Ramadan: Muslims, Christians unite at Iftar in Jos

By Nick Yashi 

In a symbolic show of Interfaith cooperation, adherents of the Islamic, Christian and African Traditional Religion (ATR), faith, on Tuesday gathered at the Jos Central Mosque for the breaking of fast (Iftar). 

The event, tagged "3rd inter Faith Feast of Love and Breaking of Fast (Ramadan/Lent 2026)", was organized by the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA),

Co- chairman, Plateau Youth Interfaith Forum, Pharm. Markus Kanda in his keynote address, spoke on the significance of the love feast.

According to him, the act of eating together is rooted in Christianity and that both faiths share a common origin.

He quoted the books of John 15:9-13 and  1John 12; 11, which dwells on the need to love one another. 

"A love feast won't be complete without us loving one another. Based on the early love practice, there was breaking of bread with one another. I want us to see it as something more than the meal.

"Islam and Christianity trace their origin to the Prophet Abraham," he stated. 

Kanda then asked why the two faiths are in conflict despite having a common origin.

According to him, the gathering was aimed at easing religious tension and poverty alleviation, while adding that there was need "for us to have mutual trust for one another.

"Interfaith love feast is a peace building tool that builds harmony in interfaith society," he added. 

The Co-Chairman, Plateau State Inter- Faith Forum, Sheikh Umar Farouk. stated that God was not specific about any religion but spoke of humanity.

Referring to the Quran and Hadith, he said humanity is about complimenting and understanding each other. 

"We have come to eat and drink because we are all brothers and sisters of one another. Why are we killing ourselves in the name of religion?

 "If we kill ourselves in the name of religion, we would answer before God.  Let us come together and understand each other," he advised. 

Representative of African Traditional Religion (ATR).lamented on why government does not recognize ATR. He therefore called for inclusivity. 

In a brief remark, the Director-General, Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda,  represented by Mrs Lucy Umar, noted that it was the third time of holding the event. "It reminds us of self discipline and compassion,"she stated.

Goodwill messages were given by the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN).

Plateau Peace Practitioners Network,

Alhaji Sani Suleiman and Sheikh Mujtaba Ibrahim, among others.