Top Ethiopian Muslim cleric urges prayers for war-torn areas during largest street iftar dinner in capital

By Sadik Kedir Abdu

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - During the 4th Grand Street iftar, the fast-breaking meal, which drew over 80,000 attendees in the capital Addis Ababa, the top Ethiopian religious leader called for helping hands and prayers for people displaced by conflicts and natural disasters around the world.

The street iftar dinner is observed in one of the largest squares of the country on the 17th day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, marking the first decisive victory of Muslims led by Prophet Muhammad in the Battle of Badr.

"Muslims should be guardians of peace in the country," Haji Ibrahim Tufa, the head of Ethiopian Muslims Affairs Supreme Council, told the gathering, urging for a unified stand against communal violence.

Ustaz Abubeker Ahmed, one of the organizers of the dinner, told Anadolu that the event aimed to solidify unity and compassion among people.

Abubeker, also a leader of a peaceful Islamic movement -- Let our voice be heard -- paved the way for a massive political change in the country.

"This massive street iftar not only fosters unity but also inclusivity, serving as a platform for mutual understanding and cooperation among Ethiopians," he added.

Faisel Kemal, the organizer of the event for four years, also told Anadolu that this event was particularly different with its vocalization of equal use of public spaces and streets for diversified religious events, as the place used to serve only one religion for decades.

Abiyot (Revolution) Square, also known popularly as Mesqel (Cross) Square, has long been dedicated to hosting only one religious event, "Mesqel," an annual Ethiopian Orthodox gathering to celebrate the discovery of the cross by which Jesus was crucified.

In recent years, however, it has been opened to other religious celebrations such as street iftar, an annual gathering called Irreecha by the Ethiopian religious group Waaqeffanna, particularly in the Oromo region, and an open conference for Protestants.

According to Faisel, the massive gathering was also organized by 1,700 volunteers to facilitate the event which was broadcast live on many channels, including the state-owned Ethiopian Television.