Ethiopia has a solid tradition of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, who for centuries have lived next to each other, working together to fight poverty and fundamentalism which leads to tension and conflict. Even if fundamentalists are trying to provoke division and conflict, the people of Ethiopia have neither accepted nor followed them.
Since ancient times, Ethiopia is the holy land that Christians and Muslims are living in harmony and peace. Muslims and Christians who are drinking and eating together and sharing their misery and sorrows for a long period of time, also participate in social institutes such as Ikub and Eddir. Historically, the social significance of religion is played out through religious communities and institutions and to a great extent determines their nature and functioning.
Religious leaders play a vital role in promoting peace, tolerance and understanding. They are often seen as the keepers of collective identity, history and memories. As such, religions can help to shape community responses to different threats,expose social injustice and create conditions for healing thewounds. The legitimacy and credibility of religious leaders with their charismatic power are greatly enhanced when they act jointly across denominational and faith divides.
When faith communities build their capacities, they can turn threats into opportunities to strengthen relationships, preserve valuable resources, and make their lives a testimony to the love and power of God. Qualities such as charisma, compassion, understanding, steward ship, and forgiveness can be cited as key attributes that help to explain why religious leaders are able to succeed. This has a positive impact on mitigating, managing or handling various problems.
They harbor several key attributes essential to positive community relationship, allowing them to concentrate their efforts in areas where they will be more effective. They can achieve greater success if combined with similar secular and government efforts. In addition, throughout Ramadan, Christian employers give Muslim women unconditional love in an arrangement that has widespread support in the community.
The Muslim-Christian relationship in Ethiopia has a mixed historical background. Although Ethiopia is located on a religious fault line, the relationship between the two religions has been reasonably cordial in recent decades. Christianity has prevailed in the Ethiopian highlands since the early 4th century while Islam was introduced to Ethiopia early in the 7th century when the followers of Prophet Mohammed, including his wife sought refuge in Aksum. The king of Aksum welcomed them, respected their religion and offered them protection.
They later settled in Negashi, east of Tigray, which became the foundation and one of the most important places for the Islamic faith in Ethiopia. Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, when the Quran first revealed, all physically fit Muslim adults are to abstain from food, drink and other prohibited activities. This month is Muslims Ramadan fast season, the Muslim community are fasting the Ramadan. During this special month, Muslims reflect on their behavior, their spiritual growth and community relationship.
Muslims eat with Christian neighbors at the evening fast-breaking meal (Iftar). It is a month when the Holy Quran, the holy scripture of Muslims was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. So this time is the time of the Muslim communities to support their poor brothers and sisters through various materials like clothes and other important things especially basic needs. The Ramadan has a vital role to strengthening unity, peace, love and respect with other Christian or nonbelievers of the community, because charity, kindness and prayer are prioritized.
The Ethiopian Herald May 23/2019
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
