On Saturday, 21 January, Epiphany was celebrated at Bahti Meskerem Square, and it was attended by hundreds of the faithful and guests of honor. The site is used to celebrate Eid and Meskel (Holy Cross) as well. Both Muslims and Christians share the site to celebrate religious festivals.
I have never seen nor heard of followers of two different religions use the same place to have religious festivals. Such a harmony and religious tolerance is found nowhere in the world except in Eritrea. How have the harmony and tolerance endured? This article attempts to explore the reasons behind the harmonious coexistence, the government’s role in promoting religious tolerance and the benefits it brings to the nation.
Eritrea, a small but multilingual and multiethnic nation, is home to a rich tapestry of religious traditions, and it has been able to maintain religious harmony between its Muslim and Christian communities. People’s respect and tolerance for each other’s religions are deeply engrained within the social fabric of the Eritrean society.
Eritrea has religious sites that are known worldwide such as the Sahaba Mosque in Massawa and the monastery of Ham. The Sahaba Mosque was built in 610 AD by companions of prophet Mohamed and is said to be one of the oldest mosques in the world, and the monastery of Ham is said to have been founded in the late fifth or early sixth century by the Syrian missionary known as Libanos, where mummified bodies of monks with a history dating back centuries are found.
The history of religious coexistence in Eritrea is centuries old. Christianity arrived in the region in the 4th century and Islam during the early 7th century. With the advent of the religions to Eritrea came only the teachings of the faiths not people. So no matter what religion they have been following, Eritreans believe that they are from the same blood line. This key factor plays a vital role in the harmony and religious tolerance of the people.
Interfaith dialogue plays a pivotal role in maintaining religious harmony in Eritrea. Various organizations and initiatives bring together religious leaders, scholars, and believers from different faith communities to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation. The Inter-Religious Council of Eritrea is a notable example of such collaborative efforts. The council, composed of representatives from different religious groups, facilitates discussions and coordinates joint initiatives aimed at building bridges and fostering mutual respect.
Eritreans, both Muslims and Christians, share many cultural values, traditions, and historical narratives that unite them. This commonality is a solid foundation for religious harmony within the society. Religious festivals, such as Ramadan and Christmas, are often observed and respected by people from different faiths, demonstrating the mutual respect and understanding between the two communities.
In Eritrea, it is common to see people from different faiths celebrate religious festivals together. Inviting neighbors, friends and colleagues from other faiths to join you at home for a feast on the occasion of a religious festival is a norm. In fact, it is a taboo to feast alone on such an occasion.
Another major contributing factor to the religious harmony in Eritrea is education. The curriculum focuses on the importance of respecting and celebrating diversity and encourages students to understand and appreciate different religious traditions. The text books contain names of people and places and different ways of living of the diverse ethnic groups that help students to be familiar with the naturality of differences that may exist. The curriculum encourages students to appreciate one another and develop tolerance from childhood.
Religious harmony in Eritrea has brought forth numerous benefits to the nation as a whole. The peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Christians has facilitated social cohesion, fostering a sense of national identity and unity. By working together, religious communities can collectively address issues such as poverty, healthcare, and education, leading to a more inclusive and prosperous nation. And given the interfaith dialogue and active engagement of religious leaders and communities, Eritrea is well-positioned to face any challenges that may threaten the harmony of its people.
The religious harmony between Muslims and Christians in Eritrea is a shining example for the rest of the world. Through mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration, Eritreans have managed to preserve their diverse religious traditions while maintaining a peaceful and harmonious coexistence. By recognizing the importance of religious freedom, promoting interfaith dialogue, and emphasizing shared values and cultural heritage, Eritrea has built a solid foundation for lasting religious harmony. This harmonious coexistence not only contributes to social cohesion and national development but also serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of Eritrea’s multicultural society.