By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna In a strong demonstration of interfaith solidarity, Christian clerics in Kaduna State joined thous...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a strong demonstration of interfaith solidarity, Christian clerics in Kaduna State joined thousands of Muslims on Monday to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), in a gathering aimed at fostering peace, tolerance and national unity.
Leading the Christian delegation was Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry. Pastor Buru, who was honoured with the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week recognition by the late King Abdullah of Jordan, said this year marked his 11th consecutive participation in Maulud celebrations alongside Muslims in Kaduna and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
The event, held at the Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna, drew religious leaders, government officials and residents from different faith backgrounds who came together to commemorate the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Pastor Buru said his decision to participate was driven by the urgent need to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and stronger relations between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.
According to him, Eid-el-Maulud provides a unique opportunity for people of different faiths to interact, learn from one another and build bridges of understanding. He stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and respect for one another’s beliefs.
Delivering a lecture on peace and unity during the celebration, Pastor Buru described Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a messenger whose teachings on peace, love and compassion remain relevant to all of humanity.
“The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is for all mankind, irrespective of tribe, culture, region, colour, race or nationality,” he said.
He called on Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to embrace one another, forgive past grievances and work collectively to build a peaceful and united nation.
Pastor Buru further noted that Christians and Muslims share a common belief in one Creator and should therefore use their respective holy books — the Bible and the Qur’an — as guides toward harmonious living.
The cleric clarified that his participation in Islamic celebrations does not compromise his Christian faith. Rather, he said, it is part of his commitment to strengthening interfaith understanding and practical peacebuilding.
He disclosed that he attends more than 30 Maulud celebrations annually across various states in Nigeria and in neighbouring countries.
“Each year, I participate in more than 30 Maulud celebrations from one state to another and in some neighbouring countries, with the aim of celebrating with Muslims and promoting peace, unity and religious tolerance,” he said.
Pastor Buru urged both Christians and Muslims to use the Eid-el-Maulud period to promote love, forgiveness, unity and peaceful coexistence across the country.
He was accompanied to the event by Pastor George John, Reverend Rawland Sanda, Gabriel Stephen and other members of his congregation.
Also speaking at the gathering, Reverend Rawland Sanda said Christian leaders have continued to honour invitations from their Muslim counterparts to attend Maulud celebrations as part of efforts to deepen relationships between the two major faiths.
“Every year, Muslims invite us to participate in their annual Maulud gatherings, and we always come to celebrate with them because we believe in promoting peace, unity and good relationships among people of different faiths,” he said.
Reverend Sanda added that the gesture is reciprocal, noting that Christians also invite Muslims to their churches during Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
“We congratulate Muslims all over the world and pray for peace and unity in our dear country,” he added.
Commending the Christian leaders, Islamic scholar Imam Mohammed Musa and Imam Iliyasu Yusuf of Zaria, Kaduna, described the joint celebration as a cherished tradition that promotes religious understanding and peaceful coexistence.
They said the participation of Christian leaders in Maulud over the years has become an important platform for uniting people of different faiths and strengthening peace in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
“For 11th years, we have been celebrating the birth of our holy prophet with Pastor Dr Yohanna Buru at various Maulud celebrations in Kaduna and some parts of Northern Nigeria,” Imam Yusuf said.
The Islamic clerics further called on the Federal Government to confer a national honour on Pastor Buru in recognition of his consistent efforts in promoting practical peace and religious tolerance.
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