The Emir of Potiskum in Yobe, Alhaji Gidado Ibrahim, has called for the setting up of institutions on comparative religious studies to deepen understanding and tolerance among adherents of various religions in the country.

The Emir made the suggestion on Wednesday in Kaduna when he visited Pastor Yohanna Bury, President, Interfaith Dialogue, Peace and Reconciliation Foundation.

Ibrahim stressed that deepening understanding of the various religions would break existing barriers and misconceptions as well as promote peace and mutual respect among Nigerians.

The Emir urged the youths to be peace,  law abiding citizens and help government to ensure peace and stability in their communities.

He said religious leaders also have a very important role to play in peace building through the promotion of peaceful coexistence and reconciliation among communities.

According to him, they also have a prominent role to play in tackling extremism by preaching tolerance and brotherliness at all times.

“Tolerance is the beginning, the first stage in a longer, deeper process of developing a culture of peace. Without tolerance, peace is not possible,” the Emir stressed.

Ibrahim thanked the pastor for his tremendous contributions toward peace building among different faiths in the country, and urged other Muslim and Christians clerics to also commit themselves to promoting peaceful coexistence and interreligious tolerance.

Responding, Buru said all well meaning Nigerians must join hands in sensitising the people on the importance of peace and unity.

He said both the Holy Qur’an and Bible condemn killings of innocent souls, and urged the people of Kaduna state and other crisis prone states, to forgive one another.

Buru noted that ethno-religiousl crises that claimed lives and properties was a serious setback to peaceful coexistence not only in Kaduna but across northern Nigeria.

He therefore urged religious leaders to engage their followers to embrace peace, love for humanity, tolerance, sacrifice and forgiveness.

He also supported the setting up of institutions on comparative religious studies, saying it would promote better understanding, religious tolerance, forgiveness, reduce blasphemy and continuously preach peace and harmony between Muslims and Christians.

He noted that the world has more than 6,000 religions apart from Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

“In order to make statements or generalisations about religion, the concept of religion, rather than a specific religion or group of religions, we need to engage in comparative study of religions so as to reduce ethnic religious attacks and blasphemy,” he added.

Buru called on NGO, and Civil society organizations, youth leaders to support state and federal governments in all peace building efforts.(NAN)

– Oct. 31, 2018 @ 16:39 GMT |