Ethiopia officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2. Ethiopia is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Sudan and South Sudan to the west, and Kenya to the south. With its capital at Addis Ababa, it is also the most populous landlocked nation in the world.

Ethiopia was a monarchy for most of its history, and the Ethiopian dynasty traces its roots to the 2nd century BC. Ethiopia is also one of the oldest sites of human existence known to scientists today, having yielded some of humanity's oldest traces.

The country is a land of natural contrasts, with waterfalls and volcanic hot springs. Ethiopia has some of Africa's highest mountains as well as some of the world's lowest points below sea level. The largest cave in Africa is located in Ethiopia at Sof Omar. Ethiopia has one of the largest number of rivers in the world while the country's northernmost area at Dallol, Afar is the hottest place year-round anywhere on Earth. Ethiopia is a multilingual, multicultural and multiethnic society of around 80 groups, with the two largest being the Oromo and the Amhara, both of which speak Afro-Asiatic languages. The country is also famous for its Olympic gold medalists in running, rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, and as the place where the coffee bean originated. Currently, Ethiopia is the top coffee and honey-producing country in Africa, and home to the largest livestock population in Africa. The Ethiopian Aksum region was the first major empire in the world to convert to Christianity and it was one of the first countries to officially adopt Christianity as a state religion in the 4th century..


Ethiopia is the site of the first hijra in Islamic history and the oldest Muslim settlement in Africa at Negash. Until the 1980s, a substantial population of Ethiopian Jews resided in Ethiopia. The country is also the spiritual homeland of the Rastafari religious movement.

Ethiopia, which has Africa's second biggest hydropower potential,[17] is the source of over 85% of the total Nile water flow and contains rich soils, but it nevertheless underwent a series of famines in the 1980s, exacerbated by adverse geopolitics and civil wars, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands.







Ethnic groups Oromo 34.5% Amhara 26.9% Somali 6.2% Tigray 6.1% Sidama 4.% Gurage 2.5% Welayta 2.3% Hadiya 1.7% Afar 1.7% Gamo 1.5% Gedeo 1.3% Other 11.3%[2]

Ethiopia is divided into nine ethnically based administrative countries (kililoch, sing. kilil) and subdivided into sixty-eight zones and two chartered cities Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa (subdivisions 1 and 5 in the map, respectively). It is further subdivided into 550 woredas and several special woredas.

The nine regions and two chartered cities (in italics) are:

1. Addis Ababa

2. Afar

3. Amhara

4. Benishangul-Gumuz

5. Dire Dawa

6. Gambela

7. Harari

8. Oromia

9. Somali

10. Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region

11. Tigray


Ethiopia was the fastest-growing non-oil-dependent African economy in the years 2007 and 2008. Despite these economic improvements, urban and rural poverty remains an issue in the country.

Historically, Ethiopia's feudal and communist economic structure has always kept it one rainless season away from devastating droughts. Ethiopia has great potential to be a producer, as it is one of the most fertile countries in Africa. According to the New York Times, Ethiopia "could easily become the breadbasket for much of Europe if her agriculture were better organized'

Many other economic activities depend on agriculture, including marketing, processing, and export of agricultural products. Principal crops include coffee, pulses (e.g., beans), oilseeds, cereals, potatoes, sugarcane, and vegetables. Exports are almost entirely agricultural commodities, and coffee is the largest foreign exchange earner. Ethiopia is Africa's second biggest maize producer. Ethiopia's livestock population is believed to be the largest in Africa, and as of 1987 accounted for about 15 percent of the GDP.

Religion: Muslims are 65% of the population but always the Christian domination under estimate the population of Muslims. There are Protestant, Catholic and Jews too living side by side. Muslims are living in oppression and discrimination from Christian orthodox regime. Although they say that the state has no relation with religion but systematically Christian orthodox dominate the state. Muslims are hardly given the high post.

Also in the schools Muslims are been left aside and Christian get priority in all higher education.

Problems within Muslim communities, since the arrival of wahhabism and salafism Muslims community are divided. Ethiopian Muslims who were proud of their Sufiism and spread Islam from Ethiopia towards other African countries; today they suffer big challenge with wahhabi. All higher post at the Ethiopian Muslim Council or Addis Ababa Muslims council the wahhabi dominate the Muslims. Muslims cannot build a Muslim Mosque or Muslim School without their approval.

The Call of Imam Husayn a.s. to save Islam is Echoing in Ethiopia!

