Jehovah Allah: Lagos Temple Where Christians and Muslims Sing Hymns, Recite Quran
In a world often marked by division along religious lines, a remarkable temple in Nigeria is breaking barriers by standing as a testament to unity and shared faith. BABATUNDE TITILOLA writes how Christians and Muslims come together in a tapestry of worship, melding their traditions and songs in an atmosphere of acceptance and love
‘‘I’m going to the church where both Christians and Muslims pray and sing together,” this reporter asked a vulcaniser whose machine was strategically placed beside a busy junction along Governor’s Road in Ikotun, Lagos State.
The artisan, with a knowing smile, corrected the reporter, saying, “The members don’t call it a church here, they prefer to call it a temple.”
After a brief exchange, the reporter carefully navigated the bustling street, and after a few turns, the red-roofed building, described by the vulcanizer, came into view.
It stood quietly in the afternoon sun, nestled amidst the hum of the densely populated suburb.
Ibrahim said, “Just because my parents did it this way doesn’t mean I have to follow the same path. Our perceptions are different. The research my parents were unable to do, I did, and it’s been working for me. So, people talking about what we do here doesn’t bother me.”
12-year-old temple
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the temple was established over 12 years ago. A survey around the building reveals that it is designed to accommodate both Christian and Islamic practices, as it features an architectural style reminiscent of a church, complemented by an arch at the front, similar to that of a mosque.
Findings further revealed that Muslims regularly gather at the temple to observe their daily prayers, creating a harmonious atmosphere where members of different backgrounds can connect through shared worship.
According to some members, the temple does not celebrate Christmas. Instead, it embraces New Year celebrations and observes Ramadan and Lent fasting periods.
Union aided by mixed upbringing
Our correspondent observed that a mixed upbringing helped members embrace the temple’s interfaith teachings. Many raised in diverse religious backgrounds found it easier to accept the principles promoted by the temple.
One member of the church, Mary Kemi, told Saturday PUNCH that her upbringing played a key role in her decision to embrace the temple’s teachings.
stem from language barriers and manipulation by those in power.
Oshoba questioned the effectiveness of the gods worshipped by Nigeria’s religious leaders, stating that a true God wouldn’t permit slavery.
This belief, he noted, inspired him to create a sanctuary for worship without rituals or sacrifices, focusing solely on calling on God.
He referenced Jesus’ teaching that there would be a time when believers would seek God directly.
He also addressed the conflict between Muslims and Christians, adding that while some Muslims label Christians as infidels for claiming Jesus as God, his understanding is quite different.
He pointed out that when Jesus stated that He and the Father are one, it signifies a spiritual connection rather than identity.
He said, “God does not have a religion. There is no portion in the Quran or Bible where God said someone would be called a Muslim and another, a Christian. Jesus was not a Christian when he was alive.
“Was Jesus Christ really his name as the Messiah? My research showed that the messiah who came to Israel in Jerusalem spoke two languages, Aramaic and Hebrew. I believe his parents also spoke those two languages. So, they did not give him an English name. They named him Yeshua. So, who changed the name to Jesus?”
The prophet added, “We do not use the name of Jesus to pray in this temple. We only use the teachings of Jesus because he is our teacher. He is our Rabbi, which means teacher. He is the Lord too, which means teacher. Mohammed is the Lord of Islam because he was and still is the person that God (Allah) uses.
“The major challenge was running around, trying to convince people to follow the vision God showed me. I went to many pastors and religious leaders.”
