ADDIS ABABA- Ethiopian Muslims across the country have warmly celebrated Eid al-Adha, marking the 1446th observance of one of Islam’s most sacred holidays with mass prayers, spiritual devotion, and a strong display of unity and peaceful coexistence.
In the capital Addis Ababa, thousands of faithful gathered at dawn at the city’s main venues, including Addis Ababa Stadium, Aqaqi Qality, and mosques in various sub-cities, to perform the Eid Salah, or holiday prayers. The city’s largest gathering took place at the stadium, where religious leaders, including the President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, led the prayer and delivered sermons encouraging peace, unity, and mutual support among communities.
The atmosphere was marked by a sense of joy and solemnity, as worshippers stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer, reciting chants and reflecting on the spiritual significance of the day. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The holiday is also closely tied to the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, which further deepens its meaning for Muslims around the world.
Following the prayer gatherings, the Addis Ababa Police Commission announced that Eid Salah across the capital’s sub-cities was conducted peacefully, in full accordance with religious practices.
The Commission extended appreciation to religious leaders, youth volunteers, and the wider Muslim community for their cooperation and for upholding the spirit of the holiday. Security forces were also commended for fulfilling their duties with diligence and professionalism, contributing to the smooth observance of the event.
Beyond the prayers, the day was filled with acts of generosity and charity. Families took part in the traditional sacrifice of animals and shared food with neighbors, the poor, and those in need. In many neighborhoods, the celebration served as a reminder of the values of compassion, community, and solidarity that define the occasion.
Religious leaders used the opportunity to call on citizens to preserve Ethiopia’s legacy of peaceful religious coexistence. They urged worshippers to carry forward the lessons of Eid by promoting harmony, supporting one another, and contributing to the nation’s social and moral fabric.
Eid al-Adha was thus celebrated not only with reverence and devotion but also with widespread participation and a renewed sense of national unity. From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to quiet village mosques, the day echoed with the values of faith, sacrifice, and togetherness.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 JUNE 2025