The call of Imam Husayn a.s. to save Islam is echoing in Ethiopia,    

“Hal Min NasiRin Yansiruna”

(Is there any helper who can help us)

By 

Hashim Okera

P.O.Box 28293/1000, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
Mobile: +251 927 168602

Date: 12^th April, 2012

Brothers and Sisters in Eiman,   

    

Assalamo Alaykum, 

On my Tabligh works to Djibouti and Somalia via Addis Ababa; in my transit I came to know about 100s of Ethiopian Shia throughout Ethiopia who do not have any organization or Shia Center where they can perform their prayers. Ethiopian Shias are squatter and there is no network between them. As in Ethiopia by law there is freedom of practicing any faith.

I than diverted my trip from Addis Ababa to Dar es Salam to convey my message since it became necessary for me to convey message to the Shia world about the need of a Shia Center for Ethiopian Shias.

Since there has been no effort made from any Shia Organization to establish Shia Center in Ethiopia, I decided to settle in Ethiopia until we achieve in our mission. There is very good chance to do Tabligh works systematically. It is planned to work in full scale with proper planning as we are putting experienced persons in the field. Traditionally it is known that where ever our Khoja Shia families migrate than they start to build Shia Centers such as Masjid, Hussainiya and Madressa where ever they live. But the case of Ethiopia is different. Ethiopian Shia converted to Shia faith by study and research and they do not have any means and resources to build Shia centers now.  Shia Muballighs and Shia Activist will be invited all over the world to join promoting the faith of Ahlul Bayt a.s. in Horn of Africa where it is empty of such works collectively. We will immediately need fund to start the activities.

Our message is clear; “We cannot ignore Tabligh activities in Ethiopia as well as in Horn of Africa since there is not a single Shia Center in where native Shia can get together for prayers and other Majalises”.        

Wama Alayna Illal Balaagh.

Hashim Okera

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Branch Bisrate Gabriel Dashen Area Bank,

Name: Hashim Hassen Ali, 

Swift Code: DASHETAA, a/c nr. 5063 7801 78008  

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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The Land that Prophet Mohammed s.a.w. blessed. The Land of the start of Islamic Calender Hijra

The call of Imam Husayn a.s. to save Islam

 is echoing in Ethiopia,     

“Hal Min Nasisin Yansiruna”

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Ethiopia was not in my mind to do any Tabligh works since I was travelling to Somalia, I got chance to stop in Addis Ababa for a week. I was with my Ethiopian Shia friend Brother Mohamed Seid whom I used to meet him at Ahlul Bayt a.s. Conferences in different places. During that time I came to know about Itrat and Kitab Club that was founded by Br.Mohamed Seid with other 4 Ethiopian Shia. I was told that they have different type Tabligh activites including translating of Shia Islamic Books in Amharic.

I was than very much interested to find out more about their activities and their Tabligh works. I met with several Ethiopian Shia, I found that there is big scope of Tabligh works.

My curiosity increased and wanted to know more about the Tabligh works and the opportunity. I requested the report and accounts but there is no such thing at all in the said organization.

The more I was enquiring in deep my interest was increasing, by seeing the scope and opportunity of the Tabligh works, I finally decided that it has become obligation on me to convey the message to the Shia Brothers and Sisters active in Tabligh works.

SHIA POPULATION

There are many Ethiopian Shias all over but since there is no such center or social network people are squatter and not knowing with each other. Besides the below information there are more in different towns full research is needed.

Addis Ababa - There are about 50 to 100 Ethiopian Shia who accepted Shia faith by their own studies and media Ahlul Bayt TV, al Kauthar TV and books. But there is not any center or place were they can come together or there is no social network like Shia Masjid or Hussayniya were Ethiopian Shia can come together.

Wallo – there are 30 – 40 families in Wallo town who have the same problem as the above no such center or Library for social networks or prayers.

Harar – there are about 40 families in Harar.  Harar is ancient Islamic country that is known for promoting Islam since last 1000 years. It is also known as Islamic heritage town on Ethiopia. They also have similar problem as above.

Dire Dawa – There are about 5 families including one active Somali family. The Somali family is active promoting Shia Faith both in Ethiopia and Puntland – Bosaso the place of pirates. As per his information there are 100 Somali Shia in Bosaso and about 60 Somali Shia in Qardho. (This information needs to be investigated). The Somali is also busy in translating books in Somali language.

Djibouti

Djibouti is known as Somali French land historically. Alhamdo Lillah there are 50 active Djibouti Shia whose language is Somali in Djibouti. They are more organized and they do not get any support from any Shia communities or individuals. They have regular Dua e Komayl and also Al Zahra Library. The group are so active and are interested to increase their Shia knowledge, I tried to take their application for Jamiat al Mustafa in Qom but unfortunately it has been more than one year there is no news about where about our application. Even I travelled my self to Qom to find out but I failed.

