Pastor Yohanna Buru extends congratulations to Muslims as they mark this year’s Muharram celebrations, beginning on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, coinciding with the high cost of living. In light of this, he calls on Nigerians to demonstrate tolerance, and forgiveness, and support the government’s efforts in addressing all forms of ethno-religious, political, and regional differences that disrupt peace and stability in the country.
Furthermore, Buru emphasizes the shared values between Muslims and Christians, highlighting their common belief in one God, the importance of religious texts such as the Holy Bible and the Qur’an, and their shared vision of paradise, hell, and the Day of Resurrection. He expresses his hope to join Muslims in their celebration to promote religious tolerance and forgiveness.
Buru appeals to Muslims to remember the less privileged in society, encouraging assistance to orphans, widows, and orphanages. He also calls on Muslims and Christians to engage in ceaseless prayers for an end to the security challenges that affect peace, stability, and economic development.
Additionally, he requests the federal government to declare every day of the new Islamic Calendar as a holiday, allowing Muslims to celebrate their day with joy and happiness.
Buru mentions that some states in Nigeria have already declared the day a holiday for their citizens to celebrate especially.
The sighting of the new moon of Muharram will mark the end of the Islamic lunar calendar 1444 and the beginning of the New Year 1445 After Hijrah. Buru congratulates prominent figures such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Sheick Dahiru Bauchi, Sheick Ibrahim Yakubu Elzazzaky, Sheick Halliru Maraya, Sheick, and others on the occasion.
Similarly, Pastor John Joseph of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Sabon Tasha emphasizes the importance of peace and harmony in southern Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole. He emphasizes the unity of all people under God and encourages strengthening relationships for peace and harmony in the country.
In response, the Reverend and Evangelist of the Christ Evangelical Church in Kaduna, along with other Christian leaders, expressed the need for Muslims and Christian youth leaders to refrain from hate speeches and encourages them to live in peace and harmony with each other.
Mallam Gambo Abdullahi Barnawa, a youth leader in the state, emphasizes that the celebration of the Islamic New Year is not limited to Muslims alone but extends to all of humanity. He expresses gratitude to the Christian leaders for sending SMS messages to Muslim youths, congratulating them on the new Islamic Year.
Barnawa acknowledges Pastor Yohanna Buru and other pastors for visiting Muslims during Eid al-Kabir prayers and for their assistance in clearing grass for Muslims to pray.
He also appreciates Buru for the distribution of foodstuffs to thousands of poor Muslims during Ramadan. He prays for the continued strengthening of Christian-Muslim relationships for peace and unity in northern Nigeria.
Al-Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds significant importance for the faithful. They are instructed by the Prophet of Islam to observe voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th days of the month, known as Tashua and Ashurah, respectively.
One of the significant events celebrated during this period is the day when Prophet Moses was saved by God from the Pharaoh of Egypt, allowing his people to cross the Red Sea.
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