Muslim-Christian Collaboration “not an option but an obligation”: Catholic Bishop in Nigeria on “Eid ul-Adha”

Translated from Arabic as “Feast of Sacrifice”, Eid ul-Adha, that is also known as “Eid el Kabir” is a significant holiday on the Islamic calendar that marks the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, on Mt. Moriah, in obedience to Allah, God.

In his June 6 message, Bishop Badejo says the celebration of Eid ul-Adha provides an opportunity to reflect on societal values.

“This feast challenges all of us to raise our voices against all social evils that stand against our peace of mind, survival, and development,” the President of CEPACS, an entity of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), says.

He calls for a change of attitudes and a responsible role of religion in politics, saying, “As believers in God, though with different backgrounds, we must all challenge our attitudes towards others. Our religions cannot be taken out of politics, but they must modify the values of politics without conflict.”

“Let us make our two beautiful religions a source of harmonious coexistence, joy, and peace,” he appeals, and adds, “Once again, I wish you a blessed and fulfilling Eid al-Kabir celebration. Barka de Sallah!”

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Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops in Niger have urged Muslims and Christians to unite in faith and action to build a nation of peace, justice, and reconciliation during the feast of Eid al-Adha.

In a video recording posted on Facebook on June 6, Niger’s Catholic Bishops expressed prayerful best wishes “to the entire Muslim community of Niger who prays these days in communion with all the pilgrims present in the blessed land of Islam.”

“May the grace of the Father Almighty, the mercy of God descend on you, on your families and the Nigerien nation in this moment of insecurity,” they said in the message that Archbishop Djalwana Laurent Lompo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Niamey read out.

Reflecting on the meaning of the annual Muslim celebration, the Catholic Church leaders highlighted the example of Abraham’s unwavering faith.

“This feast reminds us all of Abraham's faith, who did not hesitate to put his trust in God and to give his dearest son as a sacrifice to God, the Almighty and Merciful God,” they said and added, “God invites us all, Muslims and Christians, to place our trust in Him to build together a Niger of peace, a Niger of justice, where reconciliation and fraternity reign.”

The Catholic Bishops also addressed the social and security crises in the West African nation and parts of the world, calling believers to action.

“The painful events that plague our world, the difficult social, economic, and security situations provoking a massive exodus of men, women, and children, call us as believers to the one and only God,” they said.

Catholic Bishops in Niger emphasized the need for unity, justice, and human dignity, and added, “We all know that peace, national unity, and social cohesion cannot exist without social justice, reconciliation, and mutual respect.”

“Muslims and Christians, let us be educators, defenders of human rights, and builders of peace in Niger,” Niger’s Catholic Bishops said.

They implored, “May God, the good, the merciful, full of benevolence, bless the Nigerien authorities and all the population in its diversity and quest for peace today. Happy Holidays to all.”

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.