BY LEULSEGED WORKU
One of the main objectives of human kind living on this planet is sharing what they have and practicing the true essence of peace, said Ayub Adem, CEO of Minber TV, here in Addis Ababa.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ayub said that establishing, spreading and practicing peace is not an option to human kind; it is a matter that must be practiced every second and minute. Peace must be realized not only at individual level but also at group, community and national level. Individual peace has a direct or indirect impact on national peace. In this respect, Islam, which the word itself means “Peace”, is playing a significant role.
According to Ayub, the value of peace is priceless. Peace is insurance for all mankind to live on earth. Wealth or knowledge by themselves cannot ensure a happy life. It is peace that guarantees happiness. In this regard, one of the core values of Islam teaching is to practice peace and submission to the will of Allah. In other words, it is all about enjoying the essences of peace internally as well as externally. By submitting oneself to the creator, one can find internal peace as a reward.
As to Ayub, every religion is founded with the principle of peace; and the role of every religious people is practicing its core values.“However, most of us are listeners instead of practitioners,” he added. Peace is one of the attributes of our creator, “Allah”, and that is why He calls Himself ‘As-Salaam’- which means the giver and source of peace, the one who is free from all imperfections, deficiencies because of the perfection of His being. His being and actions are perfect and peaceful.
Ayub also said that religious leaders and followers takes the lion`s share to ensure peace. Every individual devotee is the product of his/her thoughts. Whenever one practices a holy life he/she is reflecting what s/he learnt from the religious teacher. Sharing is one of the pillars of Islam, said Ayub. Zakat or almsgiving is one of the five pillars of Islam which is mandatory for Muslims. For every sane, adult Muslim who owns wealth over a certain amount – known as the Nisab – he or she must pay 2.5 percent of that wealth as Zakat.
If every wealthy individual willingly contributes 2.5 percent from their wealth to the poor, the world will not experience poverty. This is not simply a theoretical concept. Rather, it was once practiced in the time of one of the successors of the Prophet (pbuh) where wealth was evenly distributed, poverty was eradicated and justice was ensured.
According to Ayub, sharing is both a religious and moral obligation to every able Muslim. Besides contributing in money, the Muslim community is also expected to show compassion for fellow man which cannot be measured by money or material gifts. In this regard, while marking Ramadan, Ethiopian Muslims are expected to be considerate to other Ethiopians who are displaced or experiencing hardship.
The Ramadan fasting month is concluded; and all Ethiopian Muslims are marking Ramadan with families and neighbors. Using the core values and teachings of the religion, Muslim communities all over the world have nourished their souls with prayer, sharing and practicing peace. Here in Ethiopia, during the fasting days Muslim communities together with their Christian counterparts were seen sharing common values, practicing tolerance and enjoying the fruits of peace. What is more, facilitating prayer places and participating in a large-scale street Iftar, a fast breaking meal, in Addis Ababa and other towns were the unforgettable events of the peaceful month of the Ramadan.
As some sources revealed, Ramadan is a period of fasting, spiritual growth and is one of the five “Pillars of Islam”. On Ramadan able-bodied Muslims are expected to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset each day of the month. Many practicing Muslims also perform additional prayers, especially at night, and attempt to recite the entire Quran.
Eid Mubarak!!!
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 22 APRIL 2023
