A trending video featuring an Islamic cleric has ignited fresh conversations on religious tolerance in Nigeria, specifically addressing a recurring question: Can Muslims eat food given to them by Christians during Christmas celebrations?
Cleric's Stance Dismisses Common Misconceptions
In the video, which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @SameAsake on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the cleric provided a clear and permissive ruling. He directly countered arguments from some Muslims who believe that consuming food prepared for non-Islamic religious festivals is forbidden (haram).
The cleric firmly rubbished the claim that such Christmas food constitutes a sacrifice made for idolatrous worship. He emphasized that there is nothing inherently wrong with eating the food and that accepting it from Christian neighbors or friends is permissible.
Furthermore, he addressed another point of contention: the use of the Gregorian calendar to fix the date of Christmas. The cleric stated that the calendar itself is good and not a form of idolatry. To those who oppose Christmas celebrations on this basis, he posed a practical challenge, asking them to stop using their international passports, phones, and every other modern convenience connected to the same calendar system.
Nigerians React to the Clarification
The cleric's comments triggered a wave of reactions from Nigerians on social media, reflecting the country's diverse religious landscape.
User @TrybZone humorously expressed anticipation for Christmas food deliveries, while @olanrechase challenged the theological inconsistency of those who revere Jesus but reject celebrations of his birth. A call for unity came from @wunmiemma, who stated, "NIGERIA will never unite until we put our ETHNIC and RELIGIOUS BIASES aside."
Highlighting the prevalent interfaith harmony in some regions, @maydebuk23 wrote, "This is how we roll in the south west of Nigeria. We Dey chop Xmas chicken, Sallah goat and Ogun dog. That is why it is so difficult to divide us on the basis of religion." Others, like @FCarlos34227, blessed the cleric for his "truthful" stance, while @Olusola70406607 pointed a finger at "radical" teachings from some clerics in the northern part of the country as a root of the problem.
Broader Context of Christmas and Security in Nigeria
This theological discussion occurs against a backdrop of both goodwill and insecurity during the festive season. In a related act of interfaith solidarity, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State distributed food items to over 6,000 Christian widows and vulnerable persons, including 1,605 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), ahead of Christmas. The beneficiaries received rice, spaghetti, and cooking oil.
In a stark contrast, Legit.ng also reported a separate incident where armed bandits on motorcycles snatched Christmas foodstuffs and drinks from a motorcyclist in Gidan Abe, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State in December 2024. The community leader confirmed the robbery, though the victim was unharmed. The state police spokesman, ASP Hassan Mansur, had yet to provide detailed confirmation at the time of the report.
The cleric's message, therefore, resonates beyond a simple dietary ruling. It touches on the core challenges and opportunities for peace and religious harmony in Nigeria, a theme echoed by Governor Zulum's outreach and lamented in the face of criminal activities that plague the holidays for some citizens.
