MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman celebrated the first day of Eid al Adha (1444 AH) on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik offered the Eid prayers at Sayyid Tarik bin Taimour Mosque in the Wilayat of Al Seeb, Governorate of Muscat.
The prayers were led by Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, who delivered the Eid sermon, starting it with gratitude to the Almighty Allah’s bounties and prayers for His messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The sermon laid emphasis on the concept of security and development. Quoting verses of the Holy Quran, the sermon stressed that the greatest sought-after goals in life are the safety of homeland and tranquillity of souls. It pointed out that pilgrimage during the sacred months of the year constitutes a symbolic resorting to safety and denotes that the development of the homeland rests on the pillar of security and stability.
The sermon affirmed that, as per the Holy Quran, security takes precedence over economic prosperity, though both are significant and both are required; thus achieving stability as a public interest takes precedence over the interests of individuals. It also observed that by achieving safety, hearts are united and social harmony strengthened, with people seeking means of livelihood in an orderly manner.
The sermon underlined the fact that the days of Haj pilgrimage are an enactment of renewal of gratitude to Allah for the bounties and an embodiment of unity and rejection of division and disagreement. It argued that with this adherence to the cord of faith in God, the individuals’ care focuses on building and reconstruction.
The Eid sermon arrived at the conclusion that, since social life is based on authorities and partnerships, then a nation’s stability and prosperity can only be achieved by obeying the ruler and rallying around the leadership.
After the prayers, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received greetings and welcomed blessings on the occasion of Eid al Adha from some Royal Family members, ministers, advisers, military commanders and officials. His Majesty wished them a happy Eid.
Upon the departure of His Majesty the Sultan from Sayyid Tarik bin Taimour Mosque, the artillery fired a 21-gun salute.
After that, the motorcade of the country’s monarch left the mosque, as his loyal citizens prayed to the Almighty Allah to protect him. They also prayed for the return of happy occasions on His Majesty for many years to come.
Alongside His Majesty the Sultan, the prayers were performed by some members of the Royal family, ministers, advisors, Commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Oman Police, as well as some members of the State Council, Majlis Ash'shura, under-secretaries, officials, shaikhs, dignitaries of the Wilayat of Al Seeb and citizens.
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