In a display of interfaith harmony, hundreds of Muslims from across Northern Nigeria joined Christians yesterday for the annual Christmas service at the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna.
The event, now in its 15th year, has become a symbol of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the region.
The general overseer of the church, Pastor Yohanna Buru, said the growing participation of Muslims in the celebration reflected a shared commitment to peace and mutual respect.
“This is the 15th time Muslims and Christians are gathering for this historic annual event to strengthen our relationship and foster unity,” Buru said.
He explained that Muslims from various Islamic sects including Tijjaniyya, Shi’ite groups under the Islamic Movement, and Sunni Muslims joined the congregation to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to him, the celebration took place amid economic hardship, insecurity, and rising food prices, underscoring the need for interfaith cooperation and prayers for national stability.
“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,” he added.
Pastor Buru also noted that Muslim delegations presented gifts to the church as tokens of love and friendship, further strengthening the bond between the two faiths.
Speaking at the service, Islamic scholar Sheikh Salihu Mai-Barota said the Muslim participants attended to celebrate with Christians and promote peace.
“Our presence here is to encourage religious tolerance and unity. We must continue to pray for peace and urge our youths to avoid spreading fake news or engaging in religious violence,” he said.
Similarly, Imam Ibrahim Musa from Igabi Local Government Area congratulated Christians on the Christmas celebration and urged Nigerian youths to support government efforts toward peace and development.
“Muslims and Christians regularly visit one another during religious celebrations, including the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This strengthens our mutual respect and understanding,” Musa noted.
He described the Kaduna Christmas service as a “strong symbol of interfaith harmony” that should be emulated across the country.
Musa also highlighted that Pastor Buru was a recipient of the 2022 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Award, presented by King Abdullah II of Jordan, in recognition of his peacebuilding efforts.
Other speakers at the event, including Sheikh Ahmed Rufai and Mallam Lawal Maduru, called for continuous prayers for peace, responsible use of social media, and cautioned youths against drug abuse.
