Ethiopians build First Hijrah mosque in America

" It is extremely ironic that in Washington we are granted our rights while this is not the case in our homeland " Mosque muzzein Moftah Saeid

Muslim Ethiopians built their dream mosque in Washington

WASHINGTON (Ahmed al-Shiti)

After being denied official construction permission back home, Muslim Ethiopians in the United States built the First Hijrah mosque and community center to commemorate the first immigration in the history of Islam and counter discriminatory practices by the Ethiopian government.

The First Hijrah mosque, literally meaning the mosque of the first immigration, is located in Washington, D.C., almost two miles from the White House.

" It is extremely ironic that in Washington we are granted our rights while this is not the case in our homeland " Mosque muzzein Moftah Saeid[/list]

The name of the mosque refers to the immigration in year 615 of a group of the prophet's followers, the first to enter Islam, to the northern Ethiopian city of Axum, seeking refuge from the persecution of the Quraish tribe in Mecca.

They lived there under the protection of the Christian Emperor Ashama ibn Abjar, also called al-Najashi, who denied Quraish's request to hand the refugees.

To commemorate the first immigration in the history of Islam, Muslims in the city of Axum tried to build their own mosque and were denied permission by the Ethiopian authorities.

"Only when Christians are allowed to build a church in Mecca would Muslims in Ethiopia be allowed to build a Mosque," the Ethiopian government is reported to have stated.

Muslim Ethiopians finally got the chance to realize their dream in the United States where they built the First Hijrah mosque.

The mosque serves 20,000 Muslims who live the neighborhood, said Sheikh Naguib Mohamed, 57, head of the Ethiopian community in Washington.

"We used to pay rent for that mosque then we bought it," he told Al Arabiya.


Muslims in Ethiopia

The mosque commemorates the first immigration in Islam

Mohamed complained of discriminatory practices against Muslims in Ethiopia in general and Axum in particular.

"Not only are we not allowed to build a mosque in the first land that championed the cause of Islam, but we also don't have a cemetery. When Muslims die we have to walk 15 kilometers outside the city to bury them."

The mosque's muzzein, caller for prayers, Moftah Saeid said that he and his fellow Ethiopian Muslims perform their rituals freely unlike in Axum.

"It is extremely ironic that in Washington we are granted our rights while this is not the case in our homeland," he told Al Arabiya.

Belal al-Habashi, 13, is another member of the Muslim Ethiopian community. He learnt the Quran by heart within one year in the Virginia Islamic Center.

"Based on what I hear about the situation of Muslims there, I don't think I could have learnt the Quran had I lived in Axum," he told Al Arabiya.

The First Hijrah mosque consists of two floors, the first for men and the second for women. During the holy month of Ramadan, the mosque organizes banquets so that members of the community can break their fast together and also organizes courses that teach the Quran and the rules of Islam.

The mosque coordinates with several Islamic organizations like the Badr Islamic Association and has a website on the social network Paltalk where it holds cultural and religious dialogues.

It is noteworthy that members of the Ethiopian Muslim speak fluent Arabic. Their recitation of the Quran and call for prayers are not, in fact, different from those in Arab countries.

(Translated from the Arabic by Sonia Farid)

http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/ ... 17941.html

There are plenty of Mosques in Ethiopia. One just has to travel from Addis to Awassa to see the number of new Mosques that were built recently. As to Muslims being denied basic freedom, my friend , that is not only a Muslim problem.

Under Woyannes being Muslim is a crime, Woyanne invaded because they were praying in their own mosques. This is a fact in Ethiopia and the world knows it. Stop undermining it their plight, if you believe they have full rights in Ethiopia then stop Meles from mass murdering the Somalis in Ogaden. I heard there is an ethnic cleansing campaign going on, and the peace agreement lie being speewed is to cover up the crimes going on.

There are plenty of Mosques in Ethiopia. One just has to travel from Addis to Awassa to see the number of new Mosques that were built recently. As to Muslims being denied basic freedom, my friend , that is not only a Muslim problem.

There are plenty of Mosques in Ethiopia. One just has to travel from Addis to Awassa to see the number of new Mosques that were built recently. As to Muslims being denied basic freedom, my friend , that is not only a Muslim problem.

