Ethiopian Islamic heritages key to enhance cultural, people-to-people ties at regional level: Analyst
Addis Ababa, April 19, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopian Islamic heritages are key to enhance cultural and people to people ties at regional level and beyond if promoted well, Sudanese analyst, journalist and former diplomat Mekki Elmograbi said.
In an exclusive interview with Fana Broadcasting Corporate, Mekki Elmograbi indicated that the Migration to Ethiopia was an important event in the early history of Islam, where Prophet Muhammad’s first followers (the Sahabah) fled from the persecution of the ruling Quraysh tribe of Mecca.
Members of the early Muslim community in Mecca faced persecution which prompted Muhammad to advise them to seek refuge in Ethiopia. And, this helped Ethiopia to get a special place among all Muslims in the world, he indicated.
“This was so because he gave shelter to Muslim refugees which included relatives of Prophets Muhammad when they escaped persecution in Mecca,” he said.
Ethiopia has several Islamic heritages including ancient mosques, holy Islamic scriptures, Madrasas, traditional songs named Menzumas, sacred towns and cities and tombs of very prominent religious leaders, he said, adding promotion of these treasures will have a paramount significance in fostering cultural and social relations at regional and continental level.
“For instance, the Al Nejashi mosque which was built in the 7th century is as old as the faith of Islam in Ethiopia and it is believed to be the first mosque in Africa. The mosque is considered by many as one of the most sacred places of Islam and dubbed by some as “The second Makkah” Mekki explained.
The historical fortified City of Harar is also one of the sacred cities on Islam. Although the city is inscribed by UNESCO and well known as world heritage, it needs to be promoted in a way to create a cultural and social link among Africans and whole Muslim community in the world, he added.
“I know that Muslim tourists from all over the world want to know more about Ethiopian Islamic heritages. Therefore, the government and stakeholders must arrange special occasions that will attract visitors so as to boost the tourism sector,” he noted.
“What makes Islam unique in Ethiopia is that, in the first place it was preached, spread and accepted peacefully throughout the whole territory of Ethiopia. Secondly, Islam always co-exists harmoniously with other religions including Christianity. That is why that one can find people of the same family with different religions.
Africans have to be given a chance to know more about these Islamic historical and religious sites, and the visits arranged to heritages in turn can help cement people to people and cultural ties among peoples of the religion and foster Ethiopian tourism, he said.
“I have been to Ethiopia several times. I could physically witness the peaceful and harmonious co-existence between Muslims and Christians. I saw Christians in Addis Ababa attending Iftar events with their Muslim friends. This harmonious lifestyle itself is something that can be taken as a unique traditional and cultural value,” Mekki elaborated.
The peace agreement and its implementation nationwide is a good opportunity to promote Islamic heritages in Ethiopia, he added.
By: Wondesen Aregahegn