Ahead of the upcoming Islamic New Year celebration in 2023 known as Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, a team of Northern Christian Clerics has extended its warm wishes to all Muslims across the 36 states of the federation.
Its greetings also went to Muslims across Africa and the Arab world as they prepare to celebrate the arrival of the new Islamic Year.
Pastor Yohanna Buru conveyed this message when a team of Muslim youths and scholars visited him at his residence on Tuesday in Sabon Tasha, southern Kaduna, predominantly inhabited by Christians.
They urged Muslims to intensify prayers for peace and unity not only in the country but also in West Africa and the world at large.
He said the visit was to foster friendly relationships with him and other Christian youth organizations in the area, promoting peace-building.
Pastor Buru, known for sending thousands of peace messages through his Facebook page and social media platforms every year on Islamic New Year, emphasized on the importance of these messages in promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among Muslims and Christians.
He also extended his heartfelt wishes for a joyous Islamic New Year celebration to every Muslim in the state and around the world, urging residents of the state to continue living harmoniously and peacefully together to promote tolerance and understanding in support of government’s mission to foster peace and unity among its citizens.
Buru acknowledged that this year’s Muharram celebrations, beginning on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, coincided with the high cost of living.
He called on Nigerians to demonstrate tolerance, forgiveness and support government’s efforts in addressing all forms of ethno-religious, political, and regional differences that disrupt peace and stability in the country.
Buru appealed to Muslims to remember the less-privileged in the society, encouraging assistance to orphans, widows and orphanages.
He also called on Muslims and Christians to engage in ceaseless prayers for an end to the security challenges affecting peace, stability and economic development.
He called on the federal government to declare every day of the new Islamic Calendar as a holiday, allowing Muslims to celebrate their day with joy and happiness.
Similarly, Pastor John Joseph of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Sabon Tasha, also emphasized the importance of peace and harmony in southern Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole.
Mallam Gambo Abdullahi, youth leader in the state, during the visit, emphasized that the celebration of the Islamic New Year is not limited to Muslims alone but extends to all of humanity.
He expressed gratitude to the Christian leaders for sending messages to Muslim youths, congratulating them on the new Islamic Year.
Abdullahi acknowledged Pastor Yohanna Buru and other pastors for visiting Muslims during Eid al-Kabir prayers and for their assistance in clearing grass for Muslims to pray.
He also appreciated Buru for the distribution of foodstuffs to thousands of poor Muslims during Ramadan, and prayed for the continued strengthening of the Christian-Muslim relationship for peace and unity in northern Nigeria.
The Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Calendar and the start of the new Islamic year, holds great significance for Muslims.
“They are instructed by the Prophet of Islam to observe voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th days of the month, known as Tashua and Ashurah, which is Thursday 27 and Friday 28 July.”
