September 27, 2008	Saturday	Ramazan 26, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Sept 26: Thousands of the faithful converged on the Faisal Mosque on Friday to offer Jumatul Wida prayers with religious fervour and solemnity amid strict security.

Prayer leader Dr Asmatullah gave the sermon and led the prayers at the imposing mosque on the foot of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad.

Special arrangements were made to accommodate the worshipers but the space fell short for the large crowd, and many offered the prayers outside the mosque’s main hall and courtyard.The capital police had made foolproof security arrangements and traffic on the roads leading to the mosque moved smoothly.

A large number of police and Rangers personnel as well as plainclothesmen were deployed to provide security cover to the faithful.

Similar steps were also taken at other mosques and Imambargahs throughout the city. Walk-through metal detectors were installed at the entrances of mosques to scan the visitors.

MEHFIL-I-SHABEENA: The Ministry of Religious Affairs is organising a three-day Mehfil-i-Shabeena at Faisal Mosque from Saturday.

The ministry has selected 12 Huffaz from across the country who will recite 10 Paras of Holy Quran every night during the Taraveeh.

The timing of Isha prayers at Faisal Mosque is 9:15pm and that of Mehfil-i-Shabeena 9:30pm.

All those interested are invited to participate in the Mehfil-i-Shabeena, however, they are advised not to bring minor children for the sake of sanctity of the occasion. Mobile phones, cameras, bags, flasks and laptops are also prohibited. – APP