Waaqeffanna

[2][3][4] The followers of the Waaqeffanna religion are called Waaqeffataa and they believe in the supreme being Waaqa Tokkicha (the one God).

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.

[9] Waaqeffataas live according to Safuu, the moral and legal principles that guide the interactions of humans with Waaqa.

While some argue that Ayyanna can't act alone without an order from Waaqa, others claim that the Ayyaana are able to directly affect all aspects of life.

Qaalluu is from the Oromiffa word qull, which translates as 'pure, holy, sacred, blameless, black'.

[5] In the Qaalluu institution, the Qaallu (men) or Qaallitti/Ayyaantu (women) are believed to be messengers of Waaqa because they are attached to the Ayyaana.

While some believe they fell from the sky and others claim they were found with the first black cow, there is no consensus on their divine origin.

[14] A myriad of factors including seniority, acceptance in the community, moral qualification, social status and other leadership qualities are taken into consideration when a Qaalluu/Qaalliti is chosen.

[4] As the messengers of Waaqa, the Qaalluu and Qaallitti have a moral and social responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethics and practice it.

[13] The Qaalluu institution is expected to remain politically neutral and serve as a place of fair deliberation.

Similarly, the priests are obliged to condemn tyranny and support the democratic Gadaa system of the Oromo.

The Waaqeffataas that take on the pilgrimage are chosen by their clans and are allowed to perform religious rituals upon return to their homes.

The Jila are qualified to perform rituals and sermons in their clans and villages and they serve as a connection between the Abbaa Muudaa and the people.

[12] Before the 1900s, the Abba Muudaa's were located at Mormor in Bali, Wallaga, Wallal, Harro Walabu, Ballo Baruk, and Debanu.

[12] Today, the Qaalluu institution still exists in selected parts of the region, including the Guji and Borana areas.

[17] The Waaqeffataas believe that when a person dies, they will be reunited with former loved ones in Iddoo Dhugaa, which translates as 'place of truth'.

[1] The Waaqeffataas believe that Waaqa gave human beings their minds with their capabilities to distinguish right from wrong, give them 'ayyana' that guide them, and help them to communicate with God.