PM Abiy Ahmed Urges Ethiopians to Draw Strength from Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings on Mawlid Celebration
KEYIR NEWS - Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended warm wishes to Ethiopia’s Muslim community and all citizens on the occasion of the 1500th Mawlid, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), calling on Ethiopians to embrace patience, knowledge, and good deeds as guiding principles for national renewal.
In his message, delivered on 3rd September, 2025, the Prime Minister said the celebration of Mawlid is not only a commemoration of the Prophet’s birth but also a moment to reflect on his teachings and the challenges he overcame.
“When we celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, we study the footsteps of his life; the way he overcame challenges becomes our strength,” he said.
Citing the Prophet’s wisdom that “there are no things that should be combined better than patience and knowledge,” Abiy stressed that these virtues are particularly relevant as Ethiopia continues its journey of development and state-building.
“Knowledge guides as light. Patience also makes us overcome trials with perseverance. We have learned this from the Prophet Muhammad,” he noted.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Ethiopia’s current era is one of construction and transformation, urging citizens to play their part in strengthening the nation.
He invoked another teaching of the Prophet: “If the Day of Judgment comes while you are planting trees, continue to plant trees without stopping.” Abiy said this reflects the need to persist in doing good, even when faced with trials and obstacles.
“Even if challenges increase and obstacles pile up, we will continue to do good for our country and our people until the end. Because there is nothing better than good deeds that benefit a nation that honors people on earth and in heaven,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the new year, the Prime Minister called on the Muslim community and all Ethiopians to embrace 2018 (E.C.) as a year of strengthening the country “in all aspects” through unity, perseverance, and service.
He concluded with a blessing: “May Ethiopia be honored and respected by the efforts of its children and live forever! May the Creator bless Ethiopia and its people!”
The Mawlid celebration, marked worldwide by Muslims, is a time of spiritual reflection and renewal. In Ethiopia, it serves as both a religious and national occasion, underscoring the country’s diversity and shared values of resilience and hope.