03 May 2004	Monday	12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, May 2: The city was well illuminated on Sunday night, underlining the religious fervour with which the Karachiites plan to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi, falling on Monday.

On the eve of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, various small and not-so-small processions were taken out from different parts of the city. Enthusiastic people, especially the youth, also decorated several streets and different private and official buildings to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Small processions were taken out from different places in the city which joined the large procession moving through the M.A. Jinnah Road. The participants of the processions were reading Naat in praise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The religious leaders leading the processions highlighted the teachings of the last prophet (PBUH).

A local religious organization also arranged to exhibit the Moo-i-Mubarak - the holy hair of the last prophet (PBUH) - and a copy of the largest written piece of the Holy Quran. A large number of people visited the areas which were decorated with paintings of the holy places and coloured lights. Many families were spotted passing through these areas in their cars and other vehicles.

The police have been put on a high alert in view of security concerns. Dr Ishratul Ibad, the Governor of Sindh, in his message on the eve of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, said: "It is the most auspicious day in the Muslim calendar as we honour and revere our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH). He was born on this day to spread the message of peace, love brotherhood and unity".

The governor added: "It is an occasion for us to ponder over our identity is as a Muslim and as a Pakistani and (realize) that we should shun all sectarian, ethnic and other differences and unite under the banner of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to live in peace and harmony.

"During the past years we have paid a heavy price by deviating from the principle of unity in the Ummah. Both within the country and abroad, we saw conflicts between Muslims and Muslims.

Let us pledge to bury the past and to treat each other as equals and as brethren and to carry along the banner of Islam in keeping with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah."

The Chief Minister Sardar Ali Mohammad Mahar, in his message, said the world was today confronted with innumerable problems and their solution lay in the teachings of the last prophet (PBUH). He urged the people to follow the footprints of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to gain the ultimate success.