(API) Addis Ababa — Ethiopian Muslims, who constitute around 40 % of the estimated 80 million population, are celebrating their Maulid with various activities, as part of Ethiopia’s Millennium celebrations held last September.
Some Muslims told APA that this year’s Maulid is being celebrated in a colourful mood, which is being observed as part of the Ethiopian Millennium celebrations.
The Ethiopian Muslim holidays, like the rest of world, are based on the lunar calendar and thus fall at different times each year.
The Ethiopian Muslim community were busy on Wednesday buying different things for the celebration of Maulid, which is regarded as a Holy day.
On the day, after praying and listening to the imam (religious leader) preach, Ethiopian Muslims sacrifice animals and distribute part of the meat to the poor.
The Muslims observe the day with their Christian neighbors. Many Muslims invite their Christian neighbors to their homes where they will have Ethiopian traditional food and drinks together.
The Muslims prepare special food, as well as give meat to their Christian neighbors.
“We are celebrating the day with Christian neighbors as we are doing like other holidays. We are happy to celebrate this year’s Millennium Maulid,” Fetya Hassen, an Ethiopian Muslim, who was celebrating the day with her Christian neighbors told APA.
Gifts are presented on the day where many Muslims buy various gifts both for their Muslim friends and other neighbors. Colorful processions are held during this time of celebrations, with dancing, singing, and feasting also being included in the festivities.
This year, the prices sheep and goats are quite high compared to the previous year. Big goats and sheep cost around $50 and $60 while the small one is around $35 and chicken is around $3 and $4.