Page 225 - Muzaffargarh Gazzetteer

SETTING UP TRADITION OF A JOINT EID PRAYERS

The true spirit of the Eid Prayer is to have the same at a central location
where the Muslims shall participate in large numbers, irrespective of
sectarian or any other differences, and exchange pleasantries. Unfortunately,
however, over the time, a trend of arranging such prayers in small gatherings
at multiples places, based on one’s sect, has taken roots not only in
Muzaffargarh but elsewhere in Pakistan too. Even ordinary Muslim citizens
find it convenient to offer such prayers in the neighbouring ground or
mosque. Wider consultation was therefore undertaken with religious
leaders/ulemas of various sects as well as other stakeholders of the city. It
was decided that thenceforth the Eid prayers would be offered at a central
location where citizens from all schools of thought/backgrounds should be
able to participate, and present a unified outlook. It was also suggested that
from accessibility, security, parking, spaciousness and other points of view,
hockey ground of the Government Post Graduate College (Boys) was best
suited for the purpose. Accordingly, the District Administration made
befitting arrangements for Eid-ul-Fitr as well as Eid-ul-Azha. It was
heartening to see that all stakeholders of the city, i.e. common citizenry,
traders, doctors, lawyers, government officials, and above all, ulema – Sunni
as well as Shia – participating in the prayers. The number of participants
also showed a marked increase on Eid-ul-Azha over Eid-ul-Fitr. It was hoped
that this tradition would flourish even more in the years to come.

SHAN-E-MUZAFFARGARH AWARDS
In 225 years of its existence, Muzaffargarh had produced many men and
women of stature, who had left their marks on a variety of fields, nationally
as well as internationally, and had thereby brought pride to the city.
However, no record of such persons was available in consolidated form; nor
had the services of all of such persons been properly acknowledged at

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