Here in Ethiopia, an epitome of religious tolerance, it is not unusual to see Christians extending words of felicitation and good wishes to their Muslim siblings when the latter mark their holidays such as Mawlid, and vice versa. As both religions preach love, amity, empathy, and cooperation, among others, as a binding glue peaceful coexistence characterizes their mutual mindset and disposition to the delight and benefit of the country. This virtue allows the country to stand out, for elsewhere; reportedly, this is a source of contention rather than consonance. Since churches and mosques are found at a cross distance in the neighborhoods, crosses as well as crescent and stars are witnessed projected out to the sky in reverence of the Almighty.
As such, when the sovereignty of the country is in imminent danger, citizens from both religions close ranks to deter any aggression. Whatever temporal upheavals rock the country; resilient the country gets back on its feet.
They do the same when a call is made by the government, for the developmental thrust as typically seen in the birth of The Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) that awe-inspired the rest of the world for providing a renewable source of Energy whose boons flow to the rest of the region. It is pooling its own resources that the country brought into light the gigantic dam.
Historic enemies that watch the chemistry of the two going to a higher level before their eyes leave no stone unturned to drive a divisive wedge but in vain, for the two turn a deaf ear to such diabolic but covert insinuation.
Cognizant peaceful Ethiopia that played a midwifery role in the birth of Islam is a haven to afflicted people; Prophet Mohammed remarked “Unless provoked inadvertently leave Ethiopia alone.” Unmindful of these golden words, in a botched attempt, these historic enemies dish dirt to mobilize Muslims in the neighborhoods and within to stir unrest in the country and fish in troubled waters.
Such holidays serve occasions to reiterate commitment and resolve to further cement links and clicking. All the more so, as the holiday is featured by the sharing of gifts and slain animals between the haves and the have-nots in a show of piousness and considerateness.
Against the backdrop, we Ethiopians must keep our peace and unity as the apple of our eyes to see to the furtherance of our harmonious life.
True to our religious tolerance we must display similar sentiments along ethnic lines as the country has over 80 ethnic groups. We must not leave any door ajar to divisive intents by revolution exporters.
The aforementioned peculiar virtues attract tourists across the globe to come to Ethiopia in droves augmenting the country’s income from the smokeless industry. Advertising works to the country’s tangible and intangible heritages must aggressively be pursued so that the fact Ethiopia is tourists’ magnet sinks in. The newly introduced corridor development project marked for fast execution is lending glamour to Addis Ababa adding to its magnetic pull.
Also, peace is the first inbox investors thick when they want to outlay their wealth in a certain country.
The bottom line is we have to water our religious and ethnic coexistence for rosy outcomes down the road. We are expected to work better than our best in all spheres of endeavors the country is engaged in. Happy Mawlid.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 15 SEPTEMBER 2024
