CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM RELATIONS IN OKENE

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on the Christian and Muslim relations in Okene 1992-2020. This work was carried out using analytic method. It is hard for each individual with a religious consciousness to respect the interest of the other since the other might force such interest on the former. However, religious conflict was never known in history, since each country is still battling with it. Hence, killings and destruction of lives and properties are still on- going. We therefore need to find a solution to it in all the ramifications, either politically, socially, religiously or economically in as much as the society is based on all these factors. Inter-religious relations imply possible and practicable cordial relationship that exists between religions in a society. Its instrument is interfaith dialogue aimed at cordiality, togetherness, tolerance and acceptance that will be the true sign of a new era in the religious history of humanity. On both international and national levels, attempts have been and are still being made to establish dialogue or good relations between Muslims and Christians with a view to avoiding the mistakes of the past, and creating a better world, and a better Nigeria for the present and future generations. The paper explores the remote and possible causes of the present widespread problems in Christians and Muslims relations in Nigeria; and to reflect on the possible impact on the Nigerian nationhood. Basic findings of this study show that Nigeria’s stability, democracy, and national cohesion are threatened by extremism and conflict arising from Islamic and Christian fundamentalism is believed to be predicated on the Nigerian political and economic malaise and social dislocation of recent decades. The paper recommends and concludes that all religious adherents must embrace Inter-religious dialogue which demands religions nurture, faith, trust, dialogue, communication, reconciliation, and mutual understanding of one another thus guaranteeing communal good for Nigerians.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Three dominant religions exist in Nigeria: Islam, Christianity and African Traditional Religion. Nigeria, with a population of 140 million^[1], Muslims are estimated to be 50%, Christians 40% and Traditional Religionists 10%.^[2] While the traditional religion is non-evangelical and welcoming to other religions, it is not the case with Islam and Christianity. Both religions have a history of radical evangelism in the country. The two religions do not consider each other as friends but rivals. Although the Muslims acknowledge Christ as a prophet, they hold strongly to the teachings of the Quoran which they believe comes directly from God. They live strictly according to the Quoran and they find it necessary to conquer and bring all the infidels into the true faith, which is Islam. Christians on the other hand feel offended by the teachings of Islam and hold strongly to the position that, outside Christ, there is no salvation; all Muslims and traditional religionists will go to hell unless they receive Christ as their personal Lord and savior. Related to this is a battle of supremacy between the Muslims and Christians in the political and economical sphere. Due to these and other related factors the relationship of both religions in Nigeria has been tense, often giving rise to religious riots.

Naturally, the psycho-social description of man shows him as genetically selfish, fighting for his own interest alone. However, this does not necessarily explain or construe the religious nature of man. With various descriptions of the religious nature of man especially Africans, Mbiti have described him as ‘notoriously religious’.[3] Maybe this can adequately give a hypothesis for action that is behind religious conflict in Nigeria. But how rational or how plausible is it for two notable religions to fight against each other, killing and giving a psychological aftermath or psycho-negative effect since God can neither be described as a Christian nor a Muslim?

Inter-religious relations may be considered a challenge to one's faith but one cannot run away from such a challenge. Through this challenge, we may find that our faith can grow. Most adherents may force this challenge upon themselves considering it to be a very rational observation, that is, one which may turn them around from believing that their religion is the only right one and been unable to acknowledge that there is truth in all other religions. On the contrary, they should be able to contemplate that if these other religions have survived for thousands of years and are followed by hundreds of millions, even a billion people, there must be some truth in them or if not, they would not have spread and lasted to date. Man owes it to himself to search everywhere for this „Universal Truth‟. This Truth is a message about God in the world that goes beyond the specific language of any particular theology or religious tradition. Thus every religion of humanity is the inheritance of every individual human being. It is generally remarked by some observers that Nigeria, like some African nations is presently feeling the biting effects of the global recession in all spheres of human life.

1.2 Statement of the problem

All through to 2009 before the emergence of the sect known as Boko Haram, there have been causes of religious conflict from 1990. On May 1990, in Zaria (Kaduna state), there was disturbances in Zaria during which property belonging to mainly Christians were destroyed. So also on December 1990, in Kano where there was a riots by maitatsine sect, where 4,177 people died and extensive properties were destroyed.[4] It is worthy to note that immeasurable lives had been lost while properties had been burnt and displaced owing to religious conflict in Nigeria. However, what is the solution? This calls for religions dialogue among the religions involved.

The many differences in religions are more often than not, things that do not matter so much. Some people are more comfortable with certain rituals and others are not. Some mentalities are better suited to one philosophy while others find a clearer understanding through another. There have always been different religions and it is folly for us to imagine that it will ever be any other way. Everyone feels that their own beliefs are truer than everyone else's. Everyone's beliefs work for them hence they would hold to it, but the same belief does not work for everyone. Religions are like languages that we use to speak to each other about God and to express one’s religious sentiments.

1.3 Aims and objectives

The main aim of this study is to examine the Christian and Muslim relations in Okene 1992-2020. It is of absolute necessity to note that Nigeria is a country of multi-ethnic groups and built on religious pluralism. This research work also aims at determining the solution to religious bigotry which is a mechanism for violence, conflict and crises. It also aims at explaining what religious conflict is and also enable various adherents of various religions to see the similarities as well as the differences between their faith, enabling them to see that no religion is great or better than the other.

1.4 Scope and limitation of the study

This study focuses on the Christian and Muslim relations in Okene, from 1992 to 2020. Due to wideness of the country, the research work would not be able to get primary sources from the victims involved in religious conflict. Furthermore, there would be financial constraint which would serve as a limitation. But the researcher shall try as much as possible to gather fact, even when he encounters books that will be detrimental due to their own biases and prejudice.

1.5 Methodology

This study adopts an analytical method. It will analyze comparatively religions in the country, so as to provide a meaning resolution. It shall also focus largely on secondary materials which are textbook, journals, newspaper, online materials. Etc.

1.6 Rationale of the study

Given these circumstances, it is important to look at the factors behind these riots historically and see what we can learn from the history towards the mutual co-existence of the two religions in Nigeria. This study will explore the history of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria. This study will also help to identify some of the problems that plague the relations of the two religions in Nigeria.