Ethiopian Muslims celebrate Eid-al Fitr

Tens of millions of Ethiopian Muslims on Sunday celebrated Eid-al Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In the capital Addis Ababa huge crowds arrived at and around the Addis Ababa stadium for Eid prayers early in the morning.

Addis Ababa Islamic Affairs President Sheikh Muhammed Nur Sheikh Ahmed Shafi, Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council President Hajj Mohammed Amin Jemal and high officials of the city administration joined the joyous crowd.

Speaking on the occasion Sheikh Mohammed said "our country Ethiopia is characterized by religious plurality and the people live in harmony for ages. "

"Muslims in the country should stand vigilant against extremist elements," he said.

For his part Hajj Mohammed said the month of Ramadan was marked by intense prayers, compassion, and generosity which will remain the mark of Islam.

City Mayor Diriba Kuma said religious freedom has been guaranteed in Ethiopian federal constitution.

"Indeed religious co-existence has been an age old tradition," he said.

Ethiopia which has the second most populous muslim community in Sub-Saharan Africa had hosted the companions of Prophet Mohammed who fled persecution at the hands of the Quraish in the 4th century.