By Zafar Hussain

 

BEIJING, May 3 (China Economic Net) - A large number of Pakistani communities across China are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with immense zeal and enthusiasm, while the Aambassador of Pakistan to China, Moin ul Haque has conveyed warm greetings on this occasion to the Pakistani communities here.

 

Eid-ul-Fitr is a three-day long festival that starts with Eid prayers, and people welcome each other with "Eid Mubarak", signifying "Blessed Eid". In Muslim countries, Eid is a national holiday where all businesses and offices are closed so friends and familiesy can enjoy the celebration together.

 

The Pakistani Aambassador and a larger number of the Pakistani communities offered Eid prayers at the Pakistani Embassy Mosque in Beijing., Aafter the prayer, Moin ul Haque greeted the community members.

 

Ali Gul, a Pakistani  citizen from Karachi, based in Beijing, said that today is a very special day not only for him but for all of his country's fellow Muslims crosswise the world.

 

"Today we are gathered at the Eembassy of Pakistan to celebrate Eid and I'm very happy to see many friends that have given a lot of respect and love on this occasion., Wwe didn't feel that whether we are in China or Pakistan,", Ali told China Economic Net.

 

"We are very blessed that we’re offered Eid pPrayer here although many areas are closed due to COVID-19., I appreciated the Chinese government that taking the timely outstanding initiative against this pandemic,", said Shahid Afraz Khan.

 

It is to be noted that due to COVID-19, the mosques have also been absorbed to follow strict standard operating procedures (SOPsS) to ensure social distancing here.

 

Muhammad Zubair, a Pakistani student in China told CEN it is his 6th Eid here and he is missing his family.

 

"According to my own experience, living in a foreign country is not an easy path. , youYou miss your family and friends and; you miss your country’s traditions and the feeling of being understood; and. Oon holidays when your loved ones are celebrating, you feel as lonely as you've never felt before when you with them", he stated.

 

He said living outside also has advantages, it turns into something really good. “Wwith time, you meet new people, you create new traditions with them, and you find a new way to enjoy your holidays. You have gained new experiences that you wouldn’t have had if you stayed within your comfort zone, and with time, this new way of celebrating becomes your usual way.”.

 

"Finally, even though I am thousands of miles away from home, I want to say that my Eid day in China iswas fantastic! It's because of the wonderful friends I have here with me,", he mentioned.

 

China is home to about 20 million Muslims from many ethnic minorities, and the largest ethnic group among them is Hui.