EID Miladun Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) will be celebrated across the country and Azad Kashmir with religious fervour on Thursday.

Processions will be taken out and Milad gatherings organised to mark the occasion. Speakers will shed light on the Holy Prophet’s life and teachings. They will exhort upon people to mould their lives in accordance with Seeratun Nabi (PBUH).

Major mosques in cities and towns have been tastefully illuminated for the occasion. District administrations, government and private organisations have also made elaborate arrangements for illumination and decoration of buildings and parks.

The government has already declared a public holiday for the occasion.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in their messages, called upon the nation to resolve all issues through reconciliation and dialogue in keeping with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The President, in his message, said the auspicious day “reminds us to discharge our obligations” by following the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

“If we do this, we will not only succeed in the Hereafter but also become a role model for the entire world,” he added.

The prime minister said: “Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) described all Muslims as a single body. Our survival and progress lie in consensus, unity and consultation.

“Our Prophet gave us all the highest standards of teachings that can be required and also demonstrated all that through his acts. He did not ask for anything which he did not act upon.”

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2015