One can see here that since there is no such Shia center organized in Ethiopia in the population of 80 million people as well as Horn of Africa at large. There are some individuals working on translation of Islamic Books in Amharic languages and Tabligh works on individual basis.

There is freedom of Religion and practicing whatever faith an Ethiopian citizen chooses. Amongst 80 million population of Ethiopia curiosity to know more about Shia faith has been developed after Salafi and Wahhabi propagate that many Ethiopian has become Kafir and Mushrik as Shia.  This propaganda is paving way for the need of Shia books. 

I found now it has been obligatory for me to settle in Ethiopia to organize and create a network within all Ethiopian Shia individuals and families by establishing one center and Library. I am prepared to settle in Ethiopia to bring all people in Tabligh activities together to find how we can make active Tabligh works in Ethiopia as the ground is fertile for tabligh activities.

There is no doubt the poverty level is very high especially Somalis fleeing Al Shebab are in thousands who do not get assistance from any ngos or organization. It is really heart burning to see the situation of Somali refugees and other poor families on the roads of Addis Ababa. As per information in the villages the situation is worse.

Permanent Permit.

Any individual who invests $50,000 will be able to get permanent permit as businessmen.

Conclusion

Since Horn of Africa has been left out Shia center; it is Wajib on us to do Tabligh works in full scale. We cannot ignore 120 million people in Horn of Africa - Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti without any knowledge of Shia faith when we see there is no obstacle to do so if we work systematically. And Alhamdo Lillah today there are many Shia organizations all over the world who are doing Tabligh works in different parts of the world. The good news is that there are already some Shia in Ethiopia and Djibouti who need to be organized in their way. It is very important to have permanent Tabligh activist, shia social workers and Muballigheen who have experience in organizations and familiar with  Tabligh activities.

Immediate and Short Term Plan.

By seeing the need of immediate Tabligh works, I came to conclusion that I am going to settle in Ethiopia, until we establish a permanent Shia centers all over Ethiopia.  All active colleagues who are aggressive Tabligh works from East Africa to Europe and North America are welcome to join in this noble work. But without the financial help and donations of Mo’mineen we will not be able to take any step.

Shia Muballighs will go for 6 month Amharic language course, to reach the grassroots.

We will go with rental center and rental library and book store location to find more about Ethiopian Shia. Trip to different parts of Ethiopia will be done to make proper census and the needs of our Ethiopian Shia brothers, so that we can organize them properly to run their own centers. We will avoid all kinds of project that will make Ethiopian Shia dependent for life for any Tabligh works.

Shia Organization will be invited to see Ethiopia and the opportunities available for Tabligh work in any section they are interested in.

We will prepare Muballighs within local Shias by providing them short courses and seminars in Djibouti and Ethiopia. We will also send Ethiopian Shia children to our different Hauwzas in Africa or Asia.

Distributions of books in full scale.

Translation of Books.

Long Term Plan

After our full scale research and ground works

·         Permanent Shia Centers including Mosque and Hussainia, Liberary and bookshops in Addis Ababa, Wallo, Harar, Diri Dawa and Djibouti and were ever needed.

Hashim Okera - 12 th April, 2012

The following is the project proposals prepared by Ethiopian


Shia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Very Informative


interesting to 


study.

1.             Background

In the history of Islam, Ethiopia is considered among the few countries upon whom the light of Islam shone early as the advent of the Islam of the seal of the prophets (SAW).  Ethiopia is a country of the earliest Hijrah that hosted the first emigrants that were led by Ja’far Ibn Abi Talib, the brother of Amiral Mu’iminin Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS).

Having such a root as the basis of introduction of Islam in this country, the light of the True Islam went on shining for centuries.  Great personalities and profound scholars who traced back their genealogy to the Ahlal Bait (AS) had settled in the various parts of the country.  These personalities taught the Islam of Ahlal Bait (AS) for centuries.  However, as time elapsed, the Umayad propaganda started to shade its darkness on the light of Islam with the emergence of Wahabism in the name of Ahlal Sunnah Wal Jama’ah.

As a result of a highly sophisticated and all round campaign of this group with the aim of demolishing the teachings and thoughts of Ahlal Bait (AS), currently Shia Islam is considered by the majority of the population among the sects that are out of the sphere of Islam.

They succeeded in attaining their goal by propagating misleading information about the Shia Islam.  They have been investing a huge amount of money and manpower to eradicate the teaching of Ahlal Bait (AS) and to create prejudice and hatred for the Shia sect.

