In what can be described as a remarkable interfaith solidarity aimed at strengthening Christian–Muslim relations, especially in Northern Nigeria, muslims including top islamic scholars drawn from several states in the Northern parts of the country, joined their fellow Christians at the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Kaduna for this year’s Christmas service
The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru (Garkuwan Arewa), said the participation of Muslims in the annual Christmas celebration has become a long-standing tradition, with attendees drawn from all 19 Northern states to mark the birth of Jesus Christ and promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding.
According to Pastor Buru, members of different Islamic sects—including Tijjaniyya, Shi’ite groups under the Islamic Movement, and Sunni Muslims attended the service with a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
“This is the 15th time Muslims and Christians have gathered for this historic annual event, aimed at strengthening our relationship and fostering unity,” he said.
The Muslim delegations also presented gifts to the church as symbols of love, friendship, and unity between the two faiths.
“Their presence and gifts reflect our shared humanity and our commitment to living together in peace,” Pastor Buru added.
He noted that the celebration was taken place amid economic hardship, insecurity, rising food prices, poverty, and unemployment across the country thereby stressing the need for continued interfaith cooperation and prayers which remain critical for stability in the country.
Pastor Buru revealed that over the past years , hundreds of Muslims have attended the church’s Christmas services annually, underscoring the growing strength of interreligious ties in Northern Nigeria.
He called on Christian and Muslim leaders to intensify prayers for peace and urged Nigerians to support the Nigerian military and other security agencies in addressing security challenges threatening peaceful coexistence.
“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 said.
He also expressed appreciation to Muslim leaders who have consistently participated in the Christmas celebration for over 15 years.
Speaking at the event, Islamic scholar Sheikh Salihu Mai Barota said Muslims attended the service to celebrate with their Christian brothers and sisters, promote peace and unity, and encourage religious tolerance.
“We came to strengthen our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christianity,” he said,
He enjoined both Muslims and Christians to continue praying for peace and stability while urging youths to shun religious violence and avoid spreading fake news on social media.
Also speaking, Imam Ibrahim Musa, an Islamic cleric from Kaduna State, congratulated Christians on the Christmas celebration and called on youths to support government efforts toward peace and unity.
He noted that Muslims and Christians regularly visit one another during religious celebrations, including the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), fostering mutual respect and understanding
and that the annual Christmas service at Pastor Yohanna Buru’s church was a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony in Nigeria.
Imam Musa recalled with delight Pastor Yohanna Buru’s Award of the 2022 United Nations World international Interfaith Harmony Week, presented by King Abdullah II of Jordan, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to peacebuilding.
Others who spoke at the Service included Sheikh Ahmed Rufai and Mallam Lawal Maduru calling for continuous prayers for peace, responsible use of social media, while youths should not indulge in drug abuse.
