Many religious scholars speak with conviction that Ethiopia is a land of mystery and the people are highly favoured by God. While religious differences are causing havoc around the world, Ethiopians have been living peacefully with respect and love to one another and the country has sustained its exemplary virtue in religious endurance for over a century.
Christian chronicles stipulate that the belief in one God started in Ethiopia long before the advent of Christianity. Legend has it, Ethiopia is even the last resting place of the true Ark of the Covenant, as stipulated in the medieval book, Kibre Negest; which means Glory of Kings. Following the birth of Christ, Ethiopia is also one of the few early nations who accepted Christianity; they believe in Jesus Christ-son of the perpetual Virgin Mary; and begotten Son of God, of whom many of the prophets in the Old Testament foretold.
By the same token, Scriptures dictates that Islam arrived in Ethiopia at an early date, shortly before the Hijra. They say, when the great prophet Mohammed saw the persecution to which his followers were subjected to in Mecca, he told them to find safe haven in northern Ethiopia, Abyssinia,
where they would “find a king there who does not wrong anyone.” It was the first Hijra (migration) in Islam history.
During all these years, Islam and Christianity have lived in tolerance, peace and respect to each other. Many religious scholars are marvelled at the level of mutual respect and understanding that has been maintained over centuries between Christians and Muslims in Ethiopia. Throughout the history of Ethiopia, people of both religions have been united to protect Ethiopia from foreign aggression. Through time, other religions like Catholic, Adventist, Jehovah witness, among others, began to slowly put their feet in the country.
Nonetheless, the fine lines that intertwined all the people under one big umbrella of nationalism, the social and cultural values, not to mention the very nature of the people’s unique identity, which is depicted by the communal way of existence, remained intact and unshaken; irrespective of religious diversification and differences.
This doesn’t mean, however, there is no attempt to ignite instability under the pretext of religion. Time and again, some groups in the past had been attempting to destabilize this country under the guise of religion. They have been exerting unreserved elbow grease to export religious conflicts to this
peaceful people. The country has witnessed many foreign interferences to destabilize the people in the last couple of decades.
Some years back, there were some signs and attempts to foment religious conflicts in the country; thereby, using religion as a pretext for political consumption. However, they failed. In fact, they will never succeed. Because, citizens of this country have been living side by side. In fact, it is impossible to separate the socially bonded Ethiopians using religion as a smokescreen. No matter hard the enemies have been attempting to drive wedges among the people, it is impossible for them to change their mind-set; as religious tolerance has already become a norm among us.
Recently, we are witnessing similar attempts from fanatic individuals and deluded religious personalities. Last week, for instance, a woman who identifies herself as Ehite mariam, which literally means the sister of St. Mary, has been detained for violating the State of Emergency decree. The woman is totally deluded and calls herself ‘queen of Ethiopia’. She is reputed for blaming and cursing ideologies of some religions in the social media; aiming at creating antagonism among those who lived in peace and respect for centuries.
According to the report from Addis Ababa police commission, she had gathered about 100 followers in the name of faith in a way that violates the emergency decree. As a result, she will be charged for putting the lives of citizens in danger. The commission’s investigation team has also announced that it will conduct extensive investigations into this and other crimes.
From this report, it is simple to deduce how the police have been lenient despite reports about the trail of crimes done by this individual; for fear not to obstruct freedom of belief. Had it not been for violating the decree, she would have managed to escape earlier crimes smoothly, I presume. With the proliferation of the online media, besides the mainstream ones, many people who claim to be either a prophet or a messenger of God are now having easy access to conferring message addressing the public. Sadly, the contents in the majority of the messages delivered are either blasphemous to a certain religious groups, an insult or distressing to
the society.
Religion is serving as an excuse to a few fanatic people who convinced themselves to have protection in the supreme law of the nation. The writer of this story is not trying to defy the noble rights and freedoms granted in the constitution. The crux of the matter is, people have to be more careful while preaching so as not to harm ideologies of other groups in society. Statements that initiate societal distresses, anger to a certain religious group but enticing to their followers should not be tolerated. The strategy usually applied by such fanatics is to hide at the back of their followers at the end of the day when criminal charges are opened against them for serious offences. Religion cannot be an excuse for crimes that are supported by hard evidence. Because the law holds them accountable for violating the rights of individuals and groups.
Religion is, in fact, a difficult issue to deal with from the government’s perspective. In today’s world, anyone can claim himself the way he likes to be. Just a few (I didn’t say
all) who proclaim themselves as a messenger of God, a prophet or an apostle simply open an institution, end up being accused of embezzling money of their institutions and sometimes with even serious offences by their followers. Some are even adamant to feel guilty or repent. The government has to conduct rigorous auditing works based on the regulations signed during the formulation of such religious institutions like any other establishments.
Worse, these people are disseminating strange messages and hoax information in the online media, which are contrary to the religious norms and values many of us are accustomed to. These could bring about detrimental consequences in many ways. Religion being the pretext, the content of the messages conveyed could shake the foundation of our integrity, love and respect in the long run unless something is done today. Looming of such incidents does seek serious attention from the government, which tends to appear lenient so far.
True, freedom of religion and belief is a
constitutionally guaranteed right given to any individual or group. On top of this, no one will be subjected to coercion or other means that would restrict or prevent freedom to hold a belief of his choice, says the Constitution. The thing is, with this noble right granted to citizens, some fail to comprehend the existence of responsibilities associated with rights.
The other serious offence which has become a dime a dozen nowadays concerns proselytism. Proselytism refers to the effort people employ to convert people from one religion to another. In our country, proselytism is usually done inappropriately in a way that may harm the feelings and beliefs of other groups. True, preaching could be a religious obligation. But preaching by making a bad reference and damaging the religious values of others by mentioning names can have a serious deterrent effect on the later. This is, rather the bitter truth sometimes happening in this country. Nothing can harm a society’s moral more than an attempt to defame their religious beliefs in public. Any propagation
of beliefs by defaming another, or at the expense of others should be legally wrong. The writer does believe that any attempt to ensure the supremacy of the law during such scenarios should not be considered as a simple interference of the government on religious affairs. Because the government is responsible to ensure the prevalence of respect and love that existed in this country for over a century. In short, individuals who try to create havoc based on religion should be legally penalized.
To sum up, people of this nation have never wrangled and rushed to conflict whenever they face any negative religious tones. Rather, they solve their problems together as they usually give precedence to peaceful co-existence considering their differences as their beauty. God will keep on blessing us with this amazing harmony. But we should also work our assignments today, including the government. Any attempts to destabilize our peace and love under the pretext of religion need to be squashed quickly, and the government should take the initiative.
The Ethiopian Herald May 7/2020
BY ENEDALE ASSEFA
