Muslims and Christians unite at Christmas service in Kaduna to foster harmony

On Thursday, numerous Muslims from various regions of Northern Nigeria joined Christians at the Christmas service held by the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, showcasing their commitment to interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Pastor Yohanna Buru, the church’s General Overseer, stated that Muslim participation in this annual Christmas celebration has become a cherished tradition, drawing attendees from all 19 northern states.

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Buru noted the presence of Muslims from various Islamic sects, including Tijjaniyya, Shi’ite groups from the Islamic Movement, and Sunni communities, who came together to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ while promoting peace, unity, and understanding.

“This marks the 15th occasion that Muslims and Christians are gathering for this historic event to enhance our relationship and foster unity,” he mentioned.

He also pointed out that Muslim representatives brought gifts to the church as symbols of love, friendship, and harmony between the two faiths.

Amid economic challenges, insecurity, rising food costs, poverty, and unemployment, Buru emphasized the importance of interfaith collaboration and prayer for national stability.

He called on religious leaders to intensify their prayers for peace and urged Nigerians to support the army and other security forces in addressing security issues.

“We are all descendants of Adam and Eve, worship one God, possess holy scriptures, and believe in paradise and hell. These common beliefs should bring us together,” he stated.

Islamic scholar Sheikh Salihu Mai-Barota, speaking at the event, emphasized that Muslims attended the service to celebrate alongside Christians, foster peace, and encourage religious tolerance.

He urged followers of both faiths to persist in their prayers for peace and advised young people to reject religious violence and avoid the spread of misinformation on social media.

Imam Ibrahim Musa from Igabi Local Government Area congratulated Christians on their Christmas celebration and called on the youth to support governmental efforts for peace and unity.

Musa mentioned that Muslims and Christians regularly visit each other during religious festivities to promote mutual respect and understanding.

He described the annual Christmas service as a significant representation of interfaith harmony in Nigeria. He also shared that Pastor Buru was awarded the 2022 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Award by King Abdullah II of Jordan for his dedication to peacebuilding.

Other speakers, including Sheikh Ahmed Rufai and Mallam Lawal Maduru, urged ongoing prayers for peace, responsible social media use, and warned against drug abuse among the youth.