In a congratulatory message for the 1447th Eid al-Adha holiday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has called on citizens to translate the spiritual values of ultimate sacrifice into civic action by preparing to vote in this year's national election, framing the upcoming vote as the foundation to strengthen the statehood system and determine the country's destiny. The Prime Minister directly connected the religious significance of the Arafa holiday to national duty, asserting that a nation grows strong and resilient when populated by citizens who look beyond self-interest and are ready to sacrifice what they hold most dear, even their own "Ismails," for the greater cause of nationhood and sovereignty.
The Prime Minister emphasized that elections serve as a primary democratic tool for discharging social and civic obligations, noting that democracy cannot succeed without robust public participation. He described this year's national election as a critical opportunity to elevate the country's democratic practices, establish a legislature where pluralistic voices are fully heard, and decide the nation's trajectory for the coming years. Accordingly, he urged the public to celebrate the holiday by actively preparing to exercise their democratic rights using their voting cards.
Grounding this civic appeal in religious history, the message detailed how Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) obeyed Allah's (SWT) command to offer his first and most beloved son, Ismail (PBUH), as a sacrifice. Despite the overwhelming fatherly emotions, the whispers of Satan, and the potential criticism of relatives and neighbors, Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) stood firm because he believed in a higher purpose that transcended personal feelings. The Prime Minister stated that true love for the country must similarly manifest in practical action, calling on citizens to brace their shoulders to carry the heavy boulder of poverty, labor day and night to fill the nation's granaries, and restore its dignity.
The message further highlighted that Arafa is an inherently communal celebration of mutual care, noting that Islamic teachings command giving one-third of the sacrificial meat to the needy to ensure no individual experiences hunger, thirst, or sadness. Stating that social cohesion and cooperation are vital for national security, the Prime Minister concluded that citizens must embrace these social duties as civic obligations to help the nation rise above its trials, before wishing the public a happy Arafa and Eid Mubarak.
