Addis Ababa, March 5, 2026 (FMC) – The sixth annual nationwide Grand Street Iftar will be observed this Saturday at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa and across the country, the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council announced today.
The communal iftar program, organized under the theme “Nejashi for the Country,” draws inspiration from Ethiopia’s historic legacy of tolerance and the revered tradition associated with Ashama ibn Abjar, the Axumite ruler celebrated for granting protection to early Muslims in Islamic history. Organizers said the theme reflects values of compassion, national unity, and the enduring contributions of Ethiopia to interfaith coexistence.
According to the Supreme Council, the event will be simultaneously held in various cities and communities across the country, emphasizing the spiritual and social dimensions of Ramadan. The program aims to promote solidarity among citizens and highlight the role of faith in fostering mutual understanding and societal harmony.
The head of the President’s Office at the Supreme Council, Ustaz Abubeker Ahmed, stated that the gathering will also feature announcements regarding major initiatives and development projects. He urged participants to observe the sanctity of Ramadan and adhere to Islamic ethical principles throughout the event.
Ustaz Abubeker called on the Muslim community to attend in large numbers, noting that the program serves as a collective expression of faith and social cohesion. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian Muslim Youth Council, which will assist in community mobilization and volunteer coordination.
The Grand Street Iftar has become an annual tradition that brings together citizens from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the spirit of Ramadan and Ethiopia’s enduring commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence.