ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has urged people to demonstrate unmatched spirit of sacrifice with utmost adherence to religious traditions, and promote fraternity, equality and peaceful coexistence.

In a message on Eidul Azha, the president said that while offering all allegiance to Allah, “we must shun all sorts of hatred, prejudice and enmity in a bid to promote fraternity, equality and peaceful coexistence under an environment of respect and regard to one another.”

The sacred occasion of Eid, he said, reminded the Muslims all over the world of the great tradition of sacrifice as was laid down by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).

“The tradition of Holy Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim is not merely confined to the sacrificing of animals on this day. Nor does the august and sacred lesson of sacrifice bear fruition by merely sacrificing animals but emphasizes upon human beings to subdue their wishes to the virtuous characteristics of patience, piety and tolerance.”

The president emphasized the need for transforming individual and collective lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam and Islamic polity.

He expressed the hope that while celebrating the joyful events of Eidul Azha, “we shall not forget those of our brethren unable to participate (in those events) due to some disability or deprivation.” He extended felicitations to the nation and the Ummah, and prayed to Allah to bless us with the real and virtual happiness and joyfulness of the Eid festivities.

“I pray once again to Almighty Allah to bestow upon us the real happiness; I pray to Allah, the Almighty to bless the Ummah, in particular the people of Pakistan, with His plentiful mercies, and I also pray to Almighty Allah to support and strengthen Pakistan and its people to face every eventuality with resolute determination and unflinching courage and fortitude. Aameen.”—APP