The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Ramadan programs launch in Ethiopia for 2024
Launching charitable programs during the month of Ramadan
As part of its ongoing efforts to serve Islam and Muslims worldwide, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, launched the “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Gift of Dates” and “Iftar for Fasting People” programs in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. This launch, coinciding with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, reflects the deep fraternal ties and values of solidarity that the Kingdom highly values.
The official inauguration ceremony was held in the capital Addis Ababa in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Ethiopia, Mr. Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Zahrani, and the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ethiopia, Dr. Ibrahim Tufa, along with the Religious Attaché at the Embassy, Mr. Saud bin Mutlaq Al-Ghuwairi, and a number of ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries and prominent Islamic figures in the country.
Historical background and depth of relations
These initiatives are not spontaneous, but rather an extension of a long-standing annual tradition reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in the Islamic world. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Ramadan programs are implemented annually in dozens of countries, reaching millions of Muslims and underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening Islamic solidarity. Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia (historically Abyssinia) share deep historical ties, as Abyssinia was the first land to which the early Muslims migrated at the command of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), giving this relationship a special symbolic and historical dimension.
The importance of the initiative and its expected impact
These programs are of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, the aid directly contributes to alleviating the financial burdens of thousands of needy families in Ethiopia during Ramadan, providing them with essential food items for breaking their fast, thus enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month. Regionally and internationally, these initiatives reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leading supporter of humanitarian and Islamic work, strengthen diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two countries, and showcase the true image of Islam, which is based on compassion and cooperation.
Program details and beneficiary numbers
In his address, Ambassador Al-Zahrani explained that these programs are implemented under the generous guidance of the wise leadership and are being carried out by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for the tenth consecutive year. This year's aid includes the distribution of 20 tons of premium dates, benefiting approximately 80,000 people. Additionally, the Iftar program targets around 30,000 Muslims in various regions, and this year it has been expanded to include the capital, Addis Ababa, and other regions such as Afar and Amhara, to ensure that support reaches the widest possible segment of the population.
For his part, Dr. Ibrahim Tufa expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom’s government for this annual gesture, which has become a tradition awaited by Ethiopian Muslims, stressing that these efforts are not unusual for the land of the Two Holy Mosques, which has always been at the forefront of supporting Muslims in all parts of the world.
