…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Christians Join Muslims in Grass Clearing: Fostering Interreligious Unity in Kaduna
Efforts Towards Religious Tolerance and Coexistence
In a heartwarming display of interreligious harmony, Christians in Kaduna, Nigeria, joined their Muslim counterparts in clearing grass at a local mosque’s praying ground ahead of the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
The Christian participants, comprising both men and women, expressed their commitment to promoting religious tolerance and strengthening relationships among different faith communities.
Christian Participation in Grass Clearing
Members of the Community Peace Observers (CPO), working under the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) in Kaduna State, enthusiastically took part in the grass-clearing exercise at the Eid praying ground.
Ms. Jessica Akila and Mercy Bajumi, representing the Christian community, expressed their happiness in contributing to the beautification of the mosque premises and the general environment.
This marked the second time that Christian volunteers from the Kachia local government area joined Muslims in this collaborative effort.
A Gesture of Peace and Unity
Daniel Bitrus, a Christian youth leader and the team leader of the Community Peace Observers (CPO), emphasized that the Christian participants were present to support their Muslim brothers and sisters, promoting peace and unity.
Their involvement in clearing the surroundings of the mosque reflected their commitment to fostering harmonious relationships between different religious communities.
Appreciation and Recognition
The event received recognition from various groups, including the Conflict Mitigation Management Regional Council (CMMRC), responsible for strengthening interreligious ties.
The secretary of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in the Kachia local government area, Malam Ibrahim Tasiu, expressed his delight and commended the Christian and Muslim youths, as well as the elderly members, for their collective effort.
He acknowledged the significance of their actions, particularly in Southern Kaduna, an area previously plagued by ethnoreligious conflicts.
Call for Continued Peace and Appreciation
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of ongoing peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, extending his gratitude to organizations such as the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Kaduna Peace Commission (KAPECOM), Mercy Corps, and other humanitarian groups.
He hailed this interreligious collaboration as a historic milestone in Southern Kaduna and encouraged all members of both faiths to live in harmony and unity.
Wishes for a Peaceful Celebration
Samson Auta, the Coordinator of the Community Peace Action Network at the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) in Kaduna, extended his warm wishes for a peaceful Eid El Kabir celebration to all Muslims in the state and across the country.
In conclusion, the joint effort of Christians and Muslims in clearing grass at a Kaduna mosque’s praying ground signifies a remarkable step towards peace, coexistence, and religious tolerance.
This collaborative act highlights the commitment of individuals and organizations to build bridges between different faith communities in the region, fostering unity and understanding.