They are Muslims from Tigray whose government has refused them to build a place of worship in their own country. But thank God for America they are now free to exercise their religion without fear of persecution. It is time for you backward woyanewoch to learn religious freedom and tolerance from Ethiopians among millions of other things, like civilization, for example. You can't live in the dark ages forever. Shabia didn't take you out of your caves to live like zombies. You're supposed to act like humans. At least try.

I have no first hand knowledge of Islam or Mosques in Tegrai. Maybe someone can shade a light on that matter. Is there any restrictions on building a Mosque in Tegrai ? Why is this the only Mosque built by Ethiopians in USA ? There are one or two Orthodox christian churches in every major U.S. City.

abysinea,

Please do not try to cover the truth. Every body knows, Muslims are not allowed to build a mosque in Aksum.

Ethiopia: Mekelle University President “Muslim Students are Illegal and Going to be Punished”


In my reporting on the situation that was unfolding in Mekelle university, it was made mention of the hope of many of the Muslim students that they would be provided with a chance to discuss the situation with the university officials. Unfortunately, this hope of peace loving students had remained as it was. The students Dean office rejected any attempt by students to discuss and see together for any way out. In stead, it opted to effect its imposed rule and regulation, a decision which don’t have any room to take into account the need of its students.

Through a letter written on Hidar 11, 2000 the office of Students Dean gave a last warning letter to 12 representatives of the Muslim students. The letter which is an insult to the institution and higher learning in Ethiopia, the office described the students effort to practice their religion “illegal”. A copy of one of the letters sent to one of students is presented below.

Warning letter given to Muslim Students of Mekelle University



Since the office of students dean sent its written warning to Muslim student representatives, the university continued taking further measures against the students. On Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, the place where students usually pray their Friday prayer was occupied by Police. They were then prevented from praying. As the number of students who came to pray increased, however, they changed their stand and allowed students to observe their Friday pray. So far so good! Can any one guess what would happen next?

No second passed after the students finished their prayer when they found themselves surrounded by police from all directions. They were then told with uncompromising words to leave the place immediately and never try to come back again. They were told right at the spot that all of them are “illegal students who attempt to transcend the law and regulation of the university”.

Students request to meet the university’s president was rejected. They have however received his message through representative from the office of students council. The president’s message stated that “all these students are illegal“ and he “is not going to discuss with them about any thing. They are all going to be punished.”

After receiving the presidential message, an offer the students council gave for the students (to elect three representatives and discuss the issue with the officials) did not appear plausible to the students. As far as they are concerned decision is already taken and all are declared illegal. After this they did no see any reason to agree to this deal and elect representatives. The students told the council representative that they all are entitled to seat in any discussion and if the university officials do not consider them worthy of discussing with them, there would not be any reason why they send representatives. The students then held a lengthy discussion among themselves on possibilities they are left with. They finally agreed that under the prevailing condition where all are declared “Illegal”, they can not stay in the campus. They then left the compound until such time that they are considered legal and worth of being considered as “equal citizens who have the right to education and religious freedom”. “The prevailing situation and the position held by the officials”, they observed ”is that no one is welcome as long as he or she is a Muslim.”

According to sources close to the administration, while students were deliberating on their options, university officials put on waiting external force - possibly from the military - which would use force to bring “these illegals” to prison should they decide to stay in the campus. This force, which still is not known as far as its precise composition was, was on its way to the university by the time students left the compound.

The latest info. negashi OJ (Saturday midday) received indicate that over 400 male students are gathered in the grand Mosque of Mekelle city. The city Muslim population came out and took the female students to their homes.

The same source indicates that the Muslims community of the city is very much disappointed with the action the university had taken.

Sources indicated further that the university may dismiss the 12 Muslim students whom it considers organizers of the students’ activities and issued a written warning on Thursday (letter above).

