02 February 2004	Monday	10 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 1: President Pervez Musharraf has urged the nation to show the spirit of Islamic fraternity on Eidul Azha and seek blessings of Allah and the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) to confront challenges facing the country.

"I appeal to the nation to exhibit Islamic fraternity and brotherhood to share Eid festivities," he said in his Eid message. He asked people to follow the injunctions of Allah and the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) to overcome the challenges facing the country and be ready to offer every sacrifice for verity and righteousness.

The president said: "Eidul Azha reminds the supreme sacrifice offered by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) to submit to the will of Allah." He underscored the importance of this great occasion that symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice to be emulated by the entire world, specially Muslims.

"Sunnat-i-Ibrahimi reminds us that we should not hesitate to offer for sacrifice, everything that we cherish, to win Allah's blessings." He said that while celebrating Eid, one should not forget the poor and the needy and share happiness with them to enjoy the true spirit of sacrifice. The president prayed to Allah to enable the Muslims, specially Pakistanis, to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).

PRIME MINISTER: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on this occasion has stressed sincere efforts for unity, brotherhood and fraternity among the faithful.

He said:"We must resolve to follow the commands of Allah with complete obedience and willingness and be prepared to make whatever sacrifice, truth and righteousness demand of us."

The prime minister said efforts should be made to bring about an atmosphere of unity, brotherhood and fraternity. "Today is Eidul Azha. On this day we commemorate the great sacrifice that Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS) gave," he said.

Sacrifice, he said, is the noblest of the acts and urged people to remember their poor fellows on this occasion. "Allah's message conveyed to humanity by all the prophets is marked by a spirit of sacrifice, equality among human beings, tolerance, mutual affection, forgiveness and justice tempered with mercy."

He said the teachings of Islam about duty towards one's fellow men are also founded on these attributes, while the entire life of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is a practical example of these qualities. "Today there is urgent need in the Muslim world, particularly Pakistan, for reviving these splendid human qualities," he said.-APP