BY STAFF REPORTER
Ethiopia is a multiethnic nation where people with diversified ethnic groups, cultural values, religious practices, languages among others coexisted peacefully with a sense of belongingness and fraternity.
This peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance of Ethiopians is a deep seated identity of the people that traces back to for over a millennium; which makes the country one of the few countries in the world where religious coexistence and tolerance is well entertained irrespective of difficulties.
Without any exaggeration, such religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence can make Ethiopia a model to the whole world. One can witness Ethiopians’ peaceful coexistence, togetherness, harmonious coexistence in times of both good and bad times.
It is common for Ethiopians to give a lending hand and show solidarity in every occasion, including during wedding time, in times of sadness as well as during inconveniences, regardless of any differences.
Holidays and festivals are also the other incidents that can testify Ethiopians’ togetherness – how they are indispensably associated with communities; and how the bond that ties Ethiopians is too strong.
During the holy month of Ramadan, it is common to see Christians supporting Muslims brothers and sisters and eating, drinking, and enjoying together with their Muslim fellow men during Iftar- evening fast breaking meal.
On the other way round, seeing Muslims taking part directly or indirectly in Christians’ festivals, such as the Ethiopian Timket, Lent season and Easter festivals, is a common trend.
Muslims, aside from lending a hand in preparing festival places, they celebrate the day together with their Christian partners, eat and drink meals that are prepare for them, without being bounded by religious contexts. And Muslims prepare halal food for their non-Muslims brothers and sisters; and Christians do the same.
Recently, in connection with the holy month of Ramadan, 1444 A.H, President Sahle-Work Zewde hosted Iftar Dinner at her residence for members of the Muslim community.
At the Iftar dinner program, including President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Sheik Haji Ibrahim, members of the council, and religious leaders among others took part. It is to be recalled that the President hosted a similar Iftar ceremony at her home last year, and it was attended by devotees of the faith.
In the same manner, last Sunday evening, Addis Ababa City Administration also shared an Iftar meal for 500 people, those vulnerable groups living in poverty.
Speaking at the Iftar meal sharing program held at the premises of the Mayor Office, Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie said that the Iftar meal is aimed to show love and respect to the community.
“The matters that unite and tie us are greater than the things they divide us. We are people who are intermingled by blood, and those we have strong values of togetherness and solidarity,” Adanech remarked.
It was also stated that the Iftar meal sharing program will continue in other towns and cities of the country. The Iftar program was held in the presence of elders and devotees of all faiths.
The City Administration has budgeted more than 6.3 million birr to accommodate the Iftar meal for the elderly and physically disabled members of the community, local media reported.
Each beneficiary received five liters of edible oil, 25kg of flour and 6kg of date, according to the city administration. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has also shared 1,360 cartons of date to physically disabled and elderly people in the capital.
The saying goes, “the things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are moments when we touch one another.” And the activities carried out to show togetherness and fraternity is exemplary.
The Ethiopian Herald April 4/2023
