As Muslims across Nigeria commemorate this year’s Maulud today, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the occasion offers more than an opportunity for celebration. It is a moment for sober reflection on the life, teachings and exemplary character of a man whose message continues to inspire millions around the world.

Prophet Muhammad’s life was defined by piety, perseverance, compassion, justice and a profound commitment to peaceful coexistence. His conduct, particularly during his years in Medina, provides an enduring example of how people of different faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect. Medina was a multicultural society in which Muslims, Christians, Jews and others coexisted under arrangements that recognised their respective rights and responsibilities. This is a lesson Nigeria urgently needs to rediscover.

Nigeria is a diverse nation of Muslims, Christians and adherents of traditional African religions. Our religious diversity should be a source of strength rather than a reason for division. Yet, for decades, the country has been confronted by religious extremism, intolerance and violence, sometimes with devastating consequences for communities and families. The persistence of these challenges makes occasions such as Maulud particularly important. They should compel Nigerians, especially religious leaders and political actors, to reflect on the consequences of their words and actions.

We at Blueprint are concerned by the divisive tactics employed by some clerics of different faiths and politicians who exploit religious sentiments for personal, political or institutional interests. Such conduct deepens suspicion, encourages intolerance and weakens the bonds that hold society together. No religious or political objective can justify deliberately setting Nigerians against one another.

The exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad teaches otherwise. His emphasis on justice, compassion, patience, peaceful relations and respect for others offers a powerful antidote to extremism and hatred. Muslims, in particular, should strive to demonstrate these virtues not merely in sermons but in their daily dealings with neighbours, colleagues and fellow citizens of other faiths. Christians and adherents of other religions, too, have a responsibility to promote understanding and reject stereotypes about other faith communities. Interfaith dialogue should not be limited to moments of crisis; it should become a continuous national project aimed at building trust and strengthening peaceful coexistence. Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful development in an atmosphere of religious suspicion and communal hostility. Economic prosperity, security, good governance and social progress require citizens to recognise their shared humanity and common national destiny.

As Muslims observe Maulud, we therefore urge them to look beyond the festivities and reflect on the qualities that made Prophet Muhammad an exemplary leader and human being. The occasion should renew our commitment to peace, compassion, justice and unity.

We felicitate all Muslims observing this important religious occasion and wish them a peaceful Maulud. We equally urge all Nigerians to use the holiday for sober reflection and to recommit themselves to love, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, irrespective of faith, ethnicity or differences in understanding. Nigeria has no future in division. Our strength lies in our diversity, and our progress depends on learning to live together as one people.