By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In a strong show of unity and religious tolerance, church leaders joined thousands of Muslims in Kaduna to celebrate the Maulud, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru, led elders from his church to the Murtala Mohammed Square, where he congratulated prominent Islamic leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad II; Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi; Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky; Khalifa Sanusi Lamido Sanusi of the Tijjaniyya sect; and Sheikh Halliru Maraya.
Pastor Buru, who also delivered a peace lecture, said his participation was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Christian-Muslim relations in Kaduna and across Nigeria. According to him, Maulud provides an opportunity for dialogue, goodwill exchanges, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
He noted that Muslims also join Christians during Christmas at his church, stressing that Prophet Muhammad was a messenger for all of humanity. “We must always remember that we are all created by one God. We are children of Adam and Eve, and we both have holy scriptures guiding us to live in peace and love,” he said.
Buru also recalled the generosity of a Muslim woman, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, who once donated 100 Bibles to his church and consistently supports widows and orphans. He said last year’s Christmas service at his church drew over a thousand Muslims, a gesture he described as proof that “we are one family under God.”
Muslim scholars praised the gesture of solidarity. Sheikh Iliyasu Husaine, Chief Imam of Udawa and representative of Jama’atul Nasrul Islam in Kaduna, said the collaboration fostered forgiveness and love among religious adherents. Similarly, Sarkin Gabas of Tudun Wada, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim, hailed the large turnout of Muslims from all 23 local governments of the state.
Islamic schools also staged parades and recitations to mark the event. Sheikh Ibrahim Musa, head of Islamic Affairs at the Arabic Reading Slate School, said the sight of Christians celebrating alongside Muslims was a source of hope for peace and stability in the state.
