In his message on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, President Zardari said today the country was facing many problems and the menace of terrorism and extremism was weakening it.
The president said: “To resolve these issues, there is a need to follow the spirit of sacrifice, brotherhood and fraternity, peace and harmony, love and affection, as these elements are required in these circumstances more than ever.”
He congratulated the nation on the blessed event of Eid-ul-Azha and prayed that may Almighty Allah protect them and grant happiness in this world and hereafter. He said Eid-ul-Azha is observed in remembrance of great gesture of obedience by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) before Almighty Allah and the exemplary compliance of Hazrat Ismail (AS).
“Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) declared this sacrifice as ‘Sunnat-e-Ibrahimi’ and regarded it ‘Wajib’ on every affluent person as a permanent worship,” he said.
President Zardari said the ‘sacrifice’ develops a sense of devotedness, courage and submission to seek blessings of Almighty Allah. He said sacrificing different animals is a symbol of the pledge to be ready to give every kind of sacrifice for Almighty Allah. It develops ‘Taqwa’ (piety), which should be the objective of life to attain success in the world and hereafter. He said Islam is a religion of peace.
The president said: “We need to follow it, not only by ourselves but also to promote its message throughout the world besides waging ‘Jehad’ against poverty, destitution and unemployment,” he said. He prayed that may Almighty Allah protect and guide everyone.
In his message, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani urged the need for promoting the spirit of national unity, harmony and sacrifice, so that the challenges including terrorism and militancy faced by the country and nation are effectively tackled.
“In the backdrop of the country’s circumstances and the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah, the people bestowed with thought and intellect are right in their feeling that the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness and steadfastness is much needed today than ever before.
“For national solidarity, integrity, unity and development, we will have to give the preference to national and country’s interests to personal ones,” the prime minister said.
Gilani stressed the need for promoting the course of national unity and development, and highlighting the true spirit of Islam by creating the environment of mutual affection, harmony and brotherhood.
“Today our dear country is confronted with terrorism and militancy. These handful of elements, by using the sacred name of Islam, are engaged in such activities which are contrary to the true teachings of Islam, which is an ever-lasting religion of truth and peace. These elements, by the dint of force, are bent upon to impose on us the system of their choice, whereas the whole Muslim Ummah is opposed to their thoughts and acts,” he added.
Gilani mentioned the inevitable decisions and measures which led to military action in Swat, Bajaur and Waziristan and said it affected thousands of fellow countrymen.
“We have to console these people, and put the country on the path of development by creating the environment of peace and harmony,” he added.
The prime minister said Islam is a religion of peace and tranquillity and we have to spread this message across the world. “Being Muslim we are duty-bound to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness in our daily life in a way that it reflects in our collective and national life”.
He called upon the people to include those fellow countrymen as well in their joys on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, who deserve their financial and moral support.
“We must remember and extend every possible help to those courageous, honourable and patriotic fellow countrymen, who suffered at the hands of terrorists for the country and nation, and left their homes and sacrificed their today for the future of nation.”
The prime minister said around one and a half billion Muslims from across the world are celebrating the festival of Eid-ul-Azha with traditional and religious fervour. He extended his heartiest felicitations to the Islamic Ummah, particularly the Muslims of our dear country.
The prime minister said: “This festival reminds us of the memories of the historic incident when Hazrat Ibrahim Alaih Al-Salam, on the command of Allah, did not hesitate from sacrificing his son Hazrat Ismail Alaih Al-Salam and his chosen son too bowed his head to the will of Allah.”
He said this day and the sacrifice was the commitment of selflessness for the Muslims, adding it also presents the model of principled approach and the height of character.
He said: “According to the sayings of Almighty Allah, the sacrifice is aimed at achieving piousness and high deeds, which always keeps the Muslims endowed with the spirit of sacrificing their lives, and demonstrating courage and boldness for the fulfilment of the command of Allah.”
“I wish and pray that Almighty Allah bestow us with real pleasures of Eid-ul-Azha and guide us in understanding the great religious act of sacrifice in its true perspective,” he added.