Islam in Ethiopia

Islam is the second largest religion in Ethiopia behind Christianity. In 2024, 31.5% of the population was Muslim.

Islam first appeared in Ethiopia during the time of Prophet Muhammad; in 615, when a group of Muslims were counselled by Muhammad to escape persecution in Mecca and migrate to the Kingdom of Aksum, which was based in Ethiopia and which was ruled by Najashi, a pious Christian king. It is agreed by Islamic scholars that Najashi gave shelter to the Muslim refugees around 615–616 at Axum. Bilal ibn Ribah, the first muezzin (the person chosen to call the faithful to prayer) and one of the foremost companions of Muhammad, was born in Mecca to an Abyssinian (Ethiopian) mother.

Simultaneously, historians emphasize that Islam was introduced to Ethiopia through trade networks, not solely this migration. Scholarly exchange, as well as merchant activity, was heavily present in eastern Ethiopia and was cultivated for centuries.

Many trade networks likely brought Islam in this direction, such as the Red Sea ports like Zeila and Massawa, but also the Indian Ocean trade network. Traders and migrants from the Afar Region and Adal Sultanate brought Islam inland, where religious teachers reinforced the religion. Islam in Ethiopia developed a blended faith, emphasis spiritual elements and co-existing with cultural traditions.

The Kingdom of Aksum in Ethiopia was the first foreign country to accept Islam when it was unknown in most parts of the world. The kingdom also favoured its expansion and making Islam present in the country since the time of Muhammad (571–632). Islam and Christianity are the two major religions and have co-existed for hundreds of years.