Entire Pakistan from streets to crowded highways, from small shops to multi storied shopping plazas, all is covered in a flood of light which has been arranged to celebrate the birth of our holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Complete Pakistan is glowing like a magical wand on this night.
Eid Milad-ul-Nabi is one of the Islamic festivals celebrated with religious zeal and zest all across the Muslim Ummah. Celebrations on this day can be traced back to the days of Abbasid Caliphate in 8th century AD. Since then the day has been organized to celebrated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the blessings brought by him. Religious sittings at homes and mosques have since been organized to shed light on the Prophet Muhammad’s life, sayings, teachings and philosophies.
In Pakistan, this day is celebrated as a national holiday aimed at providing people with an opportunity to indulge in religious gatherings and prayers. The day starts with 31 gun salute in Islamabad and special prayers are held in the morning to pray in all mosques. Large processions and rallies are organized in all major cities of Pakistan in which people from all walks of life participate to show their love for Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) and his teachings.
For a common man the day is marked with celebrations that start after the sun sets on 11th of Rabi-ul-Awal. He along with his family will go round the city in order to look at the beautifully lit buildings. A part of night will be spent at the local mosque listening to the events from the life of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and offering Darood-o-Salam. His morning will again be filled with a variety of colorful events. He and his children may visit a local procession and join the crowd in their celebrations. Back at home his family will put in all their efforts to prepare sweets and food which will eventually be distributed to the needy and poor. Everyone household in the neighborhood has the same plans for the day, which the all hope would attract more and more blessings from Allah and his Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Despite the growing sectarian tensions across the country and special security measures made by Federal and provincial authorities including blocking of cellular services in all major cities of Pakistan, the day always attracts million of participants in celebrations. These faithful followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fill the markets, roads and streets to express joy on the birth of last messenger of God who brought Islam and Quran for the mankind.
