Hundreds of Ethiopian Muslims gathered at the historic Mosque, Anwar Al-Ateeq, in the heart of Addis Ababa on Sunday, September 16, to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The event saw official participation from representatives of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ethiopia, alongside several government officials, including the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ethiopia, Sheikh Abdul Karim Badr al-Din, the Head of the Peace Office in the capital and Deputy Mayor of the city, Lydia Girma, as well as a host of scholars, religious leaders, and representatives from various religious sects.
In a festive carnival-like atmosphere, the courtyards of the ancient mosque in the capital were filled with hundreds of Muslims from the city, who participated in various programs that included religious chants and locally known “Manzuma” praises of the Prophet. The event featured official speeches, including an address by the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council in Ethiopia, and the distribution of awards to prominent religious figures.
Ethiopian Muslims have consistently commemorated the Prophet's birthday annually with grand celebrations in Addis Ababa and in most towns and villages with Muslim majorities across the country. These celebrations are marked by both official and public participation, featuring cultural programs and religious chants praising the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Official Speeches and Congratulations
Sheikh Abdul Karim Badr al-Din, the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ethiopia, congratulated Ethiopian Muslims on the occasion of the Prophet's birthday. He noted that the celebration of the Prophet's birth is one of the most significant traditions among Ethiopian Muslims.
During his speech at the event, Badr al-Din highlighted that this year's celebration is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ethiopia.
On the eve of the Prophet’s birthday celebration, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his congratulations to Ethiopian Muslims on the occasion and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. He remarked that the Prophet’s birthday is a time to reflect on the profound mission for which he was sent and the positive and deep impact he had on the world.
The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday in Ethiopia takes on the character of grand festivals and major celebrations, with Muslims gathering in mosques, chanting takbir and tahlil, expressing their joy at the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Council’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Meanwhile, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ethiopia, in a statement comprising 15 main clauses, approved the budget for the new Ethiopian financial year 2017, corresponding to 2025 AD. Ethiopia still adheres to the Coptic Church calendar, locally known as the Ethiopian calendar, which lags more than seven years behind the Gregorian calendar, with the new year starting on September 11.
In his opening speech at the meeting, Council President Sheikh Ibrahim Tufa noted that many initiatives have been undertaken by the council for the benefit of the Ethiopian Muslim community and the country over the past two years. He pointed out that it has been 25 months since he took over the council's leadership, during which time the executive authority has been organized on an inclusive basis, and numerous efforts have been made to strengthen joint Islamic community institutions across regions and even mosques throughout the country.
He highlighted the significant activities carried out by the council’s leadership over the past two years, the challenges faced regarding solidarity, peace, alternative funding sources, arbitration councils, and Islamic Sharia courts. He emphasized that the Ethiopian Federal Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs is a joint institution for all Ethiopian Muslims.
Regarding the council’s external efforts, he noted that the senior leadership’s active participation in more than 40 international conferences has allowed the presentation of various research papers, thereby positively portraying Ethiopia and Ethiopian Muslims at the highest level. He added that the council's half-century history has seen the institution leave its mark through participation in various international forums and the presentation of research papers that bring pride to the nation and Ethiopian Muslims, achieving notable results in the council’s foreign relations.
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