10 Ways of Co-existing In Multi-Religious Society

Religious traditions are often used to  to justify intoler ance, discrimination and violence. This is however a major problem in multi religious society, that often result into full blown crisis.  For example, Deborah Samuel, a Shehu Shagari College Education student, Sokoto in Nigeria was killed last Thursday for allegedly “making blasphemous statements about Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

According to reports, she was flogged, killed, and burnt, after she was forcefully removed from the security room where the school authority hid her.  Deborah’s death has led to national outrage all over the country, after several videos of events that led to her surfaced online. Several protests have also erupted in Sokoto State over the arrest of the killers.

These several events begs the question how can we co-exist in a multi religious society like Nigeria and avoid religious related crisis like this.

1. There must not be any discrimination on the basis of Faith

One of the way to co-exist in a multi-religious society like Nigeria, is to avoid discrimination on the basis of faith. Discrimanting people on the basis of faith is an act that is degrading and prejudicial. For example, not hiring people because of their religious or placing ban on certain religious activities are acts that contravene the laws against discrimination and freedom of religion.

2.  Religious extremism should be avoided

One major factors that lead to most religious related crisis is religious extremism, that is condemning, threatening and attacking other people on the basis of faith.  However, this should not be used to make a blanket
condemnation of any particular faith, as the extremist are to held responsible for their acts. It is also the duty of religious communities to distance themselves from extremist activities,  and  condemn such actions.

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3. Respect for other people faith

Another way to co-exist in a multi religious society like Nigeria is to show respect for other people faith. Certain religious traditions and belief can be disturbing, particularly if they challenge or contradicts your own beliefs, It is however important that you treat the religious belief and the faith of other people with respect and tolerance. Avoid trying to influence or convert other people from their faith, when speaking of your own.

4. Respect for fundamental human rights

Everyone religious communities in the state must show respect for the fundamental human rights has stated in the constitution, No fundamental citizen  rights should be violated on the basis of religion justification. These rights are to be upheld, by every individual, religious organisation and faith group.

5.  Open Mindedness

One of the way of co-existing in a multi religious society is to encourage open mindedness, that is the ability to learn about other people’s religion and see things from a different perspective. According to reports, Learning about other
religions, particularly through personal contact with people of other faiths, promotes mutual understanding and builds awareness and appreciation of each other’s faith.

6. Interfaith dialogue

An interfaith dialogue can build a sense of belonging and contribute to peaceful coexistence within our society, as they often reveal  that many religion share similar and common understanding of  fundamental human issues and values. An interfaith conversation can also help to  reinforce one’s religious identity and deepen one’s faith.

7. People must not be reduced to their religion.

People should not be reduced or stereotyped based on their religion. they are more to people that their faith such as their character and their personality.

Conclusion

Religious traditioncan also be used to  nurture a sense of meaning, strengthen identity and bring people together, if the right mechanisms are put in place.