Ethiopia is among those countries that received the three major religions -Christianity, Islam and Judaism- in the early period. Though they originated in the Middle East, all the three religions have a strong foundation in Ethiopia. The culture of tolerance among followers of the religions is a good indication of this. Religious institutions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, St. Raguel Church; and that of the Muslims’ Mosque, the Grand Anwar Mosque, which stood beside each other, are the other good indication of brotherhood among the followers of the two religions.
The culture of tolerance and brotherhood among followers of the two religions is too strong and it is at its purest form. Whenever Christians celebrate their holyday-be it religious or cultural- their Muslim brothers and sisters are always by their side to enjoy the day along with their Christian brothers. The same is true for Muslim brother and sisters. During Muslims’ festivals, it is common for to see Christian brothers and sisters getting together at their Muslims friends’ house and enjoy the day warmly and happily.
Especially, these days, following the season is being fasting month; followers of the two religions, as usual, have been showing fraternity, togetherness and unity in various ways.
Last Friday, an Iftar dinner program was also hosted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to close to 250 Ethiopian Muslims who were travelling to Saudi Arabia illegally; and returned to their homeland. .
On the program, several returnees who were travelling to Saudi Arabia illegally and leading a miserable life there, have taken part. As the returnees expressed to local media, they were suffering badly at the prison cells of Saudi Arabia. However, due to the unreserved effort of the government, they have returned back to their motherland safely, and they are grateful for that.
Amina Mustefa, Tigrean, is one of the returnees who had travelled to Saudi Arabia illegally. As she stated to the local media, even though she had hoped the better in Saudi, the reality abroad is totally different. She said, her plan to move to Saudi Arabia illegally was to get job and improve her livelihood. However, she ended up in prison where the situation is hostile and the treatment is inhuman.
However, the warm friendly approach she has received from the government and the people at home, after four months of callous imprisonment, has felt her heart with love and joy. Above all, the Iftar program that was held at the Palace doubled her excitement.
Hadiya Seid, who said travelled from Woldia, Amhara State to Saudi Arabia illegally; and Halima Mohamed, from Dire Dawa are among the returnees. Both of them have experienced a hostile environment at the prison of Saudi Arabia. The inhuman treatments in the jail have left a lasting scar on their mind. However, due to the commitment of the government, they have returned home safely. Both of the returnees considered the Iftar program that was held at the Palace special.
Nurhasan Wodajo and Ibrahim Hassan are the youths from Tigray State. They are among the returnees from Saudi Arabia. Both of them have paid unnecessary sacrifice to go to Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the situation out there was not as they had expected. However, when they return home, they are getting treatment from the government.
Appreciating the effort and the treatment they have received, the returnees have urged the government to show the same commitment to those Ethiopians who are suffering in Saudi prison cells.
Foreign State Minister, Ambassador, Birtukan Ayano, on her part said at the event, within the past four years the government had been doing its level best to rescue those Ethiopians who are victims of illegal migration and inhuman treatments in Saudi prisons.
She also said the government has reviewed its policy by focusing on Citizen Diplomacy. She said the Iftar program is part of the government’s dedication to its citizens.
Kombolcha Town also held street Iftar program with the motto “We fast together and Iftar together”
As town’s Communication Bureau stated, the program was attended by members of the town’s Muslim community and other faiths.
During the program, Town’s Mayor, Mohamed Amin Yusuf extended his best wish to the entire community of the town.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 19 APRIL 2022
