Waaqeffanna

Waaqeffanna is an ethnic religion indigenous to the Oromo people in the Horn of Africa. The word Waaqeffanna derives from the word Waaqa, is the ancient name for the Creator in the Cushitic languages of both the Oromo people and Somali people in the Horn of Africa. The followers of the Waaqeffanna religion are called Waaqeffataa and they believe in the supreme being Waaqa Tokkicha (the one God). It is estimated that about 3% of the Oromo population, which is 1,095,000 Oromos, in present day Ethiopia actively practice this religion. Some put the number around 300,000 depending on how many subsets of the religion one includes. This number is still up for debate by many African religious scholars. O wonder! O wonder! . . . The wonders are six: The hornbill complains without being sick; the plant flourishes without nourishment; the water runs without being urged; the earth is fixed without pegs; the heavens hold themselves up without supports; in the firmament He (God) has sown the chick-peas of heaven. These things fill me with wonder. Let us all pray to God! O God, who hast caused me to pass the day cause me to pass the night well! The main religious belief of Waaqeffanna is that Waaqa (the creator) is the father and creator of the universe and has many manifestations known as Ayyaana. The Ayyaana serve as intermediary spirits between Waaqa and his creations. The Ayyaana (spirits) are known to possess chosen men and women, who are then given the title Qallu and Qallitti respectively. All Uuma (creatures) are believed to be assigned an Ayyaana by Waaqa for guidance and protection. Waaqeffataas live according to Safuu, the moral and legal principles that guide the interactions of humans with Waaqa. The breach of Safuu is regarded a sin and is condemned by Waaqa. Waaqa Waaqa is the supreme being and is omniscient, omni-benevolent and omnipotent. He is also just and loving. This supreme being is addressed through a variety of names in the different regions and many believe that the term Waaqa means 'the God with many names'.