The negative effects of Mihadhara in the conflict of muslim Christian relationship: A case study done at selected mosques and churches in eastleigh estate of Nairobi city

Abstract

The research was intended to establish the negative effects of Mihadhara in the conflict of Muslim-Christian relationship in Eastliegh Estate of Nairobi City. The central purpose of the study was to explore the degree to which Muslims and Christians carried out their religious role in handling the negative effects of Mihadhara in order to co-exist peacefully with engaging in a running battle all the times. The main objectives of the study was to establish the extent to which Muslim and Christian can peacefully co-exist while spreading their religious believes, instead of always causing havoc to each other. A detailed literature review section highlighting finding from other authors that helped to establish the knowledge gap that the present study hoped to fill in regards to how the Christian church has been equipped in dealing with the negative effects of Mihadhara conflict in Muslim and Christian relationship and they can co-exist. The theoretical frame work was established on the issues that cause the inter-religious conflict among the cosmopolitan population of Eastliegh and how to resolve conflict of Mihadhara origin in their relationship. The researcher also explores some of the effects caused by Mihadhara such as dialogue, converts from Muslim background, destruction of properties, displacement of non-Muslim among Muslim communities, discrimination in education, politics and intermarriage conflicts in Muslim-Christian relationship and how they can create fundamentalism with destruction to property and lives between the two communities. The theoretical framework is important for both Muslim and Christian open-air preachers to understand the importance of peaceful dialogue as we each spread our beliefs. A questionnaire and interviews were administered to Christian Church leaders (pastor), their wives, and youth groups both from Muslim and Christian faith, Muslim religious leaders, and business people from both divide living in Eastliegh Estate of Nairobi city. The research findings indicated that there are so many negative effects of Mihadhara to Muslim–Christian relationship but yet Muslims and Christians can co-exist because they do many other things together and each meeting they meet is seen as Church–Mosque relationships, after all they live in the same country and religious tolerant is much needed in order to enhance their co-existence. It also pointed out that since the 7 th century Muslims and Christians have historically co-existed and there are many things in common we can learn from each other. Muslim preachers should stop ridiculing the Christian faith and concentrate on preaching from their own book. They should also respect the Christian book as they are commanded by their own book. The converts from Muslim background believers have freedom to belief the religion they wish and think will lead them to the true God. Their wish should be respect after all no Christians kill or force their beloved who turned to the Muslim faith. These findings and more can be help to the Muslim and Christian communities living in Eastliegh Estate to peacefully co-exist since both the Qur’an and the Christian Bible command their followers to peacefully, co-exist and become good citizens since both of them are living in the same district and country and none of them is ceasing their citizenship.