By Adamu Yusuf
Christian clerics in Kaduna State have joined thousands of Muslims to commemorate Eid-el-Maulud, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), in a demonstration of interfaith solidarity and a renewed call for peace, tolerance and national unity.
The celebration, held at Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna, brought together religious leaders, government officials and residents from different faith backgrounds.
Leading the Christian delegation was the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru, who said the occasion marked his 11th consecutive year of participating in Maulud celebrations alongside Muslims in Kaduna and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
Pastor Buru, who has been recognised by the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week initiative, said his continued participation was driven by the need to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and stronger relationships between Christians and Muslims.
He said Eid-el-Maulud provided an opportunity for people of different faiths to interact, learn from one another and build bridges of understanding, stressing that lasting peace could only be achieved through dialogue and respect for one another’s beliefs.
Delivering a lecture on peace and unity, Pastor Buru described Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a messenger whose teachings on peace, love and compassion remain relevant to humanity.
He called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences, to forgive past grievances and work together towards building a peaceful and united nation.
The cleric noted that Christians and Muslims share a belief in one Creator and should use the Bible and Qur’an as guides towards peaceful and harmonious living.
Pastor Buru also clarified that his participation in Maulud celebrations does not compromise his Christian faith, but rather reflects his commitment to promoting interfaith understanding and practical peacebuilding.
He disclosed that he participates in more than 30 Maulud celebrations annually across different states in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Also speaking, Reverend Rawland Sanda said Christian leaders had continued to honour invitations from their Muslim counterparts to participate in Maulud celebrations as part of efforts to strengthen relations between the two faiths.
He noted that the gesture was reciprocal, as Muslims are also invited to Christian celebrations, particularly during Christmas.
In their remarks, Islamic scholars Imam Mohammed Musa and Imam Iliyasu Yusuf of Zaria commended Christian leaders for their continued participation in Maulud celebrations, describing the gesture as an important platform for promoting religious understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Imam Yusuf said the Muslim community had celebrated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with Pastor Buru for 11 years across Kaduna and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
The Islamic clerics called on the Federal Government to consider conferring a national honour on Pastor Buru in recognition of his sustained efforts towards promoting interfaith harmony, peace and religious tolerance in Nigeria.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
