Like elsewhere in the country, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan was observed in the provincial capital with religious zeal and fervour. Mosques were more crowded than usual, while roads appeared deserted. In Ramadan, Fridays mark maximum attendance at mosques, while the last Friday of Ramadan has special importance as it bids farewell to the holy month.
In the sermon after Friday prayers, clerics focused on post-Ramadan practices, especially questions regarding Eid and fitrana. Stringent security measures were taken to prevent any unpleasant incidents on the day: walkthrough gates and metal detectors were placed at mosque gates and at Imam Bargahs. Parking spaces for vehicles were shifted away from sensitive places and spots of religious processions.
Lahore CCPO Ahmad Raza Tahir directed police to remain vigilant and to carry out special surveillance of all inns, hotels and transport stands. He also asked divisional SPs to personally review the situation at all shrines and Imam Bargahs. However, the increased security and non-cooperation of policemen caused problems for many citizens. The Shia community also observed Youuml Quds on this day to condemn the occupation of Masjidul Aqsa by Israel.
Various organisations held rallies across the country to protest Israeli brutalities in Palestine. Pioneer of the Islamic revolution in Iran, Imam Khomeini, declared the last Friday of Ramadan to be observed as a day against the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. Shia Ulema Council, Imamia, Asgharia and Jafaria students’ organisations and other Shia groups carried out rallies on Yaumul Quds and expressed solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine and condemned the brutalities of Israel.
