PM Extends Eid al-Adha Best Wishes to Muslims

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (ENA) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended best wishes to Ethiopian Muslims celebrating Eid al-Adha (Arafah) tomorrow.

Eid al-Adha is a holiday that commemorates sacrifice; the time when Prophet Ibrahim showed his absolute devotion to willingly sacrifice his son Ismail to God.

There is no greater act of obedience and devotion than sacrificing one’s child to God, the premier said in his message.

Remembering the values of this holiday is incredibly important for building a prosperous Ethiopia, he added.

“A nation is built on sacrifice, especially the sacrifice of what we hold dear. A nation is where the preceding generation sacrifices for the succeeding generation.”

Prophet Ibrahim prepared his son for sacrifice and in return received a sheep from Allah, he recalled, adding that one must first sacrifice oneself to receive another sacrifice.

A generation that sacrifices itself for the country is created by the preceding generation that   sacrificed to save the nation.

"Our mothers and fathers sacrificed themselves for the independence and sovereignty of their country," the PM noted, adding that they will receive a heavenly and historical reward for that.

However, they do not receive an equivalent earthly reward as there is no reward that can match a life. "We are the ones who receive their reward, and the succeeding generation will receive our reward."

After Adam and Hawa left Jannah, they lived separately for a long time. They reunited on the day of Arafah, a special day of reunion and meeting, the premier elaborated.

Thoughts, perspectives, grievances, and past histories might have separated us in one way or another.

However, as children of the same country, our separation should not be permanent or divisive. Like Adam and Hawa, we need a way to reconnect, Abiy stressed.

For us, the way to reconnect is through national dialogue --- a platform where our ideas and interests meet.

Therefore, "I hope that we will reflect on the sacrifice we make for our country and future generations by further strengthening the national dialogue platform where we meet on this day  when we celebrate Arafah."