Ethiopia is a multi‐ethnic nation with diversified cultural practices, traditional values and norms, languages and religions. The nation is also a country where Christians and Muslims have been living for centuries peacefully under the principles of unity, tolerance, mutual peaceful co-existence of different cultures and faiths, embracing differences.
This longstanding religious tolerance has become a living witness for the rest of the world and that is why Ethiopia has a special status globally when coming to religious tolerance.
This longstanding culture of tolerance, mutual understanding and partnership between the followers of both religions was also reflected in various times and occasions. This was also reflected in recent incidences when the Iftar program held in various parts of the country such as Dessie, Kombolcha, Harar and the capital Addis Ababa. The ceremonies were good testimonies in this regard.
According to reports from different media, especially the one held in the capital a day before Eid-Al Fitir Festival, apart from demonstrating Ethiopians’ unity, it has shown their stance and commitment in realizing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
As Anadolu Agency reported referring to an interview with Feisel Kemal, Head of Halal Promotion, which organized the event, the event besides exhibiting unity and solidarity, Ethiopian Muslims gave a symbolic answer to Egyptians by breaking their record.
“There were for sure more than 100,000 participants according to our calculation. We rolled out at least 30,000 meters of plastic carpet, where people sat,” said Semhar Tekle, one of the organizers.
“This event is an indirect response to Egypt. As we break the record of street iftar, we will also break the record by building the greatest dam in Africa,” he said.
In his message extended to the Muslim community, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed the need for steadfast unity of Ethiopians more than ever.
He noted that Muslims gather for Eid prayers demonstrating that there is unity and strength in gathering.
Just as praying together can bring many blessings, working together for a purpose have a miraculous result, the Premier underlined.
As he stated, it is difficult to think of war and hatred, but of mercy, forgiveness, and love during this period.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid al-Fitr, our country Ethiopia is facing more challenges than ever. We know that our pool is rough, our roads are thorny,” Prime Minister Abiy added.
Due to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the upcoming election, the country is facing many challenges.
“We know that achieving these two will open the door to greater success for us. It is clear that a successful election will open a new chapter in our democracy,” Abiy noted.
According to him, every patriotic Ethiopian knows that the completion of the GERD will bring enormous light of prosperity.
“Not only for us, but our age-old rivals are well aware that our two major projects would make a significant contribution to the country by overcoming the problems that have plagued us for centuries, freeing us from dependence on others and increasing our recognition in the Horn of Africa. Their persistent intimidation came from that,” the premier revealed.
He underlined that by resisting these intimidation many of the far-sighted citizens are making great contributions at home and abroad.
“If we do our part on the GERD and other national interests, we can create the capacity to cure our country’s problems for centuries,” the PM stated.
Abiy urged the faithful “you to continue praying for our people and country as in the holy month of Ramadan by praying for grace and blessings, peace and love for the country.”
As Adanech Abiebie, Addis Ababa City Deputy Mayor, stated yesterday in relation to the 1442nd Eid Al-Fitr Festival, celebrated nationwide, the recent street Iftar at Mesqel Square demonstrated the publics’ unity regardless of the conspiracies from within and outside.
There are forces who tirelessly work round the clock to dismantle Ethiopia in the name of religion and ethnicity, Adanech said, and added “this was proved as futile effort during the street Iftar held in different parts of the country
As she remarked, the only way to realize the aspired prosperity of the nation can be achieved through consolidating our internal unity and passing misstep.
Ethiopia is a nation of citizens with strong bond among each other and have no difference in matters of national issues, she emphasized.
“We, Ethiopians, do not allow others to harm us as we wish not to harm others,” the Deputy Mayor noted.
She also urged the Muslim community to continue their significant contribution towards the accomplishment of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)
Mufti Hajji Omer Idris Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council President on his part stated that the Muslim community needs to strengthen unity among each other and Ethiopian brothers.
While addressing the gathered Muslim community, Council President said that maintaining peace is what we all need to move towards development.
Speaking of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Mufti Hajji Omer said “we will win anyone and anything if we only stand united and we should do so.”
Needless to say that Christians and Muslims remained united against all forms of adversaries that Ethiopia has faced in its history. Ill intents aimed to incite discord and disrupt the social fabric of the followers of both religions, never yield any good; and would not succeed in the future.
As the saying goes, we cannot be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We stand together until the end.
Eid Mubarak!
COMPILED BY STAFF REPORTER
The Ethiopian Herald May 14/2021
