Ahmed_Guree Posted July 27, 2006 In a continued attack on Islam in Ethiopia and the values and interests of Ethiopian Muslims, the only Mosque that started to provide service to the Muslims of Arat-Killo kifle ketema is demolished. The Arat Killo Mosque (Addis Ababa) was demolished by the federal police today, 25.07.06. Before the construction of this Mosque, Muslims of the surrounding area used to pray in a building (private compound) built with metal sheet. Recently, a Muslims bought the nearby house (worth 1 million Birr) and donated to the Mosque upon which the Mosque was enlarged and Muslims of the area started to offer their Friday prayers. The demolishing of the Mosque is believed to be a response to the demand of the Church which claimed that the Arat Killo area was given to it by HaileSilase and no Mosque can be built within the Kifle Ketema. While there are 13 Churches in the this Kifle Ketema, there is no one Mosque to be found. The very Mosque that started to offer service to the thousands of Muslims in the Kifle Ketema was pulled down today to the ground. Allahu Akbar! For years now Muslims’ has been requesting for land to build Mosque. However, none of their requests could bring a positive reply from the city administration which excuses itself claiming the shortage of free place to give for the purpose of building Mosque. The donation by a Muslim in buying this place and building the mosque had some what helped to reduce the difficulty the Muslims of the area have been subjected to in practicing their religion. Earlier this week, students from Sunday school repeatedly tried to destroy the Mosque. Upon this phenomenon, Muslims of the area discussed yesterday the case with the Mayor of Addis. He assured them that he would do every thing to protect the Mosque. He further issued a letter that no action maybe taken until the issue is legally resolved. Further, Muslims brought letter from the Court to the same effect but the Arat Kilo Kifle Ketema officials refused to accept and comply to the order of the Court. Muslims of the area and students from Addis Ababa University tried to prevent the demolishing of their worshipping place and demanded for order from the court for the action. However, this peaceful request was met with fire and police sealed off the area so that no Muslim could come from other places to help those who stood against its action. Later, hundreds of Muslims residents of the area and students of Addis Ababa University were taken to prison. Students arrested include the newly elected Amir of the university’s Muslim community, student Abdul Fatah Jamal. The second Amir of the demolished Mosque was heavily beaten during the arrest and after he was taken to the Arat Kilo police station. He was realised late in the afternoon. He is however is in critical condition, unable to stand or walk. Neither the Federal Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs nor the Addis Ababa Council of Islamic Affairs said any thing about this incident. From past experience, many are expecting them to come out blaming Muslims for building a Mosque in the first place. While government officials are too generous in availing every thing necessary for the establishment of thousands of Churches even if there is no one to worship in them, Muslims have to pay their life to build a Mosque. This is particularly a case for Addis Ababa Muslim community – “No mosque can be constructed in Addis except with blood†remarked one Muslim with great disappointment with the action taken by the federal police and pondering over what is to come next. The compound of the demolished mosque has a total area of 1, 000 sq. meter. Federal police took away all the properties of the Mosque including the materials used for its construction. It is also reported that two priest went to police with a fabricated story of being beaten by Muslims while they were passing by. http://blog.ethiopianmuslims.net/negashi/?p=15 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
