In a remarkable demonstration of interfaith harmony, hundreds of Muslims from across Northern Nigeria converged on a church in Kaduna State to participate in a Christmas service, marking a significant step towards fostering lasting peace and mutual understanding in the region.
A Long-Standing Tradition of Unity
The event, held on Thursday at the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, represented the 15th consecutive year of this unique gathering. The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, revealed that attendees travelled from all 19 Northern states to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and promote shared values of peace and unity.
Pastor Buru emphasized that the participation of Muslim brothers and sisters has evolved into a cherished tradition. He noted that the gathering included members from various Islamic sects, such as the Tijjaniyya, Shi’ite groups under the Islamic Movement, and Sunni Muslims, all united by a commitment to religious tolerance.
"We are all children of Adam and Eve. We worship one God, have holy books, and believe in paradise and hell. These shared values should unite us," Pastor Buru stated, highlighting the common theological ground between the faiths.
Gifts and Prayers for a Nation in Need
Symbolizing love and friendship, Muslim delegations presented gifts to the church during the service. Pastor Buru contextualized the celebration, noting it occurred against a backdrop of national challenges including economic hardship, insecurity, rising food prices, poverty, and unemployment. He stressed that interfaith cooperation and prayers are critical pillars for achieving national stability.
The pastor's dedication to peacebuilding has gained international recognition; he is a recipient of the 2022 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Award, presented by King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Muslim Clerics Advocate for Peace and Responsible Conduct
Islamic scholars present at the service reinforced the message of unity. Sheikh Salihu Mai Barota explained that Muslims attended to celebrate with their Christian neighbours and to actively promote peace. He issued a direct appeal to the youth, urging them to shun religious violence and avoid spreading fake news on social media.
Also speaking, Imam Ibrahim Musa from Igabi Local Government Area congratulated Christians on Christmas and called on young people to support government efforts towards peace. He described the annual service at Pastor Buru's church as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony in Nigeria.
Other clerics, including Sheikh Ahmed Rufai and Mallam Lawal Maduru, expanded the discourse, calling for continuous prayers for peace and warning youths against the dangers of drug abuse in society.
A Broader Call for National Coexistence
This local event echoes wider national sentiments. In his Christmas message, President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace peace and religious tolerance, affirming that no citizen should suffer due to their faith. State governors across the country disseminated similar messages, calling for love and unity during the festive season.
The Kaduna gathering stands as a tangible, hopeful counter-narrative to division, proving that through deliberate dialogue and shared celebration, the foundations for a more peaceful Nigeria can be strengthened.
