IHMS 700 Series
Harari Mass Virtual Graduation Ceremony
Knowledge:
The Key to Awakening and Preserving
Indigenous Harari Civilization
Written by Professor Abdi Khalil
“No two things have been combined better than knowledge and patience.” This is from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Acquiring Worldly and Islamic knowledge concurrently are the key to define decent life and success in the Hereafter. Most of the time knowledge based activities brings ‘order’ and peace of mind. The mother land, Harar says to us, “Do not leave me, for here dwells your past.” And, “the road to Harar says, Come and follow me, for I am your future.”
The Harari Women’s Affairs Group recently organized Harari Mass Virtual Graduation Ceremony for sons and daughters of Harar around the globe. It is the first of its kind ceremony in adapting to the COVID19 era to bring Harari graduates together at all levels.
The Harari Women’s Affairs Group (known as Harari Heritage) is founded by Dr. Maria Mohammed (Chair), Gessti Bakala Abdurashid (Deputy Chair), Gessti Lula Zakaria (Secretary), Gessti Muna Sharif (Deputy Secretary) and Gessti Saada Kabir (Treasurer). The group had organized the first virtual graduation ceremony for all Harari graduates of 2020. The virtual ceremony took place on Saturday, 25 July 2020. In attendance were graduates from high schools, colleges and universities including both undergraduate and postgraduate students across the continents.
Over 100 parents, invited guests and students were present. Invited keynote speakers, President Ordin Bedri, Dr. Zaki Sharif and Dr. Munib Weber, had delivered their meaningful speeches and presentations at the ceremony. Gessti Bekala Abdurashid started off with welcoming remarks, and introduced the vision and roles of the group. She emphasized the importance of Hararis coming together and imparting their traditions to their children and Hararis at large.
Then, Dr. Maria Mohammed introduced the group members, welcomed all distinguished attendees, guests and graduates. She highlighted the values of preserving Harari culture, History and the Harari Language and passing them to the next generation. Then, the Master of Ceremony, Akrem, took over and introduced Omar Muhammed Abdihashim, only 16, who beautifully recited Surah Al-Alaqq (or Iqraa). The Surah relays how Allah (SWAT) teaches humankind spiritual and comprehensive knowledge through reciting, reading, rehearsing, writing, studying and research. The Surah proclaims building human capacity in acquiring knowledge, understanding and disseminating the truth universally to benefit humanity.
Then, the Chair introduced Ambassador Mohammed Abdurahman Bahar Sheik to make Dua’a. He made beautiful Dua’a in both Harari and Arabic languages. He then congratulated the graduates of 2020, and emphasized the benefits of education to a person and society in nation building. He compassionately reiterated dire needs that all Hararis to connect to Aw-Abadir Harar, help one another and preserve Harari values at all levels, wherever they are. He also underlined that individually or collectively Hararis must be custodian of Aw-Abdir Harar at all times. He then added how team work, selflessness and guardianship are the corner stones for the existence and continuity of Harar. He concluded with his blessings by asking Allah (SWAT) to protect all the attendees and the Harari people at large.
For the sake of learning from historical facts and appreciating Ambassador Mohammed’s contributions to Harar, allow me to just give you a snapshot of who Ambassador Mohammed is. Ambassador Mohammed is a retired career diplomat and lawyer by profession residing in London, UK. He is Harari Icon and the Architect of the Harari Regional State within the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In recent political dispensation in Ethiopia, he was dynamic political hero, who played vital role in the establishment of the Harari Regional State as per proclamation number 7/1984. He legally, ably and professionally defended the causes and rights of Harari people in establishing the Harari Regional State in the Ethiopian parliament in 1990s.
In fact, he along with Harari team produced evidences that Harar was founded by the Harari people over a millennium ago. They are indigenous people and Harar is their homeland. In pursuit of reviving Harar from existential threats and seeking equitable restitution of the national democratic rights of Harari people, they fought for Hararis to have a homeland again. Based on long historical significances, contributions and solid Harari identity, the Harari Reginal State was enacted and established as a full-fledged member of the nine Regional States forming the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The Hararis to self-rule and determination, had sparked the beginning of the 2nd Golden era of Harar after over 150 years of systematic dispositions.
To make long story short, Ambassador Mohammed is an integral part in keeping the integrity of Harar and its values – cultural, ideological, linguistic, political and overall psychological identity so far. While maintaining co-existence with other Ethiopians, all Hararis, wherever we are, should harmoniously take responsibilities to safeguard Harar’s values; that is, Geay Harda’nurzeaw – Deen’zeaw, Aada’zeawa Senan’zeaw. Compassionately he left his core message as Amana to all Hararis around the globe! May Allah bless him with excellent health and long-life!
