Nigerians have been urged to promote peace, unity, tolerance, and harmony among themselves, regardless of religious affiliation.
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, attended the breaking of the fast organised by the Al-Habbiyyah Islamic Society in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Archbishop Onaiyekan noted that the commencement of Ramadan for Muslims and the Lenten season for Christians demonstrates the wisdom of God in bringing the two religions together.
“Ramadan and Lent began on the same day. We should not see this as mere coincidence or accident; we should recognise it as providence. God is asking us to put our heads, hearts, and minds together, since what we are doing as Christians and Muslims is, more or less, the same thing,” he said.
The Archbishop described this period for both faiths as a time to draw closer to God: “It is a time for self-reflection and moral improvement, for self-discipline, whether through fasting or other forms of self-denial. Both religions observe it similarly, and when we do it together, surely God is even more pleased with us.
“If you are a good religious leader in Nigeria, you must lead people to respect one another. That is what God wants from us. May the Almighty and Merciful God bless all of us.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Al-Habbiyyah Mosque, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, expressed appreciation for Archbishop Onaiyekan’s visit and his participation in the distribution of food during the breaking of the fast, describing it as a symbol of unity between the two religions in Nigeria.
“Religious tolerance is not achieved by displaying weapons; it is about respecting each other’s faith and living in peace and harmony. Allah created us in the same place, and it is up to us to live peacefully despite our differences. Nigeria is our only country, and we must build it together,” Imam Adeyemi stated.
He further thanked Archbishop Onaiyekan for honouring the invitation and breaking the fast with the Muslim faithful at Al-Habbiyyah Mosque.