I want to share the remarkable story of Imam Abdubakar Abdullahi, a Nigerian Muslim, who embodies the very essence of a “guardian angel” through his unwavering commitment to the philosophy of Ubuntu.

Ubuntu, an African philosophy, emphasizes our interconnectedness and mutual dependence. It compels us to prioritize the well-being of others. While not explicitly linked to the concept of “guardian angels,” Ubuntu shares a profound similarity with the divine protection described in both Christianity and Islam.

As Psalm 91:11 states, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

Similarly, Islam recognizes angels, like Jibreel (Arabic for Gabriel), as messengers and protectors of God. Though the term “guardian angel” may not be directly used in scripture, the underlying principle of divine protection is consistent across both faiths.

Imam Abubakar Abdullahi’s actions exemplify this concept of divine protection and Ubuntu in a unique way. One 23 June 2018, a group of Fulani Muslim herders launched a violent attack on a Christian community in Yelwa, a village near Nghar in Plateau State. The Christians fled to Nghar, seeking refuge. There, they found an old friend – Imam Abdullahi.

As the attackers fired upon the village, Imam Abdullahi bravely opened the doors of his mosque, sheltering a large group of Christians. He then stood firm, refusing to allow the attackers entry, declaring they would have to kill him first.

When asked about his motivation, Imam Abdullahi simply stated that the Christians were his “allies and friends.” He recalled how, forty years prior, they had helped build his mosque, highlighting a deep-rooted bond of community.

Inspired by Prophet Muhammad, Imam Abdullahi declared, “So long as I am alive, I am ready to save lives, whether that of an animal or human beings. So long as it has life, I will save that life.”

His heroism garnered international recognition, culminating in the U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Award in 2019. He was rewarded for his selfless act of risking his life to protect members of another religious community.

Imam Abdullahi’s actions exemplify the core principles of Ubuntu and serve as an inspiration in our increasingly polarized world.

You can read more about this inspiring story in my new book, Beyond Dialogue – Building Bonds Between Christians and Muslims (Polity Press). Here is a link to purchase.