The streets of Rawalpindi and Islamabad took on a distinctive character on Eid Miladun Nabi. Green flags and buntings appeared on roads and buildings, mosques and neighborhoods were illuminated, and processions moved through familiar streets in an atmosphere of devotion and celebration. In Rawalpindi, the central procession passed through the old city’s historic commercial arteries, while Islamabad hosted its own gatherings and processions. The arrangements involved extensive security, traffic management, sanitation and emergency services.  For the faithful, these visible expressions of love for the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) are deeply meaningful. Yet Milad should also invited a question that goes beyond decoration and procession: what does our celebration say about the society we are trying to build? The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cannot be reduced to a single day of celebration. His example placed extraordinary emphasis on justice, compassion, honesty, mercy and responsibility towards the vulnerable. Milad was an expression of love, and that love was visible in the conduct of twin cities residents. Rawalpindi is a city of crowded bazaars, congested roads and densely populated neighborhoods. Islamabad, despite its planned appearance, faces its own social challenges. On Milad, both cities demonstrated an impressive capacity for collective organization. Roads were cleaned, procession routes were prepared, emergency services were placed on alert and communities worked together to arrange food and refreshments for participants. There was a powerful lesson here for local government and citizens alike. If communities can mobilize resources for a religious occasion, they can also mobilize them for cleaner streets, care for the poor, and assistance to elderly neighbors and support for children who cannot afford quality education. The spirit of service associated with Milad can become a permanent civic ethic rather than an annual phenomenon. Large religious gatherings inevitably affect traffic and the daily lives of those who are not participating. Rawalpindi authorities prepared diversions and deployed hundreds of traffic personnel, while Islamabad police made extensive security arrangements. Such measures were necessary, as a successful celebration........

© The Patriot