On the occasion of the 1,500th Mawlid holiday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) delivered a message of peace and prosperity. Speaking as the year 2017 E.C. comes to a close, he reminded Ethiopians of the importance of learning from the lives of great leaders.

"We celebrate the holidays of our great leaders so that we may follow in their footsteps," he said. "We learn by recalling their stories: what they did, what they taught, what they faced, and how they overcame challenges."

The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), urging people to study his life and find strength in his journey. He emphasized the Prophet’s words that "there is nothing that should be combined more than patience and knowledge."

Abiy stated that this period marks a time when the revival of Ethiopia is coming to fruition. He credited divine blessings for the country’s recent progress, adding that a combination of knowledge and patience will be key to achieving greater prosperity.

"Knowledge guides us like a light. Patience enables us to endure challenges with resilience," he explained, noting that these lessons were learned from the Prophet himself.

Referencing another of the Prophet's sayings—"If the Day of Judgment should arrive while you are planting a tree, continue planting it without stopping"—Abiy called on all Ethiopians to continue doing good for their country, regardless of the obstacles they face. He stressed that good deeds are the most honorable actions a person can take.

The Prime Minister concluded his message by expressing hope that the Muslim community would use the holiday as an opportunity to prepare for the coming year by committing to good deeds. He declared that 2018 E.C. would be a pivotal year for strengthening Ethiopia's revival across all sectors.

"May Ethiopia, through the efforts of its children, live forever in dignity and respect! May God bless Ethiopia and its people!" he concluded.