areas of the city.
All police officials have been directed to remain on high alert and fully prepared to avert any untoward situation during Eid days.
According to the security plan, police spokesman said that more than 3500 policemen would perform security duties on Eid and would guard religious gatherings at open places, Masajid and Imambargahs.(APP)
