They also urged the government to provide leadership and enforce rules of respecting one another.
Stakeholders at the Intra-religious Dialogue Conference for peace in Kano have called for more dialogue among the religious leaders to foster peace and unity in the country.
A communique at the end of the conference, jointly signed by Ibrahim Sabiu-Jibiya and Misbahu Raji on Saturday, called on religious leaders to lead by example and that their words should be translated with their actions.
“Islamic brotherhood and unity should not be compromised, and followers should be trained on religious tolerance and respect for each other, irrespective of differences.
“Tendencies of declaring others as Kafir on trivial issues of differences should be condemned by all sects.”
The communique says prayers for the nation are vital to promoting peaceful coexistence among various sects.
The communique also urged the government to play its role of providing good leadership and also enforce rules of respecting one another.
According to the communique, there is a need for scholars to meet at all times and discuss issues relating to Islamic matters and peaceful coexistence and not to wait until the time of sighting the moon for Ramadan.
The stakeholders thanked the participants, Interfaith Mediation Centre and Mercy Corps for their efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence in the country.
The one-day engagement was organised by Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) of Mercy Corps, a USAID-funded programme in collaboration with the Interfaith Mediation Centre.
It had in attendance representatives of religious institutions, religious organisations, women and youth leaders drawn from the CIPP target state of Kano, Kaduna and Katsina.
Those who attended the conference included Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Ibrahim Maqari, co-executive director of Interfaith Mediation Centre, Kaduna, and Imam Nuradeen Ashafa, representative of Izala, Shiite and Dariqa sects.
(NAN)
