Leaders offer Eid Al Adha prayers

Abu Dhabi and Dubai: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered Eid Al Adha prayers yesterday at the Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, offered Eid Al Adha prayers at the Grand Eid Musalla at Bur Dubai and listened to the Eid sermon.

General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, offered Eid Al Adha prayers beside Shaikh Khalifa.

Joining them in the prayers were Shaikh Saif Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Shaikh Surour Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, Shaikh Saeed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, shaikhs, ministers, senior officials, Ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries, citizens and residents.

Shaikh Ali Al Hashemi, Religious Adviser at the Presidential Affairs Ministry, led the prayers and gave a sermon in which he stressed the importance of solidarity of Muslims and their integration in order to propagate the message of Islam, which is characterised by its tolerance, love and fraternity.

At the end of his sermon, Shaikh Ali Al Hashemi also prayed for the soul of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

After the prayers Shaikh Khalifa, accompanied by other shaikhs and senior officials, walked towards the tomb of Shaikh Zayed and recited Al Fatiha from the Quran. The shaikhs, ministers and senior officials joined Shaikh Khalifa in prayers for the soul of Shaikh Zayed. It was the first time Eid prayers have been conducted at the Shaikh Zayed Mosque after the completion of the first phases of construction . The mosque is considered one of the most magnificent examples of the Islamic architecture in the world.

Profound influence

In Dubai Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Dubai Ruler and Minister of Finance, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Head of the Lands and Property Department in Dubai, Shaikh Hashr Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director of Information Department in Dubai, Shaikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, other shaikhs, high ranking officials, UAE nationals and expatriates also performed the prayers alongside Shaikh Mohammad.

Shaikh Dr Omar Al Khateeb said in the Eid sermon that "good words have a profound influence on individuals and society. Therefore, Muslims should be keen to utter good words when they speak. Social system of life cannot go on smoothly unless we speak good words. It is through good words a leader gains the respect of his people and teachers gets respect from students and a doctor finds confidence of patients."

He quoted Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who said "To speak a good word is an act of worship and charity."

He said Islamic teachings urge a Muslim to control his heart when alone and hold his tongue when with people.

Al Khateeb highlighted the message of sacrifice and said that it is an indication of willingness to give up one's on dear things in order to achieve the pleasure of God.

The imam stressed that the Muslims should make this day an occasion of love, prayer, solidarity, and respect for parents and help for the needy.

Al Khateeb prayed to God to protect the country and guide its leaders for service of Islam and the humanity.

Al Khateeb prayed for the souls of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the late Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah offered Eid Al Adha prayers yesterday at the Albadie Eid Musalla in Sharjah.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, head of the Sharjah municipality councils offered prayers beside the ruler along a number of other Shaikhs, senior officials, and residents.

Later, at his Al Badie palace, Shaikh Sultan received well-wishers who came to greet him on the occasion of Eid. Beside him to receive well-wishers was Shaikh Ahmad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, deputy ruler of Sharjah.

His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman offered Eid Al Adha prayers yesterday at the Shaikh Rashid Musalla in Ajman.

In Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah offered Eid Al Adha prayers at the grand Eid Musalla in Ras Al Khaimah.

Later, Shaikh Saud received, at the ruler's palace in Khazam, well-wishers who came to greet him on the occasion.

In Fujairah His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah offered Eid Al Adha prayers along with a large congregation of Muslims at the grand Eid Musalla in Fujairah city.