By Joseph Maka
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, otherwise known as Shi’ites, on Monday, joined the Christmas Service at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State to strengthen religious harmony and unity between religious groups.
Leader of the Shi’ite group, Prof. Isah-Hassan Mshelgaru, said the Islamic group acknowledged Christmas as a day for festivities, friendliness, and unity.
He added that joining the Christian faithful as they marked Christmas was meant to renew hope for divine unity among Muslims, Christians, and other religions.
Mshelgaru said Islam and Christianity were revered faiths with more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population as adherents.
Speaking on the impact of the visit, Mshelgaru said IMN, as a group, started visits to churches more than 25 years ago and since then there has been an improved understanding between the group and Christians.
“The visit has reduced the fears and some animosities between the two faith groups. They (Christians) are now open to us; we share sentiments and problems together. The regular exchange of visits has bridged the gaps between us,’’ he said.
Earlier, the parish priest, Most Rev. Isak Augustine, commended the Islamic group for the visit and urged the group for more visits to strengthen religious harmony and unity.
He prayed for the peace of God to come into Nigeria and to salvage the country from the myriad socioeconomic challenges.
The Shi’ite group later presented gifts to the Catholic Church.
