Ex-President of Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, is dead
The Council said the funeral will be conducted at the state level in accordance with Islamic rites, and that more details will be announced soon. The ceremony is expected to reflect both the national and religious services that the Mufti provided.
The former President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC), Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris, has died after a short illness for which he was receiving medical treatment, the Council announced on Sunday evening.
In its statement, the Council described the late Mufti as a respected religious leader whose service reached many corners of the Muslim community. The Council asked for prayers for his family and for calm among the faithful as arrangements are made.
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Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a public condolence message in which he said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the late Mufti.
He dedicated his life to bringing together people of different backgrounds and to ensuring that the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council gained formal recognition by the state. His efforts will always be remembered by our nation.”
He added: “On behalf of the government and all Ethiopians, I extend our sincere condolences to the Mufti’s family and to all Ethiopian Muslims at this time of grief.”
The Council said the funeral will be conducted at the state level in accordance with Islamic rites, and that more details will be announced soon. The ceremony is expected to reflect both the national and religious services that the Mufti provided.
Grand Mufti Haji Umar Idris served as President of the EIASC, the body charged with representing the country’s Muslim community in matters of faith and public policy.
During his tenure, he engaged in religious outreach and dialogue among Muslim communities and between faith groups. His passing leaves a leadership gap within the Council and among the clergy who worked with him.
Prime Minister Abiy’s statement highlighted the Mufti’s role in fostering national unity.
“We will always remember his efforts to bring together people of different backgrounds,” the Prime Minister said, signifying that the Mufti’s work was not limited to religious affairs but also entered the broader social sphere.
The government message emphasised that his legacy will continue to shape relations among community groups in Ethiopia.
The EIASC appealed to the public to observe the funeral proceedings with dignity and respect and to uphold the values the Mufti stood for. The Council noted his life of service and asked that his memory be honoured through compassion, solidarity and faith.
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