Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrated with religious enthusiasm across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR, (APP): From the mountainous valleys of Chitral and Kohistan to the plains of Dera Ismail Khan and the rugged districts of Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reverberated with expressions of love and devotion as Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) was celebrated on Wednesday with greatvreligious fervour and enthusiasm.
For many families, students, religious scholars and ordinary citizens, the occasion was more than a ceremonial event. Streets and neighbourhoods became gathering places where people recited Durood-o-Salam, listened to Naat and Seerat programmes and renewed their commitment to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The celebrations began with a 21-gun salute at dawn, followed by special prayers in mosques for the peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and for the freedom of Muslims facing occupation and conflict in world.
A public holiday brought communities together, while government offices, private institutions and educational establishments remained closed.
In Peshawar, the provincial capital took on a festive appearance. Major public buildings, markets and historic landmarks were illuminated, including the Governor House, Chief Minister House, Provincial Assembly, Islamia College, Balahisar Fort, Deans Trade Centre, FC Office, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Ghanta Ghar and Chowk-e-Yadgar.
The lights transformed familiar city landmarks into symbols of celebration, drawing the attention of families and young people who gathered in different parts of the city to mark the sacred occasion.
The main Milad procession began from Milad Chowk, Rampura Gata in Hashtnagri and moved along its designated route. Participants recited Durood-o-Salam and raised their voices in praise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), while people along the route joined the celebrations.
Across the province, the spirit of the occasion reached schools, colleges, mosques and community centres. Milad gatherings, Seerat conferences, Naat competitions, seminars, workshops, rallies and declamation contests were organised at provincial, divisional, district and tehsil levels.
Students played a particularly visible role, participating in Naat and speech competitions and presenting different aspects of the life and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
For many of them, the programmes offered an opportunity not only to celebrate the birth anniversary but also to learn about the values of compassion, patience, justice and forgiveness.
Religious scholars, political leaders, civil society representatives, academicians and people from different walks of life participated in the celebrations. Divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners supervised arrangements in their respective districts to facilitate peaceful observance of the day.
At a Milad function at Islamia College University, Professor Dr Shafatullah Shah of Islamic Studies Department said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as Rehmat-ul-lil-Alameen, a mercy for all humanity.
He recalled the holy Prophet (PBUH) examplary conduct following the conquest of Makkah, when, despite years of persecution and hardship, he chose forgiveness and announced a general amnesty. The decision, he said, offered a timeless lesson in tolerance, reconciliation and the pursuit of lasting peace.
The speakers emphasised that the message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) transcended boundaries of race, colour, language and social status. They highlighted the principles of justice, equality, compassion and respect for human dignity reflected in the Prophet’s teachings and his historic farewell sermon.
Dr Hifazat Ullah said the sermon of Hajjat-ul-Wida provided a comprehensive framework for building a society founded on justice, economic fairness, respect for human life, dignity of women and equality among people.
He stressed that the Prophet (PBUH) rejected racial and social discrimination and taught that no individual had superiority over another on the basis of race, colour or caste. Righteous conduct and piety, he said, were the true measures of human worth.
The speakers also recalled the holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH emphasis on protecting human life and property, treating women with dignity and kindness, and ensuring humane treatment of those under one’s authority.
They said the real significance of 12 Rabi-ul-Awal lay in translating these teachings into everyday life. Unity, forgiveness, tolerance, justice and compassion, they stressed, should not remain themes of speeches and processions but become guiding principles in society.
The celebrations therefore carried a message beyond the colourful lights and crowded processions that love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is best expressed by following his Seerat and by promoting peace, brotherhood, justice and kindness.
As the Milad gatherings concluded across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province’s streets returned to their usual rhythm, but the message repeated at mosques, schools and public gatherings remained the same — a society built on compassion, equality, forgiveness and unity can offer a more peaceful future for all.