Coming back from the digression, the graduation ceremony then continued with remarks from the Chair. Dr. Maria Mohammed underlined the importance of his messages and what is leaving behind. She thereafter welcomed President of Harari Regional State, invited guests speakers, graduates and parents at large with all protocols observed. She reminded everyone the values that bind us all – Islam, the Harari language, traditions and many more Hararis’ etiquettes. On the values of education, she listed the glaring contributions Hararis made within Ethiopia for centuries. Building schools and mosques wherever they happen to live; citing exemplary Abadir schools and grand mosques in Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa. She pointed out how Hararis were high achievers in business, politics, management, administration, architecture, religious and modern education, which made Harar the fountain of Knowledge and Economic Hub. She then intrinsically posed a question ‘Why do we then value education?” As a take-home message, her answer was impressive and to the point. She said, “We value education because education is an effective way of alleviating poverty and worshipping Allah.” We also add to her voice that young sons and daughters of Harar should wholeheartedly value and implement this message!
She finally stressed on the importance of Harari identity, and how imperative it is to handle ups and downs of life, achieve success in education and career, as well as connecting to Harar. She reiterated essentially what Ambassador Mohammed had said “Not to ever forget Aw-Abdir Harar, need to connect, help and visit Harar to have real experiences about the values of Harar and the Harari people at large.”
Then, the event continued with messages from Gessi Ordin Bedri, President of Harar Regional State. The Harari Anthem was played, and he then thanked the organizers, graduates, parents and the community at large for organizing and participating in such wonderful ceremony. Some of his invaluable messages were:
- The corner solution to the current problems Harar is facing is education, education and education as our forefathers tackled problems using knowledge.
- As a tiny state, education is important for our survival. Graduating from various fields and contributing to Harari causes will guarantee in minimizing our existential threats, wherever we are. Hararis must be resolute, sharing and caring!
- Education will enable the graduates to know themselves first. Invariably, education opens our eyes in understanding the Harari identity and keeping it intact. There is a dire need to help one another, families and the society at large, which will eventually give us spiritual satisfaction and moving forward.
- In order NOT to be the lost tribes of Harar, our life time connections are very important. Our connections among ourselves, families and societies will help us to develop ‘pride’ in who we are. We have to keep our Harari values as strong roots in mitigating political, economic and cultural threats we face today.
- By utilize all the means we have – be it education, wealth, assorted human power and resources, we must rehabilitate and build Harar. The Harari Regional State would like to welcome all Hararis, descendants of Hararis, graduates, brothers and sisters in Faith to get involved in all aspects of education, development, governance and economic activities to bring back Harar to its glorious days.
- Connecting parents and graduates, he expressed his great respect, and highly appreciated the parents and the educators for their relentlessly support they had rendered to their children to reach to such heights. And, reminded the graduates to recognize and value the contributions of their parents, educators, mentors and guardians.
- Finally, he concluded his messages by cherishing his invitation to be part of the colorfully ceremony. Asked all Hararis including the graduates, ’What they can do for Harar first, than expecting what Harar can do for them.’ He underlined how Harar needs all of us more than ever, and needs our collective services for its survival.
Following the President’s powerful messages, Gessti Tesnim Mustarih from Saudi Arabia, read her profound poem entitled “Home.” Her poetic message expressed metaphorically how a ‘mother’ encompasses essential needs of a child for development and meaningful success.
Then, Gessti Muna Sharif introduced Yahya, who represented high school graduates. He relayed his concerns about how others usually decide education and career paths for high school graduates. Rather, he underscored that the each graduate should decide his or her educational preference and professional path based on his or her own interest and need. He also stressed on the importance of family, close relatives and helping one another. He then read out the names of high school graduates, and what each has planned to study.
Following beautiful Harari Music interlude by Harari Musician, Ramzi Salih, Gessti Muna Sharif with her remarks introduced Gessti Nia Omar to introduce the next guest speaker, Dr. Zaki Sharif. Gessti Nia Omar read his condensed biography, outstanding achievements in education and discoveries in research. She then invited him to deliver his speech.
With Islamic greetings and blessings, Dr. Zaki Sharif then welcomed all attendees, and especially congratulated all the graduates. He reminded the graduates how educational achievements are milestones and indispensable in one’s life. He centered his presentation on what Allah (SWAT) entrusted to us; namely, Knowledge, Wisdom, Health and Wealth. He emphasized how education is vital to serve others following Allah’s guidance. Also, cautioned NOT to be trapped and become slave to worldly affairs. He articulated how Knowledge opens minds, and Wisdom inspires, influences and builds morality. He alerted all the graduates how knowledge without wisdom is null and void; but underscored the use of Knowledge with Wisdom.
He further advised the attendees ‘Not to take health for grant.’ We should always appreciate Allah (SWAT) for bestowing health on us as so many people suffer from various calamities and diseases, especially in this COVID19 era. We have to be graciously patient and properly use Allah’s gifts with regular charity and prayers. Allah entrusted us with Knowledge, Wisdom, Health and/or Wealth as tests in this temporary world. Allah will ask as what we have done with the resources, and make us accountable for all the endowments in the Hereafter. We must understand that we all owe to the Creator immeasurably. The responsibilities lie on us to dispense, use, share, care and help others as prescribed in Allah’s instructions. Be the slave of Allah and serve him relentlessly.
