By Bernard Belogun/Dada Ahmed.
In a world often torn by religious intolerance, the story of how Muslims and Christians can live in harmony is not only refreshing,it is vital. Bernard Belogun, a Christian recalls “I remember vividly how two of my siblings, one now a Catholic Reverend Father and the other a Catholic Nun, were born in a house owned by the late Olu of Oworo, a devout Muslim. His home was more than a residence; it was a haven where love,understanding, and mutual respect reigned, regardless of religious affiliations.
He notes that The Olu of Oworo, like many of his generation, embodied the true essence of Islam,a religion that preaches peace, love, and compassion.”His wives, gentle and nurturing, became second mothers to us during brief periods when our own mother travelled. In that environment, we did not see ourselves as Christians or Muslims. We saw ourselves as one big family, bound by shared humanity,” he says.
However,it is heartbreaking to observe how fanaticism has crept into what was once a largely peaceful religious space. Unfortunately,extremism has distorted the core teachings of not just Islam but also other faiths. Yet, the need for peaceful coexistence is greater now than ever. Our differences, especially in faith, should be bridges,not barriers to understanding.
Religious experts believe that solution may lie in revisiting the values of tolerance and unity that once defined communities like ours. The memory of our peaceful cohabitation with Muslims in Oworo offers a blueprint. If a Muslim landlord could provide a safe and loving home for a Christian family, why can’t entire communities, nations even, replicate this model, Bernard asks.
But discerning minds on religious issues aregue that one powerful vehicle for this change is the media. As gatekeepers of public perception, media professionals must rise above bias and sensationalism. We must project stories of unity, compassion, and cross-religious friendship. Highlighting real-life examples, such as my own family’s experience, can help correct the distorted narratives that fan the flames of intolerance.
The media’s role extends beyond reporting; it includes agenda-setting. By deliberately showcasing interfaith cooperation, the media can help dismantle stereotypes and promote a more inclusive worldview. Imagine a daily news segment focused solely on stories of religious harmony,how powerful that could be!
Religious leaders also bear a critical responsibility. They must preach and practice the true tenets of their faiths. When imams, pastors, and priests speak with one voice on love and unity, they can drown out the noise of bigotry. Their pulpits can become platforms for peace rather than podiums for division.
Education is another vital tool. From primary schools to universities, interfaith dialogues should be incorporated into curricula. Children should be taught not just to tolerate other religions, but to appreciate them. Understanding breeds empathy, and empathy is the foundation of peace.
Communities should create spaces for interaction beyond worship,joint community projects, interfaith youth camps, and neighborhood forums. When people work together for a common good, prejudices begin to melt. They see each other not as members of a different religion, but as fellow human beings with shared hopes and fears.
In this spirit, Bernard, though a Catholic, finds great value in promoting Islam as a religion of peace. He says, “I do not need to be a Muslim to acknowledge the beauty in its teachings. Like Christianity, Islam upholds love for neighbor, charity, humility, and devotion. These are universal virtues.”
Ahmed,his co-author, who is a Muslim also believes that to propagate these virtues, Christians and Muslims must listen more and judge less. “It is time to drop the lens of suspicion and look at one another with the eyes of understanding. It is possible to hold firmly to one’s beliefs while respecting those of others. Coexistence is not compromis, it is maturity,”he says.
Indeed,faith should elevate the humanity in both Christians and Muslims, not diminish After all, it has been proved that, true spirituality, in whatever form, teaches kindness, patience, and justice. Therefore, when adherents of the two religions let these qualities guide their interactions, religion becomes a force for unity rather than division.
The two authors also believe that younger generation must be shown better examples. “We must tell them stories like those from our childhood, where Christians and Muslims lived like siblings. We must mentor them into becoming peace ambassadors in their schools, homes, and future workplaces,”they explained
Beyond this, it is pertinent to say that government policies must also reflect this commitment to unity. In essence, it becomes imperative for public institutions to promote inclusiveness and discourage discriminatory practices. Celebrating both Christian and Muslim holidays with equal fervor is a small, symbolic way of acknowledging our shared cultural tapestry.
It must be noted that ultimately, peace is not an abstract ideal,but built through deliberate acts of love, dialogue, and mutual respect. This is because Muslims and Christians, and indeed followers of all faiths, have more that unites them than divides them. “If we maximize our religious differences with a spirit of tolerance and shared purpose, we can build a truly harmonious society,” the two authors urged.
