In a display of unity and religious tolerance, church leaders joined tens of thousands of Muslims in Kaduna to commemorate the Maulud which is the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor (Dr.) Yohanna Buru, alongside elders from his church, visited murtala Mohammed squire Kaduna to participate in the celebration.
He extended warm congratulations to key Islamic figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad II; Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi; Sheikh Ibrahim Yakub El-Zakzaky; Khalifa Sanusi Lamido Sanusi — leader of the Tijjaniyya sect across West, North, and East Africa; and Sheikh Halliru Maraya.
Pastor Buru during his speech at the gathering emphasized that his attendance at Maulud events is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Christian-Muslim relations and foster peace and unity in The state in the state and country
“Maulud celebrations offer a golden opportunity for Christians and Muslims to meet, interact, dialogue, mediate, and exchange goodwill messages. It's a platform to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He noted that his church also welcomes Muslims during Christmas, where they join in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, adding that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a messenger for all of humanity beyond tribe, ethnicity, culture, or religion.
Speaking at the largest Muslim gathering in Kaduna, where he delivered a peace lecture, Pastor Buru stressed the importance of harmony between followers of both religions.
“For the past 15 years, various Muslim organizations in Nigeria and the diaspora have invited Christians to celebrate Maulud with them. The goal is to build bridges, promote mutual respect, and ensure peace and unity across the country,” he explained.
He added:
“We must always remember that we are all created by one God. We are the children of Adam and Eve, and we both have holy scriptures — the Bible and the Qur’an , guiding us to live in peace and love with one another.”
Ongoing Acts of Unity
Pastor Buru also recalled the generous gesture of a Muslim woman, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, who donated 100 Bibles to his church and consistently supports widows and orphans during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“Last year, during our Christmas service, over a thousand Muslims attended the church to promote peace, love, and mutual understanding,” he noted.
“Every year, a Muslim woman even sends us a Christmas tree. This shows that we are one family under God, and we must do everything to uphold unity and tolerance in our country.”
Muslim Scholars Respond
In response, Sheikh Iliyasu Husaine, Chief Imam of Udawa community and representative of Jama’atul Nasrul Islam (JNI) in Kaduna State, highlighted the importance of forgiveness and love among religious adherents.
He praised Pastor Buru for consistently promoting peace and recalled attending Christmas celebrations at Buru’s church.
Similarly, Alhaji Gambo Ibrahim, Sarkin Gabas of Tudun Wada, expressed joy over the overwhelming turnout at this year’s Maulud celebration, noting that thousands of Muslims from all 23 local government areas of Kaduna State participated.
Islamic schools also held matching parades and recitations to commemorate the occasion.
Sheikh Ibrahim Musa, head of Islamic Affairs at the Arabic Reading Slate School in Kaduna, expressed delight at seeing Christians participate.
“Maulud brings Muslims from all over the state together. Seeing Christians celebrate with us at the stadium gives us hope. We must continue praying for lasting peace and stability in our land,” he concluded.
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