In a remarkable display of interfaith unity, hundreds of Muslims joined their Christian neighbours in Kaduna for a Christmas church service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This gesture was aimed at promoting peace, love, and religious tolerance.
Pastor Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Sabon Tasha, expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout, which included Muslim Imams and youths from seven Northern States.
Despite the ongoing challenges of insecurity, economic hardship, and high transportation costs, hundreds of Muslims, including women and children, attended the church service.
Their participation, Buru said, was a testament to the desire for stronger relationships, greater understanding, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Pastor Buru said, “This is the 12th consecutive year that our church has hosted Muslims from various states to celebrate Christmas with us.
“Last year, the number of Muslim attendees even outnumbered Christians, and this year, the turnout was equally impressive.”
Over 200 Muslims from states including Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Abuja, and Niger joined the service, underscoring their dedication to fostering peace and unity.
The gathering saw representation from various Islamic sects, including Tijjaniya, Shia, Qadiriyya, and Sunni.
Pastor Buru emphasised the shared spiritual foundations of both faiths.
“We must remember that we are all children of one God, created by the same divine source. Both the Bible and the Qur’an guide us towards living in harmony and peace with one another,” he said.
Expressing concern over the escalating security issues in northern Nigeria—such as banditry, kidnapping, and ethno-religious violence—Buru lamented how these challenges have adversely impacted education, agriculture, the economy, and overall development in the region.
“The outbreak of violence in some northern areas has set us back. For peace, stability, and development to flourish, Muslims and Christians alike must live together in harmony,” Buru stressed.
Also Read: Christmas: Governor Sani Urges Residents To Consolidate On Prevailing Peace
Sheikh Salihu Abdullahi Mai-barota also praised the large attendance of Muslim youths and Imams. He highlighted the importance of Muslims and Christians coexisting peacefully and supporting one another.
Also speaking, Sheikh Ahmed Rufai, one of the attendees, explained that they have been participating in this interfaith gathering because Pastor Buru often invites Muslims to join the church celebrations.
“We come together to celebrate as one,” he said.
In another development, the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC) reported that 2024 has been a year of unprecedented peace in the region, with no religious or communal violence reported.
A Kaduna Peace Ambassador, Nuhu Jumare (Massallaci), was honoured by the church for promoting peace and unity in the state.
Mallam Abdullahi Mudarris, representing the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), said that every year, they came to the church to celebrate the birth of Jesus with their Christian brothers to boost the spirit of togetherness.
He stated that every year, during the Maulud celebration, Pastor Yohanna Buru would participate in the festivities. As a result, his congregation would often visit his church to join him in the Christmas celebrations.
Comments are closed.