Waaqeffannaa

WAAQAFFANNAA is a monotheistic religion emanated from and based on the Supreme Order of Waaqa. To believe in Waaqa, means to be loyal to His law, acknowledge His wisdom as a Creator of source of all lives. Waaqeffannaa religious and philosophical world views consider the organisation of spiritual, physical and human worlds as interconnected phenomena, and how the Creator (Uumaa), Waaqa, regulates their existence and functions in balanced ways.

According to Waaqeffannaa, the core essence of social, economic, political, philosophical, and spiritual life is a holistic institution. It offers a faith based on reason, free of superstition or the need for intermediaries between oneself and Waaqaa; it actively promotes peace (nagaa), reconciliation (araara) love and harmony (jaalala).  Its economic guideline, as has been developed in the Gadaa system,  encourages fair exchange between rich and poor and abhors slavery as an economic or social institution from its inception.  Waaqeffannaa is based on a faith of Higher Power, the Gracious and Creator of the Universe, without family or partners, called Waaqa.

WAAQA in this context, refers to the Oromo name of Supreme Being. The word may correspond to the English name of God. As a Supreme Reality, Waaqa had been serving many Kushitic families of nations in north eastern Africa before their conversion to Islam and Christianity. Compare to the other Kushitic families of nation in the Horn Region of Africa, the Oromos have abundantly preserved the original Kushitic concept of Waaqa and Waaqeffannaa ritual performances.

Waaqa has no plural, feminine or diminutive form that could be associated with idolatry. Although Waaqa is referred to as ‘He,’ it is understood that Waaqa is Self-Sufficient, and transcends both duality and gender. It is firmly believed that, Waaqaa is Merciful and Just, very Tolerant and Holy, Patient and Reserved, All-Knowing and All-Seeing, Friend and Guide, and thus,  the only one worthy of our worship and devotion.

WAAQEFFATAA or WAAQEFFATTUU  (Pl Waaqeffatoota) is a person, he or she, who follows Waaqeffannaa as an earnest faith, and believes in Waaqa; prays to Him and worships Him in the light of the religious doctrine of Waaqeffannaa. Waaqeffataa believes in the philosophical doctrine of Waaqeffannaa’s altruism for the benefit of mankind. Waaqeffataa believes that, Waaqeffannaa deeply concerns for justice and right, and provides ideal guidelines by which people of different faiths can live with one another in harmony, giving love and sympathy to each other.

Waaqeffataa is a follower of Waaqa’s commandment who benefits himself  and others, when he respects Seera Waaqaa (Waaqaa’s Law), and Seera Gadaa (Rule of Gadaa).  A Waaqeffataa person struggles to increase his knowledge, develop his character, and does what is right to the best of his ability – after which he accepts that the outcome of his activity is ultimately in Waaqaa’s hands.

PRAY AND WORSHIP

Waaqeffataa/Waaqeffattuu Oromos, in addition to morning and evening prayers, they duly hold worship and thanksgiving rituals to celebrate the infinite wisdom of Waaqa.  It is based and depends on the seasonal variation of the year. Forms of the pray and places of worship are conventionally prescribed in the long-continued tradition of Waaqeffannaa creed.

Offering personal prayers and supplications, respecting the handiwork of Waaqaa, participating  in Irreechaa (thanksgiving rituals), volunteering in service of the community, etc, besides which everything a person does with the intention of pleasing Waaqaa is considered  solemn act of worship. In contrast, there are things that Waaqaa has prohibited because of the harm they engender to individuals and society; these include lying, stealing, disrespecting one’s parents, extra-marital affairs, drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other destructive or unethical behavior.