Kaduna Sees Historic Christmas Unity as Muslims and Christians Join Forces for Peace and Tolerance

 

In the spirit of interfaith unity, hundreds of Muslims joined their Christian neighbors in Kaduna for a Christmas church service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This gesture aimed to promote peace, love, and religious tolerance.

The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Sabon Tasha, Pastor (Dr.) Yohanna Buru, expressed his delight at the large turnout, which included Muslim Imams and youths from seven northern states. 

Despite challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and high transportation costs, hundreds of Muslims, including women and children, attended the service. Their participation, Buru said, demonstrated a desire for stronger relationships, greater understanding, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.

“This is the 12th consecutive year that our church has hosted Muslims from various states to celebrate Christmas with us,” Pastor Buru shared. “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 included representation from various Islamic sects, such as Tijjaniya, Shia, Qadiriyya, and Sunni.

Pastor Buru emphasized the shared spiritual foundations of both faiths. "We must remember that we are all children of one God, created by the same divine source," he said. "Both the Bible and the Qur'an guide us towards living in harmony and peace with one another."

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," he said. "For peace, stability, and development to flourish, Muslims and Christians alike must live together in harmony."

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.

Sheikh Ahmed Rufai, a Muslim who attended the service, 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 people,” he said.

In a positive 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 throughout the year.

A Kaduna Peace Ambassador, Comrade Nuhu Jumare (Massallaci), was honored by the church for promoting peace and unity in Kaduna.

Mallam Abdullahi Mudarris, representing the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), said that every year, they come to the church to celebrate the birth of Jesus with their Christian brothers to boost the spirit of togetherness. He noted that during the Maulud, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru participates in the celebrations, hence the need for them to join him in celebrating Christmas.