Hundreds of Muslims from across northern Nigeria on Thursday joined Christians at the Christmas service of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, in a powerful display of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The General Overseer of the church, Rev. Yohanna Buru, said the participation of Muslims in the church’s annual Christmas celebration has become a long-standing tradition spanning over a decade.
Muslims From Across Northern Nigeria Attend Christmas Service
According to Rev. Buru, Muslim participants travelled from all 19 northern states, representing various Islamic sects, including Tijjaniyya, Shi’ite groups under the Islamic Movement, and Sunni Muslims.
He explained that the gathering was organised to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ while fostering peace, unity, and mutual understanding among people of different faiths.
“This is the 15th time Muslims and Christians are coming together for this historic annual event to strengthen relationships and promote unity,” Buru said.
Gifts Exchanged as Symbol of Peace
The cleric revealed that Muslim delegations presented gifts to the church as symbols of love, friendship, and unity between Muslims and Christians.
He noted that the celebration came at a time Nigeria is grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, rising food prices, poverty, and unemployment, stressing that interfaith cooperation and prayers are essential for national stability.
Shared Values Should Unite Nigerians – Cleric
Rev. Buru urged religious leaders to intensify prayers for peace, noting that Muslims have consistently attended the church’s Christmas services over the years.
“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 said.
Muslim Leaders Speak on Religious Tolerance
An Islamic scholar, Salihu Mai-Barota, said Muslims attended the Christmas service to celebrate with Christians and promote religious tolerance.
He encouraged adherents of both religions to continue praying for peace and advised youths to shun religious violence and avoid spreading fake news on social media.
Also speaking, Ibrahim Musa, an Imam from Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, congratulated Christians on the Christmas celebration.
Musa urged young people to support government efforts aimed at promoting peace and unity, noting that Muslims and Christians regularly visit one another during religious celebrations.
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