However, as falsehood never lasts for long, in spite of the tremendous campaign and huge investment to weaken it, the light of Islam has started re-shining by the Mercy of the Omnipotent Lord of the Worlds.

Even though they succeeded in spreading their poison in the majority of the areas of the country, predominantly in the urban areas, the old trace of the Ahlal Bait (AS) and the ever shining light of the true Islam still shines in the middest of its enemies.

2.             Current Developments.

Since recent years, fed up with the monotonous and unnatural propaganda of the Wahhabi sect, and having the opportunity of access to information in the modern world, the enlightenment which was obtained by few individuals is spreading in the country with alarming rate.  With development of electronic and print media, considerable numbers of lettered people are receiving information on the true nature of Shia Islam.  Currently, the battle between truth is falsehood in the playground, and a remarkable example pertaining to the power of truth is revealed by the fact that a falsehood which was built for several years came to be smashed by sprinkle of light in few years.

A journey commenced by few individuals and material support obtained from the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ethopia, and some brothers from the Gulf as well as the moral support of some individuals in Lebanon, steps towards, re introducing the way of the Ahlal Bait (AS) are going forward.  However, compared to the support the struggle against the Shia Islam, ours can be said to be insignificant except for the mercy of Allah and the power He gave to truth.

Thus, although there is nothing to boast about in terms of population of Shias in the country compared to the total population, considerable number of people are getting enlightened via few individuals who are informally and secretly involved in Tabligh activities in different parts of the country, whereby the capital Addis Ababa, Wollo (in northern Ethopia) and Harar (in eastern Ethopia) are the leading ones.

3.                Review of Activities

Few years back, there were extremely few individuals who were enlightened by the teachings to the Ahlal Bait (AS).  Even these individuals didn’t dare to claim the word “Shia” as this could be fatal. The only material that these individuals used to share is books that are written or translated by Shia Scholars.  By providing books to few individuals who are interested in reading and researching on Islam, it has been possible to get some followers of the Shia Islam.  As the demand for books and more information went up, looking for institutions and individuals who can provide us with books became a necessity.  The Islamic Republic of Iran in Ethopia and some brothers from the Gulf and the world Assembly of Ahlal Bait (AS) were among the first to respond to our needs.  May Allah bless them all and count their deeds on the weight of good deeds.

As time went by, the few individuals who managed to convert to Shia started to meet for discussions and debates.  This led to the need to establish a club that can be used as an umbrella to bring members together.  Thus, a club by the name “Kitab and Itrat Club” has been legally established.  It has been possible to rent a small office of two rooms with financial aid of some individuals.  The center is deliberately made to be located in residence building (Condominium building) for safely sake.  However, the only asset we have in the office is books so far.

In this manner, by disseminating books to our members in various parts of the country and assigning some Mubalighs (propagators) according to their place of residence, we managed to continuously increase the number of our members.

In the beginning, our target group was limited to individuals who are able to read books written in English and or Arabic.  As this would highly limit the target group, the idea of translating selected books to the local official language came to place.  Thus, selecting members whose areas of study and ability is fit for translation duty; it has been possible to translate some books to the local language.

Among the books translated in Amharic languages are:

1.       Then I was Guided (published)

2.       Imamate (published)

3.       The Narrative of Veracious (published)

4.       What happened in Ghadir (in print house)

5.       Islamic Teachings in Brief (in print house)

6.       The Faith of Shia Islam (on progress)

The above six books are translated by the same translator.  Furthermore, the translation of more books like:-

7.       The Road to Ahlal Bait (AS)

8.       Inquiries about Shia Islam: is on progress

Besides distributing books and invitations to lectures, focus group discussions and personal debates are among our methods of propagation.

4.             Limitations and Problems   

Had it not been for the Mercy of the Lord of the worlds and the power of truth, the circumstances and situations we are in the surrounded with, wouldn’t have allowed us to move just one step.

To mention just few among the limitations and problems we have been facing:-

1.       Due to the existing critical prejudice and ‘strangeness’ concerning the Shia sect, it has always been unsafe to publicly claim and talk about Shia.  This is as a result of the dominant propaganda activities of the Waahbi or Salafi sect.

2.       Lack of knowledge and leader:  The main source of we have been able to use is books written by Shia scholars.  However, as it is obvious, it is impossible to get fully acquainted with Shia teachings only by reading books.  Thus we do not have a leader to follow and a qualified person to get knowledge from.

3.       Lack of formal center:  We do not have any formal institutions or center that can at least bring together members or that may be used as a working place.

