By Ahmed Ali, Kafanchan
The Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Kaduna, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and religious harmony as Muslims across the country celebrate the 2026 Eid-el-Maulud.
The centre made the call in a statement made available to journalists by its Co-Director, Mr Samson Auta, in which it extended felicitations to Muslim faithful on the occasion.
IMC said the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) should serve as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, justice, tolerance and peaceful coexistence exemplified by the Prophet.
The organisation, which said it had spent more than three decades promoting dialogue, reconciliation and non-violent engagement among different faith communities, described the occasion as not only a moment of spiritual joy and reflection but also a call to action towards building a peaceful and harmonious society.
“The life, character and exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remain an enduring source of guidance and inspiration for humanity,” the statement said.
“He demonstrated profound compassion, patience, justice, equity and a deep commitment to social harmony, even in the face of deeply rooted societal divisions.”
According to the centre, Nigeria’s diversity of cultures, ethnicities and religious beliefs should be seen as a source of strength, stressing that peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and understanding remain essential to national unity.
IMC urged Nigerians to reflect on the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, particularly those that encourage people to build bridges across differences and reject hatred and discord.
The statement cited Qur’an 49:13, which emphasises the need for people of different tribes and backgrounds to know and understand one another, as well as Qur’an 41:34, which encourages believers to respond to evil with what is better.
The centre called on citizens to move beyond the festivities of the Maulud celebration and translate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad into their daily lives.
It urged Nigerians to reject prejudice, hate speech, intolerance and violence while promoting social justice, protecting vulnerable members of society and supporting reconciliation and peaceful dialogue in their communities.
“At this important moment in our nation’s history, we encourage religious leaders, political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and citizens to strengthen efforts that promote peaceful coexistence and build trust across religious and social divides,” the statement added.
IMC prayed for peace in Kaduna State, Nigeria and across the world, expressing hope that the lessons and values of Prophet Muhammad would guide Nigerians towards greater unity, compassion, justice and peaceful coexistence.
