By Bennett Atumah

The United Nations (UN) World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW),  is observed in the first week of February every year. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2010 through Resolution A/RES/65/5, in the 65th Assembly.

The WIHW aims to foster mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among people of different faiths. Over the past 15 years, the week has been marked with interfaith dialogues, conferences, community service projects, peace walks, and cultural exchanges, all designed to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and nurture a culture of mutual respect.

The initiative traces its roots to a proposal by King Abdullah II of Jordan in September 2010, urging people worldwide to express the teachings of their faiths about tolerance and respect for other religions. The WIHW calls on governments, religious organisations, and civil society groups to promote interfaith dialogue as a means of preventing conflicts and fostering peaceful coexistence. Faith, a system of beliefs and practices, plays a crucial role in shaping individual and collective identities, making interfaith harmony essential for global peace.

Religion, is often defined as a sacred engagement with spiritual reality, is a universal phenomenon that has influenced all human cultures. It encompasses a broad range of beliefs and practices, often making it a contentious issue where compromise can be challenging. The world’s major religions include the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), the Indian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism), and Sikhism, among others.

The Abrahamic religions, rooted in the Middle East, share common origins in the figure of Abraham and emphasize belief in one God, divine revelation, and ethical principles like the Golden Rule. Despite their shared roots, historical interactions between these faiths have been marked by both cooperation and conflict. The Indian religions, on the other hand, are polytheistic and emphasize individual spirituality and cultural adaptability, often making them appear more tolerant. However, religious tolerance is a value that can be found across all faiths, though it is sometimes challenged by external pressures or misinterpretations of doctrine.

The history of Abrahamic faiths is a tapestry of complex interactions. Early Jewish-Christian relations were shaped by debates over the nature of Jesus and the interpretation of Jewish scriptures. The rise of Islam in the 7th century brought Muslims into contact with Jewish and Christian communities, leading to periods of cultural exchange and conflict. The Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Ottoman Empire’s millet system are historical examples of both cooperation and tension.

In modern times, religious differences have often fueled conflict, such as the Israeli-Palestinian dispute over sacred sites and land. Sectarian divides, like the Sunni-Shia split in Islam, have also led to violence and instability. However, there have been significant efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding. Initiatives like the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the United Religions Initiative, and the “A Common Word Between Us and You” letter (2007) have brought religious leaders together to emphasize common ground and call for peace.

Several influential religious leaders have also advocated for interfaith cooperation. In 2019, The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, visited Abu Dhabi, where he met with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, which was a remarkable step in fostering dialogue between Islam and Christianity. The two leaders signed a document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” calling for mutual respect and collaboration among different faiths. The Holy Father also visited Indonesia in September 2024, where Muslims and Christians have dug a 30 metre long “Tunnel of Friendship” underground, that links the Cathedral with the massive Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. And in a rich gesture of symbolism, the Pope made his way through the tunnel together with the Grand Imam, Nassarudin Umar, to the mosque to engage in Interreligious dialogue.

In spite of historical conflicts and ongoing tensions, there have been efforts to promote coexistence, dialogue, and understanding between Abrahamic faiths in recent times. Nigeria, the most populous Black nation with over 220 million people, is home to a diverse religious landscape. Muslims and Christians make up nearly equal portions of the population, alongside adherents of traditional beliefs. However, religious diversity has often been a flashpoint for conflict, fueled by political propaganda, cultural grievances, and economic disparities.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria has made commendable efforts to foster interfaith harmony. The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), established in 1999, has been instrumental in promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Co-chaired by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV, and Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), NIREC has organised conferences, dialogues, and joint statements to address national issues. Their collaboration has been instrumental in addressing religious tensions and advocating for mutual respect and understanding.

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, has played pivotal roles in bridging religious divides in the Federal Capital Territory and when he was the Archbishop of Jos. His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja and former National President of CAN, is renowned for his efforts in fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting peace between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

The Human Rights Radio and TV Brekete Family programme, anchored by the Ordinary President, Dr. Ahmed Isah has bridged a gap in our country’s diversity. People from all ethnic backgrounds and faiths listen and watch the live reality show, and applaud the efforts of the producer’s inclusiveness. These efforts have significantly contributed to promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. The Imam Fuad Adeyemi’s Abrahamic Mission programme aired on NTA and FRCN has further promoted inclusivity and understanding.

The United Nations recognises the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions in enhancing mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, has dedicated the World Interfaith Harmony Week and other International days like; the International Day for Tolerance (November 16), International Day of Peace (September 21), International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21), World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (May 21), among others, to promote peace in the world as their observances, reaffirm that tolerance, mutual understanding and dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace.

As the world marked the 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to embrace the spirit of interfaith harmony and foster national integration. By promoting dialogue, education, economic cooperation, and policy reforms, Nigeria can build a society where people of different faiths coexist in peace and mutual respect. Nigeria’s large youth population, often at the forefront of religious conflicts, hold the key to shaping the future of interfaith relations. Cardinal Onaiyekan has always asked Nigerian authorities to provide a setting that fosters young people’s growth, motivates them in their job and attends to their issues. Engaging young people in dialogue and empowering them to challenge stereotypes is crucial for lasting peace.

The WIHW initiative, rooted in the principles of “Love for God and Neighbour”, provides a theological framework for interfaith harmony that extends to all people of goodwill. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools.” Nigeria must seize the opportunity to chart a new course where religion becomes a tool for unity rather than division. By doing so, Nigeria can set a positive example for other multi-religious nations, proving that diversity, when managed well, is a source of strength rather than conflict.

In a world where religion often fuels division, the WIHW serves as a reminder that dialogue, understanding, and cooperation are the cornerstones of a peaceful and harmonious society. Nigeria’s journey toward interfaith harmony is not just a national imperative but a global inspiration.

Bennett Atumah, a communicator and public commentator, wrote from Abuja