ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari called upon people to adopt values of sacrifice, brotherhood, kindness and charity to create a tolerant and harmonious society.

In a message on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Azha to be celebrated on November 7, he said, “I congratulate my countrymen and pray that Allah Almighty keep them safe and secure and bestow on them happiness of the two worlds.”

The President said Eidul Azha is about following Sunnat-e- Ibrahimi and it is celebrated in memory of the profound devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and exemplary submission of Hazrat Ismail (AS).

“Our dear Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) declared the Sunnat-e- Ibrahimi as necessary for wealthy Muslims and made it obligatory as part of worship.”

He said aim of this sacrifice is to create feelings of seeking submission before Allah and making a promise that “we will not hesitate to lay down our lives in fulfillment of the rights of Allah”.

“Eidul Azha creates fear of Allah in us, which should be the goal of our lives, as it is the source of success in the two worlds. We should follow this message of submission to Allah and spread it to the world besides waging a Jehad (struggle) against poverty, deprivation and unemployment,” he added.

The President pointed that nations pass through difficult times and the country is now facing issues of restoration of flood affected people, protection from contagious diseases, terrorism and extremism, “To overcome these challenges, we need values of sacrifice, brotherhood, fraternity, kindness, tolerance, peace, charity and love more than ever,” he stressed.

He urged the Muslims to do away with regional prejudices and religious intolerance and work for progress and prosperity of the country and nation.

“I pray to Allah to engender in us the true spirit of sacrifice as nothing significant can be achieved without sacrifice.

Allah Almighty may keep us safe and protected,” the President concluded.