Eid-ul-Azha being celebrated across country today

KARACHI: Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated today (Saturday) across the country with religious fervor to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).

The day will dawn with special prayers in mosques for the well-being of the Ummah and progress, prosperity and security of the country. Huge Eid congregations held at mosques, Eidgahs and open places in all cities, towns and villages across the country.

In their Eid sermons, Ulema delivered Khutbah highlighting the significance of the day and philosophy of the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).In the Federal Capital, the main Eid congregation held at the Faisal Mosque.

In Lahore, the main Eid congregation was held at the Badshahi Mosque where a large number of people offered Eid prayer, which was led by Khateeb Maulana Sultanul Haq.

In Karachi, a large number of people offered Eid prayer at more than 2,000 Eidgahs, mosques, Imambargahs, parks and open places in the metropolis by following the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to limit the spread of COVID-19.

After the Eid prayers, the Muslims started to perform the ritual of sacrificing animals, spend their time feasting with family and friends and distribute sacrificial meat among their family members, friends, and the poor.

The government has advised the faithful to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for limiting the spread of COVID-19 while performing the ritual of sacrificing animals. While offering Eid prayers, they should keep distance, and avoid hugging and instead extend only greetings.

Pakistan reported around 986 new coronavirus cases, the lowest daily figure in three months, official statistics showed. With 986 new cases reported over the past 24 hours, the total number of infections to date reached 278,402, with 1,146 of them currently in critical condition, according to Health Ministry data.

Following a gradual decline in the number of fatalities, some 27 patients died due to the deadly virus across the country, raising the death toll to 5,961. Over 88% of patients, or 247,171, have recovered so far. According to the ministry, Pakistan has done over 1.97 million tests so far, with 20,507 more samples tested over the past 24 hours.

Each year Muslims gather for the occasion that commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son on the command of God. Ibrahim was eventually given a lamb to sacrifice instead.

Eid al-Adha usually begins on the last day of the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is the second Islamic festival of the year and follows Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.