Hundreds of Muslims from across Northern Nigeria on Thursday joined Christian faithful at the annual Christmas service of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, in a show of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Now in its 15th year, the event has become a platform for strengthening religious tolerance and unity between Muslims and Christians in the region.
The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Yohanna Buru, said the increasing participation of Muslims reflects a shared commitment to peace, mutual respect and national unity.
“This is the 15th time Muslims and Christians are coming together for this historic annual event to strengthen our relationship and foster unity,” Pastor Buru said.
He explained that Muslims from different Islamic sects, including Tijjaniyya, Shi’ite groups under the Islamic Movement, and Sunni Muslims, joined the congregation to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
According to him, the gathering took place against the backdrop of economic hardship, insecurity and rising food prices, highlighting the importance of interfaith cooperation and collective prayers for the country.
“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 added.
Pastor Buru also disclosed that Muslim delegations presented gifts to the church as symbols of love and friendship, further reinforcing ties between the two faiths.
Speaking at the service, Islamic scholar Sheikh Salihu Mai-Barota said Muslims attended the event to celebrate with Christians and promote peace and religious tolerance.
“Our presence here is to encourage unity. We must continue to pray for peace and advise our youths to avoid spreading fake news or engaging in religious violence,” he said.
Also speaking, Imam Ibrahim Musa of Igabi Local Government Area congratulated Christians on the Christmas celebration and urged young Nigerians to support government efforts toward peace and development.
“Muslims and Christians often visit one another during religious celebrations, including the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This helps to strengthen mutual respect and understanding,” he said.
Imam Musa described the Kaduna Christmas service as a strong symbol of interfaith harmony that should be replicated across the country. He also noted that Pastor Buru received the 2022 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Award from King Abdullah II of Jordan in recognition of his peacebuilding efforts.
Other speakers at the event, including Sheikh Ahmed Rufai and Mallam Lawal Maduru, called for sustained prayers for peace, responsible use of social media and urged youths to stay away from drug abuse.
