N E G A S H I - OJ

To His honourable Prime Minster of Ethiopia Mr. Melese Zenwi;
To His honourable Harari State President Mr Murad Abdulhadi;
To Honourable Presidents of Ethiopian Administrative Regions;
To Ethiopian Embassies Overseas;
To Supreme Islamic Council of Ethiopia
To His honourable Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abuna Paulos
To All Ethiopian Muslims
To Harari Community Associations 

On Friday 27 November 2009, about 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world will be celebrating Edul Adha festival. Edul Adha is one of the two major Islamic holidays heralding the end of the sacred pilgrimage and prayers seasons in and around the sacred precincts of Mecca and Media.

For Muslims the Islamic rituals and practices during the sacred season are paramount important and carry important meanings. Pilgrimage to Hajj is one of the articles of Islam; and the sacred rituals and practices during the period demonstrate scarifies, unity, universal brotherhood, equality and freedom of mankind in the light of God irrespective of their wealth, origin, colour, ethnicity and nationality.

Our beloved country Ethiopia could be an excellent model to demonstrate the spirit of Hajj for a number of reasons:

1. In Islamic history Ethiopia is taken as the “Haven of the First Migration or Hijra.” For Muslims, Ethiopia is identical with freedom from discrimination and liberation
2. In Islamic world Ethiopia is known as the land of Ahmed Al-Najashi, who was a person renowned for his justice and in whose land human rights were respected;
3. Bilal ibn Rabah, an Ethiopian slave, was one of the greatest companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
4. Ethiopia was the country chosen by the Prophet Mohammed at the time his followers needed protection and freedom form oppression.
5. He was more convinced that Islam would be more protected in its infancy in a fertile and prosperous land ruled by the people of Scripture and whose prophet was Jesus than among the disgraceful pagans of Arabia.
6. Ethiopia is of the country of ethnic and religious diversity requiring the sprit of Hajj for equality, freedom and prosperity

With this spirit in mind, we can make the most of our Islamic history to bridge the gap of misunderstanding and mistrust and build a solid foundation for a prosperous Ethiopia that knows no defined religious and political boundaries.

On this Holy occasion, on behalf of Harar Interest Advocacy Group International (HIAGI) I extend my best wishes to you and your family by saying Edul Mubarak.

May Allah bless you all.
Salahadin Khairo,
(Director)