As the world marks World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has called on faith communities across the country to intensify efforts toward peace, justice, and mutual understanding amid rising divisions and religious intolerance.
In a statement released to commemorate the week, MPAC emphasized that interfaith harmony must go beyond symbolic observances and translate into deliberate actions that promote national unity, social progress, and human dignity.
“At a time when division is loud and suspicion spreads quickly, faith communities must become the strongest voices for peace and shared humanity,” the organization stated, describing peaceful coexistence as a moral responsibility rather than a mere option.
MPAC noted that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than conflict, stressing that dialogue, education, and principled resistance to hate are essential tools for addressing misunderstanding and bigotry.
The organization reaffirmed its belief that interfaith harmony does not require the dilution of religious identities but instead calls for deeper understanding rooted in justice, compassion, and mutual respect.
As part of its message for the week, MPAC urged religious leaders, policymakers, educators, and citizens to actively promote respectful dialogue across faith lines, speak out against discrimination and religious profiling, protect freedom of belief and conscience, and build partnerships that advance peace, development, and social cohesion.
“Harmony is not built by silence in the face of injustice,” the statement said, adding that courageous leadership and community engagement are critical to countering extremism and prejudice.
MPAC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defending human dignity and promoting peaceful coexistence, envisioning a Nigeria where faith serves as a bridge rather than a barrier.
World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed globally to encourage cooperation, understanding, and respect among people of different religious traditions.