Muslims, Christians dine at Ramadan Iftar in Abuja

By Mohammed Kandi

In a bid to advance peaceful co-existence amongst various religious groups in Nigeria, members of the Christian faithful, on Monday, were hosted to a ravishing Iftar (breakfast) and prayer session by a the Islamic community at Apo, in Abuja. The Ramadan treat, which was organised by the Islamic Research and Da’awah Foundation, in collaboration with the Association of Women in Propagation of Islam at the Apo Juma’at Mosque, is tagged: “Tafsir:

Peace is the way”. The Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who expressed his satisfaction with the occasion, also called on adherents

of both religions to shun acts that are capable of undermining the teachings of the various faithful. Represented by Rev. Fr. Nwakpuda Rowland, Cardinal Onaiyekan described the theme of the event as “apt” and urged the participants to reflect on such occasion and inculcate its lessons in their daily behaviours. “I know that Islam is all about peace; Christianity also preaches

peace, Judaism is about peace. Without peaceful co-existence there cannot be progress for any society,” the Archbishop said, advising that, “There is the need for such events to be organised often. When followers of these religions see their leaders wining, dining and exchanging pleasantries, such would inspire them to have confidence and tolerance towards those of other faithful”. Also speaking, the Coordinator of the National Information Centre

(NIC) Mr. Mike Omeri, who lauded the organisers of the occasion, also called for peaceful co-existence amongst Nigerians. In his remarks, Secretary of the Mosque, Mansur Jarkasa said Prophet Muhammad once ordered that Christians be protected in Madina, and urged members of both religions to emulate such practice to restore peace in Nigeria.