By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria
Members of Islamic Movement In Nigeria popularly referred to as Shiites have attended Christmas Service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hayin Dan Yaro, Samaru, Zaria to strengthen religious harmony and unity among the both faith and other religions.
Prof. Isah-Hassan Enua- Mshelgaru, the leader of the group, said the visit was to celebrate Christmas with Christian brothers at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Samaru, Zaria.
He noted that Christmas is a day for festivity, friendliness and unity; the theme of the visit was, “Renew Hope” for divine unity among Muslims, Christians and other religions.
According to him, the visit to the church by the group for the celebration of Christmas, is to strengthen the relationship between the two faith and foster divine unity.
He said Muslims and Christians are the revealed faith in Nigeria and they account for more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population, while the remaining faith are less than the remaining 10 per cent.
“So, when these revealed faith and other religions are united, it means the whole of Nigeria is united,” he said.
While speaking on the impact of the visit, Professor Enua-Mshelgaru said as a group, they started the visit to churches more than 25 years ago and since then, there has been much understanding between the group and Christians.
“The visit has reduced the fears and some animosities between the two faiths, they (Christians) are now open to us; we share sentiments and problems together.
“The visits had so far bridged the existing gaps between us due to the persistent meetings between us,’’ Mshelagaru said.
Earlier, the Pastor, Most Rev. Isak Augustine, commended the Islamic group for the visit and urged them to pay more visits to strengthen religious harmony and unity.
He therefore, prayed for the peace of God to come into Nigeria and salvage the country from myriad socio-economic challenges.
Highlights of the event was presentation of gifts to the church by the leader of the group.
