Kaduna: Christian Clerics Join Muslims to Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr
Murjanatu Abdullahi, Kaduna
Christian clerics have joined thousands of Muslims at the Murtala Mohammed Square praying ground in Kaduna State to celebrate this year’s Eid Al-Fitr.
The event aimed to foster peace, love, unity, and religious tolerance among different faith-based groups in the country.
Led by the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, the Christian delegation participated in the event for the third consecutive time.
Their presence symbolized the growing efforts to bridge the divide between religious communities and promote mutual understanding.
Pastor Buru emphasized the significance of such gatherings, highlighting the importance of dialogue and interaction between Christians and Muslims. He stressed that these interactions pave the way for interreligious tolerance, peace, stability, and a deeper understanding of one another’s beliefs.
During his lecture on the importance of peace and unity in Nigeria, Pastor Buru emphasized the common ground shared by Muslims and Christians in their worship of the same God. He called upon both communities to join hands in fostering peace and religious tolerance, recognizing the need for collaboration to overcome challenges and build a harmonious society.
The participation of Christians in Muslim celebrations is reciprocated during Christmas, as thousands of Muslims from 19 Northern states of Nigeria join Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. This tradition serves as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity, promoting peace and stability in the state.
Speaking shortly after the prayers, Buru reiterated the call for both Muslims and Christians to cultivate a culture of peace and harmony, emphasizing their shared humanity and the commonality of their holy books.
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“I was given an opportunity to deliver a lecture at the Eid Al-Fitr ground as a Christian pastor on the importance of peace and unity. I also talked about the importance of forgiveness and tolerance among all mankind,” he said.
He urged all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to embrace peace, unity, and love, while explaining that the nation’s full potential can be realized through collaborative efforts and peacebuilding.
His heartfelt congratulations conveyed to esteemed Islamic scholars and leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, Sheikh Ibrahim Yakubu El-Zazzaky, Sheikh Ahmed Mahmud Gumi, and Sheick Haliru Maraya, serve as a testament to the prevailing spirit of solidarity and goodwill that permeated the Eid celebrations.
In response, Sheikh Halliru Marllayu, one of the distinguished Islamic scholars in attendance, expressed his profound delight at the visit by Christians and underscored the paramount importance of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.
Likewise, a member of the organizing committee responsible for the preparations of the Eid-El-Kabir event, Malam Sunusi Surajo, commended the commendable efforts of Kaduna State in promoting peace and religious tolerance. He extended heartfelt prayers for peace and unity to prevail across Nigeria.
Sunusi also highlighted the honourable recognition bestowed upon Pastor Buru in 2022 by King Abdullah of Jordan as the recipient of the prestigious World Interfaith Harmony Award.
The presence of notable individuals such as the former Governor of Kaduna State, Ramadan Yero, renowned Islamic scholars, and esteemed traditional title holders further elevated the significance of the occasion.
