N E G A S H I - OJ

Addis Ababa, March 18, 2008 (Addis Ababa) - The 1,483th birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed would be colorfully celebrated on the coming Thursday all over the country, Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council said.In a statement sent to ENA on Tuesday the Council said that the Millennium birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed would specially be warmly celebrated in Albuko Woreda of South Wollo Zone, Amhara State.

Mosques in the country have undertaken various preparations for the celebration.

Mawulid, anniversary celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is one of the controversial issues within the Muslim Community Some devote every thing they have to colorfully celebrate it while others abhore it and in extreme situation elevate the act to the level of Shirk, a sin for which there shall not be any pardon. We all have listened, watched and read discourses that are pro and aganist the act. Neither of the two position has so far managed to bring an end to the other.

For Ethiopian Muslims, this years anniversay celebration brings with it another issue. This year’s Maulid is to be celebrated at a historic site of what is known as “Getta”. Getta is where “ye Gettaw Shaykh” established one of the 18/19th century center of excellence for Islamic learning, a center for the expansion and strengthening of Islam in Wollo and beyond. With the fact that Maulid is to be celebrated at this site, we may tend to raise various issues: Who was this Gettaw Shaykh? What contribution he made for Islam and Ethiopian Muslims? What is his legacy? How is that legacy known, kept, and promoted by the present generation? At what state is the site at the moment? What responsibility do we all have to keep such historic sites and promote the legacy of the fathers and mothers who did so much to keep Islam in that country?

Having the controversy revolving the celebration of the birth day anniversary, let me invite you to share ideas on the points I raised above. Lets use the opportunity to know about one of our heroe’s - Hajji Seid Bushira - Alias ye Gettaw Shaykh. Lets use the plateform to give what we know on this topic and receive what others are to offer us.

Earlier Eid Al Adha was celebrated at Dire Shaykh (Bale) - another center of prominance and believed to be established by Shaykh Hussien. Ashura was celebrated at Nejashi in Wuqiro (Tigray) - a site believed to carry in it the bones of the Just King, King Ashama and many companions of the Prophet (May Allah have mercy on all of them). Lets also share knowledge on the contribution and achievement of these great people.

[Ethiopia for Equality and Juctice] After the police confiscated computers and printers followed by shunning of their printing press two newspapers are on the verge to suspend their job.

Al-quds and Salafiya newspapers editors were arrested for what The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described as critical journalism, before they were released on bail of 20,000 Birr. The committee condemned the arrest and asked immediate return of the all confiscated equipments.

In interview made by Negashi radio (listen to Radio Negashi )with Alquds editor, Ato Izadin, and his wife Maria who have been arrested with her husband expressed the daunting challenges that they are facing to continue their job. Ato Izadin said the amount of the money they paid for bail is un-proportional and too much for them, with the case.

• Read more: Ethiopia (Diaspora): A Plea to Save Ethiopian Muslim Newspapers

I have been receiving calls and emails to verify the truth about rumour which claims that Hajji Umer Idris is arrested. This was alleged to be broadcasted by one of the radio’s in the United States, to be specific in Washington DC. The claim is utterly false and the Shaykh is well and doing his activities undeterred. Negashi OJ talked to the Shayk few minutes ago and the shaykh is very much surprised about the report and assured us all that he has done nothing other than calming the people and reflecting its concerns. By this he said he is helping not only the umma but also the government which need to give attention to the concern of the citizen. He could not see any reason for which he is to be put in prison.

Lately, Sh. Umer stood against the disgusted Elias & Co. and aborted his clandestine effort to victimize Muslims by endorsing a document that deny them access to education. This of his position pushed many to speculate the shaykh would be the next victim of the cursed Elias. The radio broadcaster seems to have used this feeling of the people to disseminate its falsehood and confusing reports.