Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman celebrated the first day of Eid Al Adha on Monday.
Meanwhile, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik performed the prayers of Eid Al Adha for the year 1445 AH at Muaskar Al Murtafaa Mosque in Muscat Governorate.
Upon the arrival of His Majesty, the Supreme Commander, at Muaskar Al Murtafaa, a squadron from the Guard of Honour gave the military salute, welcoming His Majesty’s auspicious arrival.
Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, led the worshipers and delivered the Eid sermon, thanking the Almighty Allah for the blessings of peace and praying for the soul of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Eid sermon stressed that the days of Haj pilgrimage constitute a renewal of faith in monotheism, a reinforcement of the virtues of good morals and sound values, during the times of ease, the times of hardship, in war and in peace. It explained that heavenly guidance is manifest in successful nation-building, coupled with security, economy, citizenship and good relationships among compatriots on the nation’s soil.
Al Maamari said that pilgrims’ setting out on the pilgrimage journey, clad with Ihram (simple clothing) and hailing from different places on the globe is symbolic of unity and obedience to the Almighty Allah, as well as keenness to guard the principles of faith and savour the fruits of good faith.
In the sermon, the minister proclaimed gratitude to Allah for the riches and bounties He has bestowed on humanity. He quoted a verse of the Holy Quran exhorting mankind to obey the Almighty, worship Him and engage in good deeds.
Al Maamari pointed out that, besides constituting a renewal of faith in monotheism, the days of Haj represent a detachment of the soul from sins, while the heart embraces the beauty of being and the body demonstrates that in practice. In this context, he quoted a verse in the Holy Quran in which Allah the Almighty ordered Prophet Ibrahim to purify the Holy House (Kaaba) for worshippers who throng the edifice in a reenactment of accomplished faith.
Al Maamari added that "Haj shrines and practices are also symbolic of the paradoxes of life and existence, since diversity is part of the human experience that ranges between good and evil throughout the ages. The pilgrimage is a summary of the journey of life in its diversity — with the movement and stillness shaping the integration of lifestyles and the consummation of the existence of the whole mankind”.
Al Maamari further elaborated that the Haj practice provides insights into nation-building. “When we contemplate Prophet Ibrahim’s setting up the shrines of Haj, we are inspired to build the pillars of the homeland in the same dedicated way, establish the nation's security, develop its economy and accomplish its prosperity,” he said.
In the sermon, Al Maamari prayed to Allah the Almighty to protect His Majesty the Sultan and grant him good health and wellbeing. He also prayed to the Almighty to protect Oman, safeguard its resources and endow its security with further prosperity, progress, harmony, peace and tranquility.
Al Maamari also prayed to Allah the Almighty to support the oppressed in Palestine and elsewhere, and bestow His blessings of peace on them.
After performing the Eid prayers, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik accepted greetings from well-wishers and exchanged cordial sentiments with them.
As His Majesty the Sultan left Muaskar Al Murtafaa, the Sultan of Oman’s artillery (Royal Army of Oman) fired twenty-one rounds in salutation of the Supreme Commander.
After that, the Royal motorcade of His Majesty the Sultan left Muaskar Al Murtafaa amid heartfelt calls from members of the armed forces, praying to the Almighty Allah to protect him and bless him with good health and a long life.
The prayers were performed alongside His Majesty the Sultan by Royal Family members, ministers, commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and military and security services, under-secretaries and advisers, senior officers and retired SAF officers and other military and security service personnel.
— ONA
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