Ethiopia is the home of more than 80 nations and nationalities with their own peculiar culture, language, belief and way of life. Historians believe that it is the first country to adopt Christianity and Islamic religions. The earliest mention of Islam in the country came during the first Hijra (migration).
The first migration is a period in which early Muslims fled the persecution of the Quraysh tribe in the Arabian Peninsula into Abyssinia, modern-day Ethiopia, and Eritrea. The ruler of Abyssinia at the time, Amra Najashi is credited with giving shelter to the early Muslims who had fled persecution. This gesture allowed the Muslims to practice their religion freely and peacefully in what was then called The Kingdom of Axum.
Since then, the Muslim people have passed many up and downs in their country. However, after the change they are practicing their religion freely. The Grand Ethiopian Street Iftar 2021 event which was held on May 11, 2021 in the capital Addis Ababa was very astounding. The spectacular Iftar event was stretched from Mexico Square to Bambis Supermarket.
According to the organizers, the aim of the grand event was to share the Iftar meal and prayer following two instructions. First they call on every attendee to devote for peace by cooperating with security forces and follow Covid-19 preventive measures. Second and last nothing outside the Official flag of the country is allowed, any signs or materials that contain offensive and provocative sentiments are not allowed as well.
As planned, the Grand Street Iftar event was undertaken in a colorful and peaceful way that is being hailed by international media. Tens of thousands of Ethiopian Muslims gathered at Mesqel Square in Addis Ababa on Tuesday night for a massive evening iftar meal, praying for peace at a time of national upheaval. The event is the first of its kind in the capital.
“Since we are in political and economic reform, we have to strengthen our unity to tackle the challenges we are facing as a nation,” 30-year-old Firdus Said told AFP as the sunset over worshippers kneeling before plates piled with dates, bread and yoghurt cartons.
“We need the country to be peaceful and we want our domestic unity to be strengthened,” she added. Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council President, Mufti Hajji Omar Idris said on his message described the Grand Iftar event as “unique and astonishing the country has ever witnessed.” He thanked those who made the event successful and peaceful. He also called for Ethiopians to preach peace, love and brotherhood for the wellbeing of their country.
Aimed to participate in the upcoming election, the president urges Ethiopians to elect their leaders and he is praying to see successful election. The Grand Street Iftar event was undertaken in way of uniting Ethiopians, irrespective of their faith. Starting from the eve, Orthodox Christians clerks and believers have participated in cleaning Mesqel Square for the Iftar. This interesting scenario disseminates a message for those who want to instigate sectarian conflict. Instead it shows the mutual understanding, respect, harmony and brotherhood among Ethiopians.
For his part, Jantirar Abay, Coordinator of Public Service Delivery Institutions with the rank of Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa City Administration says that the religious leaders became exemplary for all Ethiopians in celebrating the event successfully. He adds that the event transferred a message for the anti-peace elements who want to instigate unrest in the capital that they would not materialize their evil act. “Religious believes our treasuries. We have to preserve and respect them,’’ he said.
Among the prominent Muslim clerics Ustaz Abubeker Ahmed said on his face book page that Grand Street Iftar has been successfully completed by signaling a new borders of peace, unity, love and caring. The event registered a new record. “We thank to our Lord Allah that helped us to make this happen. In proceed, I would like to thank to Addis Ababa City Administration who made all our people happy like this, who made our country’s unity and who made our future together and strengthened our future together. We also thank to the whole security forces who worked to end the program peacefully,’’ he noted. Meanwhile, the Eid festivity is being celebrated today throughout the country in a glamorous way. The Muslim community is celebrating it by giving charities to those who are in need as Islamic religion orders to do. We wish Eid Mubarak to all Muslims.
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
The Ethiopian Herald May 13/2021
