CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE: A SINE QUA NON FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The thrust of this work is on the necessity of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims to enhance and strengthen sustainable development in Nigeria. Christianity and Islam are the two major and decisive religions in Nigeria. Deplorably, the two religions that should teach and promote love, tolerance, and unity as enshrined in both the Bible and al-Qur’an, have been subtlety used as an indicator of political and social identity in a way that rouse conflicts over resources, land, political and economic power. This has led to the upsurge in religious intolerance and bigotry, unbridled and aggressive action of the fundamentalists, wrong religious orientations, mindless selfishness among some religious leaders, and low level of religious literacy among some adherents, which is currently posing a crucial threat to sustainable development in Nigeria. Therefore, this study critically examines the interplay of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims through dialogue for the transformation and sustainable development of Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive research method, purely based on written sources comprised of books, journals, and websites. The study, among other things, revealed that peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims is crucial for the economic, political, and social development of Nigeria. It was discovered that through dialogue, the intolerance and conflict situation in Nigeria can be transformed into a culture of peace characterized by respect, trust, liberty, tolerance, equality, and brotherliness that will foster sustainable development. The study, therefore, concluded with the recommendation that since religious isolation and bigotry are not conducive to sustainable progress and development, individual and religious institutions should embrace and proclaim dialogue reflecting brotherhood, peace, solidarity, unity, and love, which will play a vital role in shaping and establishing a better prosperous future for the nation.