Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu ReportingÂ
Christmas, 25th of December, is a day where we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. While great focus was given to Christians celebrating in the Southern, Eastern and Western parts of Nigeria where Christians are mostly dominance, Truth Live News took extra effort to the Northern part, to witness and cover the rare but not infeasible Christmas celebration among the indigenous Hausa community in Malumfashi, Katsina State.
This community, nestled within a predominantly Muslim state, showcased a unique blend of religious coexistence.
The focal point of this celebration was the Christmas service held at the 2nd ECWA Church in Malumfashi. The service, which commenced precisely at 10 a.m., was led by Senior Pastor Yakubu Danlami Doka, who guided the congregation through a memorable and joyous occasion.
The event was particularly significant as it shed light on the lesser-known pockets of Christian communities within Katsina State.
The surprise factor layd in the fact that Katsina State, known for its overwhelming Muslim population, harbours areas such as Malumfashi, Kafur, Bakori, and Tsiga where large numbers of indigenous Hausas practice Christianity. This revelation challenges preconceived notions that there are no Hausa Christians within the state.
Pastor Mikah Timothy delivered a powerful sermon during the Christmas service, focusing on the theme “No Other Good Tiding Than This,” drawing inspiration from the biblical passage Luke 2:8-20. The sermon resonated deeply with the congregation, emphasizing the essence of the Christmas message in a context where the Christians peacefully coexists with the Muslim majority in the state.
The atmosphere inside the 2nd ECWA Church was vibrant, as people from various walks of life came together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The indigenous Hausa Christians, donned in vibrant traditional attire, added a cultural flair to the event, showcasing the seamless integration of their religious beliefs with their rich cultural heritage.
The Christmas celebration served as a testament to the spirit of tolerance and harmony that exists within the diverse communities of Katsina State. The indigenous Hausas, in their Christmas fervour, demonstrated the possibility of coexistence and mutual respect among people of different faiths.