By; USMAN NASIDI, Kaduna.
As preparations for the 2024 Maulid-al-Nabi celebrations, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUM approaches, some Christian clergies in Northern Nigeria have started receiving invitations from some top Islamic scholars and neighbours to join in the events which is the largest gathering, aimed at fostering peaceful co-existence and unity
While responding to journalists in Kaduna, Pastor (Dr.) Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, explained that he has already received multiple invitations from leading Islamic scholars across Northern Nigeria.
He added that these invitations provide opportunities for Christians to meet dialogue, interact, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between Christians and Muslims.
The pastor, Dr. Buru also extended greetings and congratulations to prominent Muslim leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad II, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and Sheikh Ibrahim Yakub El-Zakzaky, Sheikh Salihu Mai Barota, as well as Muslims across the world on the occasion of Maulid-al-Nabi.
Speaking to the press after receiving his seventh invitation from Tijjaniya sect of Islamic group, Pastor Dr Yohanna Buru emphasized that participation in these celebrations has become a key aspect of promoting unity between Christians and Muslims.
Similarly, he stressed that every years, he do participate in the annual maulud celebrations with other Christian Clergies to strengthen interreligious tolerance and foster peace and unity.
Adding that every year, Muslims used to give him opportunities to deliver peace lecture ,forgiveness and important of interreligious dialogue ,tolerance at the gathering
“Each year, I attend 10 to 15 Maulid celebrations in kaduna and some part of the Norths , with the aim of building peaceful coexistence between faith-based communities in Nigeria,” Pastor Buru stated.
“For over a decade, Christians have been participating in Maulid events in cities like Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina, helping to bridge religious divides,spread the message of peace and unity ,” he added.
Pastor Buru sees his involvement in the Maulid celebrations as an extension of the interfaith solidarity practiced during Christmas, when Muslim scholars and youths visit his church to join in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
“This mutual respect strengthens our bond and shows that we can live peacefully, respecting each other’s faith,” he said.
The celebrations will begin on the evening of Sunday, September 15, and conclude on Monday, September 16.
Pastor George John, another prominent Christian leader from Southern Kaduna, expressed his commitment to accompanying Pastor Buru and other clergy to the Maulid celebrations.
He highlighted that their participation over the years has promoted interreligious tolerance and a deeper understanding between Christian and Muslim communities in Northern Nigeria.
“We call on Christians and Muslims alike to continue praying for peace, unity, and the stability of our country,” Pastor George John urged, while also encouraging special prayers for the success of Nigerian security forces in their operations both at home and abroad.”
