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By; Imrana Abdullahi
In an effort to promote religious tolerance and better understanding among different faith-based organizations in the country, some Christian leaders in Kaduna joined their Muslim counterparts to break the Ramadan fast together during an interfaith iftar breakfast on Saturday evening at the central mosque of Masallacin Yan Doya, located in the heart of Kaduna State, North-Western Nigeria.
Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, Team Leader and General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, explained that the initiative aimed to foster religious tolerance, peace, love, forgiveness, and mutual understanding between the two faiths.
The annual interfaith Ramadan iftar dinner brings Muslim and Christian to exchange Goodwill messages and deliberate on further ways of promoting interreligious tolerance and promote peace and unity
He noted that for the past 19 years, he has been leading Christian clerics to join Islamic scholars during their Ramadan iftar gatherings, strengthening good relationships and promoting unity with one another..
Buru emphasized that the initiative’s broader goal is to promote religious tolerance not only within Nigeria but also in neighboring countries, such as Niger Republic, and across West Africa.
“This effort will strengthen peaceful coexistence, foster better interfaith relations, and encourage forgiveness. It is also a powerful message of peace and unity, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, political, and regional divisions,” he stated.
The interfaith iftar Dinner provides an opportunity for non-Muslims to join Muslims in breaking their fast, engage in peace dialogue, and discuss better ways to live in harmony, while reinforcing bonds between the two communities for greater peace and stability in the country.
Pastor Dr. Buru was accompanied by Reverends Dr maxuel, as well as other members of their congregation, during their visit to the central mosque at Yan Doya, located in the heart of Kaduna State.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Pastor Buru shared that he had previously joined prominent Islamic leaders, such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, Sheikh Salihu Mai-Barota, and Sheikh Ibrahim Yaya, to break the fast during Ramadan. This longstanding tradition is part of his efforts to strengthen Christian-Muslim relations.
” Every year, he joined some top Islamic schoolars to break Ramadan fast At home and some time At mosque to strengthen Christian and Muslim relationships
“We are here today with fellow clerics to continue building good relationships with our Muslim neighbors and religious leaders. We must show love to our Muslim brothers and sisters. That’s why we are here, to join them in celebrating the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, encourage them to rededicate their lives to the worship of Allah, and pray for peace in the state and the country at large,” he remarked.
Pastor Dr. Buru also stressed the importance of unity, stating, “Nigeria needs every stakeholder to come together and pray for peace and stability in the country.”
Additionally, he shared that every year, he assists Muslim inmates in Nigerian Correctional Service Centers by bailing them out so they can observe Ramadan with their families and fulfill other religious obligations. “We plan to continue this tradition this year,” he added, emphasizing that promoting peace and unity is a shared responsibility among all people, as we are all created by one God.
“We are the biological children of Adam and Eve,” Pastor Buru said. “We are one family under God.”
Reflecting on past interfaith efforts, Pastor Buru recalled how, during the Lenten season in April 2020, many Muslims visited him to break their fast together despite the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdown and economic recession. “God created us to be in relationship with all people, regardless of tribe, culture, religion, color, size, region, or continent,” he said.
He further pointed out that these efforts to join Muslims in breaking their fast have significantly strengthened friendships and unity among different faith communities in Kaduna.
This initiative also plays a key role in addressing religious extremism and fostering tolerance among the citizens of Kaduna State.
Pastor Dr. Buru emphasized that participating in Ramadan iftar gatherings does not change his faith, while encouraging other Christian leaders to explore ways to deepen interfaith engagement.
He also noted that Christians around the world are currently observing the Lenten season, which involves 40 days of prayer and fasting.
In response, sheick Ibrahim Kyauta the Chief Imam of the Yan Doya mosque in kaduna
He expressed his gratitude for the visit, thanking the Christian clerics for joining them in the iftar meal and breakfast.
He appreciated the efforts to promote peace and unity and prayed that God would reward Pastor Buru for his good intentions in fostering peace across Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the positive impact of interfaith Ramadan iftar events, noting, “It is truly impressive to see how these events promote harmony among different faith-based groups in Kaduna.
Let us all join hands and pray for peace and unity in our state and the country at large.”
Adding that this is not the first time pastor Dr yohanna buru and his team has been coming to join us in breaking fast to strengthen good relationships
We thank him for the visit