The speculation that other universities in the country may soon follow suit and take similar action is getting stronger. Similar attempt was made by the Haramaya university and in Addis Ababa Arat Kilo University. In Haramaya students were already told to stop praying in Jama’a while in Arat killo campus police chief told students that their gathering for prayer is “illegal”. No formal action is yet taken.

http://blog.ethiopianmuslims.net/negashi/?p=178

YM- read the following quote and tell me if it is acceptable to our Muslim brothers and sisters. Don't you think Muslims have the right to build a mosque in Axum? What is the big deal? Are we living in old times? If we believe we are all equal and have equal right in Ethiopia, Why is the govt doesn't allow the Muslims to build a mosque in Axum? I hope you will give a better explanation rather than telling me that is not only a Muslim problem. What has to do with Mecca[ Saudi Arabia] Don't you think this is a different issue? Thanks.
My faith is the constitution of United States. But I always stands for those who doesn't have a voice in this world.

"Only when Christians are allowed to build a church in Mecca would Muslims in Ethiopia be allowed to build a Mosque," the Ethiopian government is reported to have stated.

There are plenty of Mosques in Ethiopia. One just has to travel from Addis to Awassa to see the number of new Mosques that were built recently. As to Muslims being denied basic freedom, my friend , that is not only a Muslim problem.

Thank you abyssinean. Where is YM?

YM- read the following quote and tell me if it is acceptable to our Muslim brothers and sisters. Don't you think Muslims have the right to build a mosque in Axum? What is the big deal? Are we living in old times? If we believe we are all equal and have equal right in Ethiopia, Why is the govt doesn't allow the Muslims to build a mosque in Axum? I hope you will give a better explanation rather than telling me that is not only a Muslim problem. What has to do with Mecca[ Saudi Arabia] Don't you think this is a different issue? Thanks.
My faith is the constitution of United States. But I always stands for those who doesn't have a voice in this world.

"Only when Christians are allowed to build a church in Mecca would Muslims in Ethiopia be allowed to build a Mosque," the Ethiopian government is reported to have stated.

There are plenty of Mosques in Ethiopia. One just has to travel from Addis to Awassa to see the number of new Mosques that were built recently. As to Muslims being denied basic freedom, my friend , that is not only a Muslim problem.

abyssinean wrote, Oj
it is not only mosque that is not allowed in axum.even protestants cannot build a church. i forget the term which is associated with the arc of the covent. they say there cannot exist two of that "****"(the term i forgot).

if you go 15km west of Axum you will find a place called wukro maray where the majority are Muslim. if one is from wuro maray, he is most likely assumed to be Muslim.In fact wukro kilteAwla'elo is also common place for Muslims which is very near to nejashi( the holiest place for muslim). These are place given to Muslim to handle the issue for centuries.

As time goes on i think things might change. I was told Muslims were not allowed to live in Axum at all, then it get changed and they start to live at a distance from sent merry church but were not allowed to be seen around the church , where the arc of the covenant resides in. Now they are living any where and can move freely, the only remaining is mosque.
with the introduction of the new university things are changing very fast.
Two years ago i was there. I remember the government trying to address the issue. Those things that i mention earlier were given as a reason from the people. imagine you can not change society at once.

YM- read the following quote and tell me if it is acceptable to our Muslim brothers and sisters. Don't you think Muslims have the right to build a mosque in Axum? What is the big deal? Are we living in old times? If we believe we are all equal and have equal right in Ethiopia, Why is the govt doesn't allow the Muslims to build a mosque in Axum? I hope you will give a better explanation rather than telling me that is not only a Muslim problem. What has to do with Mecca[ Saudi Arabia] Don't you think this is a different issue? Thanks.
My faith is the constitution of United States. But I always stands for those who doesn't have a voice in this world.
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OJ,

I gave my opinion on the many Mosques that I saw in Addis and around Addis all the way to Awassa. I made it clear that I had no knowledge of the situation on Mosques in Tegrai and I asked for someone who has information about Islam and Mosques in Tegrai to share it with us. The debate on where institutions of religion can be built is a very debatable subject. For example, see what is happening with the controversy of Muslims trying to build a Mosque at the Ground 0 sight. Or, what could happen if Muslims request to build a Mosque at the Vatican. I don't know why only Orthodox church is allowed to be built in Axum. I will have to find materials to educate myself on that matter.

As to freedom of speech, it is true what I said. Freedom of speech is not only a problem of Muslims in Ethiopia. Christian Ethiopians are in the same boat as their fellow Muslims.