A Kaduna-based Christian cleric, Pastor Yohanna Buru, on Tuesday led members of his church to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud with Muslims in Kaduna.
Buru said the gesture was aimed at promoting religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and stronger relationships between Christians and Muslims.
The cleric, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, is a recipient of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week recognition by King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Buru and members of his church joined thousands of Muslims at Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna, for the commemoration.
Speaking at the event, Buru said the Maulud celebration marked the 11th consecutive year of his participation alongside Muslims in Kaduna State and other parts of northern Nigeria.
He said Maulud provided an opportunity for people of different faiths to interact, understand one another and strengthen relationships.
He said peaceful coexistence required continuous dialogue, mutual respect and willingness to engage with people from different religious backgrounds.
Delivering a lecture on peace and unity, Buru described Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a messenger whose teachings on peace, love and compassion remained relevant to humanity.
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is for all mankind, irrespective of tribe, culture, region, colour, race or nationality,” he said.
Buru urged Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to forgive past differences and work together to build a peaceful and united country.
He said Christians and Muslims shared a common belief in one Creator and should use the Bible and Qur’an to promote peaceful coexistence.
The cleric said participating in Maulud celebrations did not affect his Christian faith, explaining that the gesture formed part of his efforts to strengthen interfaith understanding.
He disclosed that he participated in more than 30 Maulud celebrations annually across different states in Nigeria and some neighbouring countries.
Also speaking, Rev. Rawland Sanda said Christian leaders continued to honour invitations from Muslims to participate in Maulud celebrations, while Muslims were similarly invited during Christmas.
Islamic scholars, Imam Mohammed Musa and Imam Iliyasu Yusuf of Zaria, commended the initiative and called on the Federal Government to honour Buru nationally for promoting peace and religious tolerance.
