World Interfaith Harmony Week: Shared human origin, Muslims-Christian relation and pathways for sustainable coexistence, By Yusuf Alhaji Lawan
It was late in the evening, on my way home from work, when I received a call from a revered Sheikh. He informed me that Sure Star International School had invited him to serve as a distinguished guest speaker at their World Interfaith Harmony Day programme. Unfortunately, due to an unavoidable trip outside Nigeria scheduled for a day before the event, he would be unable to attend. He therefore requested that I represent him and speak on his behalf.
Upon my arrival at the school, I met a diverse gathering of participants, including members of the school management, teachers, students and students from a sister school. Seated at the high table was a pastor, who was scheduled to be the first presenter, while I was to speak second. Presented below is the paper I delivered for your reading pleasure.
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1. Introduction
Religious diversity is a defining feature of human civilization. While religion has been a source of moral guidance and social cohesion, its misinterpretation has also contributed to conflict and division. World Interfaith Harmony provides an opportunity to revisit the original purpose of religion which is to guide humanity towards peace, justice and righteousness. Interfaith harmony is deeply rooted in religious history, scriptures and practice, particularly within Islam and Christianity and that embracing it is crucial for Nigeria’s sustainable future.
2. Shared Human Origin: One Family, One Humanity
Both Islam and Christianity affirm that humanity originated from a single family; Adam and Eve (Hauwa). This shared origin establishes the equality and dignity of all human beings irrespective of religion. Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an “He is the One who created you; among you are disbelievers and among you are believers. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.” Qur’an 64:2. If He had wanted, He would have created us as one as He says “Had Allah willed, He would have made you one community, but He lets go astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And you will surely be questioned about what you used to do.” Qur’an 16:93.
Furthermore, the Qur’an states: “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an 49:13). In his farewell sermon, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said “O people! Your Lord is One and your father (Adam) is one. An Arab has no superiority over non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor a black over a white person except by righteousness.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith no. 22978 and other variants). In the same vein, it is worthy of mention here, the famous saying of Imam Ali bin Abitalib (a.s), “People are of two types; either your brother in faith or your equal in humanity.” (Peak of Eloquence).
Similarly, the Bible declares: “From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth.” (Acts 17:26). These verses and traditions emphasize unity in origin and diversity in identity, underscoring that religious difference is not a basis for hostility.
3. Religious Diversity and Major World Religions
The contemporary world is characterized by rich religious diversity. Major religions and belief systems are practiced across different regions of the world, reflecting humanity’s cultural and spiritual plurality. Examples include:
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i. Islam: It is practiced widely in the Middle East, North and West Africa, Central and South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia, with significant populations in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, etc.
ii. Christianity: It is predominant in Europe, the Americas and parts of Africa and Oceania, with major populations in countries such as Nigeria, United States, Brazil, Italy, Ethiopia, United Kingdom, etc.
iii. Judaism: Practiced mainly in Israel and among Jewish communities in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world.
iv. Hinduism: Primarily practiced in South Asia, especially in India and Nepal, with smaller communities in Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the global diaspora.
v. Buddhism: Commonly practiced in East and Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Japan and South Korea.
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vi. Traditional African Religions: Practiced in various forms across Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo and parts of Southern Africa, often alongside Islam and Christianity.
vii. Confucianism and Taoism: Historically and culturally influential in China and parts of East Asia, including Taiwan, Korea and Vietnam.
viii. Sikhism: Practiced mainly in India, particularly in the Punjab region, with growing communities in the United Kingdom, Canada and other parts of the world.
Despite doctrinal differences, these religions emphasize ethical values such as peace, compassion, justice, respect for human dignity and responsibility.
4. Islam and the Principle of Peaceful Coexistence
Islam recognizes religious diversity as part of divine wisdom. The Qur’an affirms: “There is no compulsion in religion.” (Qur’an 2:256). It further instructs Muslims on relations with non-Muslims: “Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who do not fight you because of religion. Indeed, Allah loves those who are just.” (Qur’an 60:8).
Justice, kindness and freedom of belief are therefore central to Islamic engagement with other faiths. Allah says “Today, all good and wholesome things have been made lawful for you. The food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. Lawful for you in marriage are chaste believing women and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you give them their due dowries, seeking marriage, not immorality or secret relationships. And whoever rejects faith, his deeds become void, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers”. Qur’an 5:5
5. Islam and Christianity: A Relationship Rooted in Respect
Islam accords a special status to Christianity and Judaism as People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab). The Qur’an acknowledges the closeness between Muslims and sincere Christians: “You will surely find the nearest of them in affection to the believers who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.” (Qur’an 5:82). Islam also recognizes Jesus (peace be upon him) as a revered prophet and Mary as a noble woman, strengthening theological and moral ties between the two faiths. A full chapter was dedicated in the Qur’an after Virgin Mary, in fact, the name “Mary” was mentioned 34 times in the Qur’an while Jesus peace be upon him 25.
6. Historical Model of Interfaith Harmony: The Migration to Habasha
When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began preaching Islam in Makkah around 610 CE, early Muslims faced intense persecution, aggression and social boycott from the Quraysh. In response, the Prophet advised some of his companions to migrate to Habasha (Abyssinia, the present day Ethiopia) ruled by a Christian king known as An-Najashi (the Negus). The Prophet said: “There is a king in Abyssinia in whose land no one is wronged.” (Ibn Hisham, Siratur Rasul Allah). The Christian king welcomed the Muslim refugees and granted them protection. When Quraysh envoys attempted to have them extradited, Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib recited verses from Surah Maryam describing Mary and Jesus (peace be upon them). Moved by the message, the Negus declared that the difference between Islam and Christianity was no more than a line drawn in the sand and refused to hand them over.
This historic event stands as one of the earliest and strongest examples of Islam–Christian interfaith harmony, mutual respect and religious tolerance.
7. Prophetic Practice and Protection of Non-Muslims
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently upheld the rights of non-Muslims. He stated: “Whoever harms a non-Muslim under covenant, I will be his opponent on the Day of Resurrection. (Sunan Abī Dāwūd). The Constitution of Madinah further established Muslims, Jews and others as one community with shared rights and responsibilities, providing a legal framework for peaceful coexistence.
8. Nigeria’s Context: Benefits of Interfaith Harmony
Nigeria’s religious diversity is both a strength and a challenge. Embracing interfaith harmony can yield significant benefits;
i. Socially: By reducing religious conflict, building stronger national unity and peaceful coexistence.
ii. Economically: By ensuring stable environments that encourage investment, productivity and poverty reduction.
iii. Environmentally: By fostering religious cooperation in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable living. The Qur’an cautions: “And do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation.” (Qur’an 7:56). This aligns with global environmental ethics shared across faiths.
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9. Conclusion
World Interfaith Harmony is grounded in shared human origin, reinforced by Islamic and Christian teachings and validated by history itself. From Adam and Eve to the Prophet Muhammad’s engagement with Christians in Abyssinia, religion has consistently offered models for peaceful coexistence. For Nigeria and the global community, interfaith harmony is not merely a moral ideal but a practical necessity for sustainable social, economic and environmental development.
Yusuf Alhaji Lawan writes from Minna South Ward, Chanchaga Local Government, Niger State. He can be reached via nasidi30@gmail.com.
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