He then shared the journey of his life and experiences so far. On the positive note, he wrapped up his wonderful presentation by saying respect yourself and respect others. Do not comprise and make excuses when it comes to Allah’s duties. Work hard and be yourself with your Harari identity as your Harari identity is mostly extraction of Islamic identity. He concluded by saying, regular prayers, serving and holding to the rope of Allah are the keys to all achievements and successes.
Gessti Nia Omar then read all the names of University Graduates. Masha’Allah, most of the undergraduate students were on Deans’ list, and also received Scholarships. Well done, Masha’Allah. Hearing such achievements is really inspiring and motivating to the high school graduates.
Following patriotic Harari Music interlude by Harari Artist, Towfik Yusuf, the ceremony went on to the next agenda. Gessti Lulal Zakria made congratulatory remarks and introduced Gessti Rawda Baharun to introduce and invite the next guest speaker, Dr. Munib Waber. Gessti Rawda Baharun briefly read Dr. Munib’s biography, his achievements in education, assorted work experiences, research patents and publications. She then invited Dr. Munib Weber to share his presentation.
Dr. Munib welcomed all the attendees with all protocols observed. He explained his presentation revolving around illustrious Harar’s history, its contributions, as well as, shared his political outlooks and vision for Harar. He congratulated all the graduates and reminded them their achievements were as a result of hard work, especially resilience. He highlighted that resilience comes from the core, and the core is knowing yourself, and then added that you (the graduates) are the off-springs of dynamic Harari ancestors.
In pursuit of excellence and innovations, he said that Hararis were dynamic people and outstanding achievers in various fields, NOT limited but in agriculture, trade, business, hand-crafts, linguistic and Islamic education. In spite of tremendous obstacles and repression for centuries, our ancestors had paid great sacrifices to keep Harari values intact. They also shared their knowledge and wealth with the surrounding and the communities in the Horn. Hararis were at the forefront of propagating Islamic faith and contributing to the country’s political, social and economic development. Continuously reminded the graduates to be the torch bearers of their ancestral heritages, and become the mantle in pursuit of excellence and innovations.
With common goals and global reach, he outlined his political views and vision. Though Harar is under constant threats, disempowerment, dispossessions, systematic discrimination and political conquest, we should redefine our Harari boundaries to include non-Harari brothers and sisters in Islamic faith regardless of their ethnic affiliations. He overemphasized the need to establish a political organization, which is transparent, democratic, accountable and inclusive regardless of gender, social and political affiliations. With common vision and mission, if this conceptualized political organization comes to fruit, it will effectively help us to reconnect, maintain and rehabilitate Harar. As such, with efficient use of resources and establishing the premium brand political organization, we should overcome the fragmented actions, social and political organizations we have at the moment. This premium brand political organization will be our big voice, the big voice that can be heard loud and clear across; with its ultimate goal to protect Harar, have meaningful impact in reviving excellence and innovations that will benefit all in Harar.
Then, Gessti Rawda Baharun read out the names of students who graduates with Masters and Medical degrees.
The event successfully ended with closing remarks from Dr. Maria, Gessti Bekala and Dua’a (or blessings) from Dr. Zaki Sharif. Assorted Harari traditional and modern songs were played thereafter to entertain all.
Coming to our last segment of the commentary, what are our final take-home messages? Responding to personal and societal changes over time, and as Hararis are being scattered around the globe, we, the Hararis, need to build a sense of belonging and support for our homeland. If we allow Harar to die, we all Hararis will definitely perish with the new generation, wherever we are! A land without people, and people without land will be a lost cause!
It is, in fact, a fate of determining the future of Harar. The questions are – Are we choosing extinction? What is our destiny? How do we keep the chain of Harari values as Hararis are in exodus? It is a call to everyone. A call each and every one must reply to it to define alternatives. It is the search of Harari intellectuals, political leaders, community workers, and concerned individuals at-large to uphold “Harari identity’, wherever they are. Thereby gaining a balance between the roots of Harari values and the onslaught of modernity. It is a matter of collective effort, resoluteness, designing the best strategies, and taking individual responsibilities in the sum to achieve more reconciliation, reconstruction, development and viability among Hararis and Harar.
Lastly but not least, I would like to share a paragraph from my book, Harar Jugal: Historical Quality to Treasure that was published as Harar Millennium Edition in 2007. It is the awakening in the inner depth of the heart that awakens the realms of appreciation of own strength and values. Both ignorance of own values and the veneer of modern cultural civilization enslave the mind. Do not be your own heritage destruction guide. Be yourself by nurturing, preserving and sustaining home characteristics based on the Greatest Constitution, Al-Qur’an.
Let’s unleash our sustained all round contributions and efforts to make Harar, the City of Knowledge, the Hub of Economic activities, and the Mecca of the Nation once again.
Gey’ harda nur’zeaw Amana
Gey’ Haraka, Kuluzolea Beraka
Aselam Aleykum