4.       The poor condition of Shia Islam followers:  The majority of Shias in the country currently are workers whose monthly income lies between 50 – 80 dollars, not to mention some of them who do not have source of income at all.  This includes our mubalighs who can only work Tabligh activities for limited time as they have to struggle to get extra income to cope with high inflation and poor life condition in the country.

5.       Negligence of Shia world towards Ethopia Shias:  Compared to some African countries, Ethopia has failed to win the attention of the Shia world in general and Shia institutions in particular including the World Assembly of Ahlal Bait (AS) in spite of our pleas a number of times.

6.       Lack of Experience Sharing and Communication with the Shia world:  Except only one member of the Shias in Ethopia, no other individuals have got the opportunity of being in the Shia environment.  All the inspiration and enlightenment we are graced with came only from some television channels and books.

7.       Lack of incentive:  Where people who propagate falsehood and anti-Islam activities are highly funded and well equipped with necessary materials, the few Shias who carry the banner of absolute truth are not given any incentive.  But the poor life condition of the country, the worldly miserable life of the Shias and the dominance of the enemies in finance and material are far from being able to distinguish the flame of truth, Allah willing.

8.       Poor living areas and conditions:  The majority of Shias live in poor rental houses in slum areas.  Because Ethopia is a country where an individual holds the responsibility of feeding and fostering large family members, Shia Mubalighs are forced to live in a critical condition which make them highly preoccupied and this has led to failure to do the Tabligh activities effectively and efficiently.

5.             Recommendations

It is our belief that whether some support is obtained or not, the work of revealing the truth never stops but may be forced to cripple for various reasons.  However, it cannot be denied that help and support play a vital role in facilitating certain activities and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of duties.  For effective accomplishment of certain mission, the importance and necessity of creating a suitable working environment and condition is unquestionable.  Therefore, we recommend to the concerned bodies to help us and stand with us in any way possible among which the following are the once we pointed out:-

1.       Establishment of a formal center/office for the Shia of Ethopia:  This calls to budget and financial aid that may be used for office rent fee, office equipment purchase, manpower employment and various other office facilities.

2.       Providing trainings and education on shia Islam:  As mentioned in the limitation part, since it is impossible to get full knowledge only from reading books and shallow tabligh activities, it is essential to get trainings and education by profound Shia scholars in Iran or elsewhere.

3.       Creating job opportunities and Educational scholarships for members of Shias in Ethopia:  As mentioned earlier, the life of Shias in the country is pitiful and moving.  Thus to change the life conditions of the Shia, creating job opportunities and ways of better living condition would be of great help.  One of way changing one’s life conditions, as obvious, is by helping some members with some educational background to further their education in the field of their interest.  So, we recommend that some members may be given scholarships, be it abroad or in the country.

More importantly, we urge the World Assembly of Ahlulbait (AS) to facilitate and or take part in investing in Ethopia in various sects such as construction, technology, education, factories of various items, agriculture, and so forth, with the aiming of creating job opportunities on which followers of Ahlulbait(AS) will be given priority.

4.       Facilitating the translation of shia books into widely spoken local languages of Ethopia and production of audio visual materials.  As mentioned earlier, our dominant method of propagation of shia Islam so far was by providing books written in English and Arabic languages.  However, we could reach a very limited number of people in this manner because people who may have access to these languages are only people who had the opportunity of participating in formal education.  Thus, translating books to local languages and the production of audio visual material in local languages would enable us to reach people with different ranges of level of education and experience as well as from all walks of life.

5.       The Shia world in general and Shia institutions in particular should not neglect the Shia of Ethopia:  The Shia of Ethopia should be given attention by the Shia world at least as much as some African countries have been given.

6.       Ethopian Shias members should be able to get the opportunity of sharing experience and participating on various conferences and occasion that are arranged by Shia institutions all over the world.

7.       To cop with the existing competition among the propagators of various religions and religious sects, propagators and activities of Shia should be given financial and material incentives.

8.       Taking into account the economic condition of the country in general and the living condition of the Shia in particular, it is so essential to device ways of providing better living conditions in terms of basic necessities such as residence places, food and clothing; you may recall that it has been mentioned that the majority of Shias live in poor rental houses with large family members.

9.       In the environment like ours where there is no a leader who has attained the position of Mujtahid, there is no question that it is indispensible to have all the necessary materials that can be used as references.  In our case, so far, we do not have any of the main references of the Shia Islam.  Thus we also request the provision of reference books in all aspect of Islam, like Tafsir, Hadith of the Prophet and the Infallible Imams, History, Jurisprudence, language and linguistics and like to mention but few.

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Name: Hashim Hassen Ali, 

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
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