Ethiopian Culture - Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somaliland - page 602

Negash, in Tigray, where Islam was introduced in 615 AD and the shrine of Sheikh
Hussein in the Bale region are both greatly venerated and attract national and international
pilgrims.
THE SECRET NAME OF GOD
Belief in talismans and charms is common among all communities in Ethiopia, whether they be Christian, Muslim
or animist. Maybe the most intriguing of these is belief in asmat , or the secret names of God in which reside his
power. God has many asmat and these, if invoked by a person, can protect against misfortune or illness. Because
of this many Ethiopians wear a talisman around their neck containing a small piece of parchment on which are
written asmat . When a Christian Ethiopian dies his or her body is wrapped in a shroud containing a thin, body-
length strip of linen on which are written the asmat . This ensures a safe passage through the underworld and
across a river of fire to the gates of Heaven.
The famous walled city of Harar is also an important Islamic centre in its own right and
is home to an astonishing number of shrines and mosques. In the past, it was renowned as
a centre of learning.
Traditional African Beliefs
Traditional African beliefs are still practised either totally or in part, by an estimated 11%
of Ethiopia's population, particularly in the lowland areas of the west and south. These
range from the Konso's totemism to animism (associated with trees, springs, mountains
and stones), in which animals are ritually slaughtered and then consumed by the people.
Elements of ancestor worship are still found among the Afar people.
The Oromo traditionally believe in a supreme celestial deity known as Wak, whose eye
is the sun.