Ethiopia has a long historical and cultural connection to both Christianity and Islam. The country is also a land where Christians and Muslims have been coexisted peacefully and harmoniously with mutual respect and understanding; sense of fraternity and attachment, togetherness and cooperation, cherishing the religious values and creeds of one’s faith in many areas of life.Owing to these well-established values and peaceful coexistence, seeing Muslims and Christians celebrating religious or cultural festivals together with the sense of belongingness; togetherness; of course in a manner considering own religious creeds and tagged norms, is a common practice for both faiths. It is also unsurprising to see Muslims taking part in church construction and Christians in the building of mosques.
Following the fasting seasons of the two faiths, the Great Lent (Abiy Tsom) that is observed by followers of the Orthodox Church; and the noble Month of Ramadan Kareem – 1443 Hijri, the month which is observed by the Muslim community, this deep rooted culture of the community (unity, solidarity and togetherness) is reflected in various ways.
Ranging from preparing street Iftar program to sharing food to unfortunate individuals who are in need of others support, the people are observing the days with greater spirit of belongingness, compassionate and care. In fact, the core creeds of both festivals (Easter and Ramadan) are these rules.
Bearing this principle in mind, and in relation to the upcoming Easter and Eid al-Fitr festivals, recently Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conducted food sharing program for over 200 low income citizens, – elders, disabled ones and children- drawn from the capital at the Unity Park.
Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister Abiy said that sharing what we have is the longstanding culture of Ethiopians that had been there for long, it is here now; and it should also be a value that should be further strengthened and sustained in the future.
As to the Premier, being rich and having too much is not always an important matter to share what we have; rather, it demands kind heart and sense of integrity.
“Kindness and thoughtfulness rewards in course of time. If we support each other, there will not be any challenge which become beyond our capacity or which we cannot overcome it. By sharing and bearing the loads, we have to beat the challenges that we are entangled now as a nation. Let everyone share what he/ she has, even it is too small,” the Premier remarked.
According to the Premier, we can pass this demanding moment through sharing what we have in accordance to our culture, and taking part in the effort exerted to root out the cause of our problems. However, while sharing what we have is a short-term solution, participating in the struggle is a long term tactic that enables to create a better future in the long run.
On the occasion, various food items including teff, edible oil, macaroni, sugar, semolina flour is delivered to elders.
The food sharing program which was held in relation to the Easter and Ramadan festivals was the continuation of Prime Minister Abiy’s initiation which was launched in 2020, as PMO stated.
Meanwhile, a street Iftar program that was organized by members of the Diaspora community from the Somali State was held recently in Jijiga City.
In the program, prepared in collaboration with the Diaspora community, Somali State Investment and Industry Bureau and Jigjiga City Administration and held at the main streets of the City was attended by more than 600 people.
As Somali State Communication Bureau posted in its social page, the program is part of the Eid al-Fitr-to-Eid al-Adha Great Home Coming Initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy’s for the Muslim Diaspora community to celebrate Eid al-Fitr-to-Eid al-Adha at home thereby build the image of the country through promoting religious coexistence.
According to the Bureau, vulnerable groups, who are residing in the city, have received Iftar support.
Speaking on the program, Head of the Somali State Security Bureau, Mubashir Dibad Rage has commended the activities of members of the Diaspora community saying it is exemplary. Extending his gratitude for all entities who took part in the program, he called on them to further strengthen and continue their support to the vulnerable segments of the society.
In relation to Ramadan fast, the Ethiopian Airlines also held Iftar program.
Attending the program, President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Mufti Haji Omar Idris said that the Muslim community should celebrate Ramadan with a sense of togetherness and unity; in accordance with the command of the Creator.
“We have to sustain our deep-seated culture of supporting each other through sharing what we have with those who are unfortunate. He also urged the people to keep this age-old culture- culture of supporting each other.
Meanwhile, CEO of the Ethiopian Airlines Mesfin Tassew said that the Airline has made a 20 percent discount for those Ethiopians returning home respecting Prime Minister Abiy’s national call for Eid al-Fitr-to-Eid al-Adha Great Home Coming Initiative.
Mentioning that the Airline has a well-established amity with its Ethiopians and Africans customers during the Hajj and Umrah trips, the CEO said, Ethiopian will further strengthen its ties and services in the future, ENA reported.
At Airline’s Iftar ceremony, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Dina Mufti, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ethiopian Airlines Girma Wake, Airline Executives, religious fathers and followers of Islam, as well as ambassadors of various countries were present.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 21 APRIL 2022
