A Reflection of Tisha B’Av & Diverging Paths

Written By Nazhath Faheema

Tisha B’Av is a story of suffering, destruction, displacement, and the collective trauma that has echoed through generations—a day marked by deep mourning.

During my recent interfaith dialogue in Jerusalem, this was the most challenging aspect to engage with. The image it conjures is both one of deep pain from the past and a yearning for a different future. Yet, what was most unsettling was the realization that these themes are not confined to history. The present reality around us still bears suffering, destruction, displacement, and collective trauma. This juxtaposition is deeply enigmatic, presenting the enduring nature of human anguish and the elusive quest for eternal peace.

This photo captures one of the most challenging interfaith dialogues. In it, I sought to find a common ground of humanity amidst the confusing and conflicting positions. The dialogue also revealed unspoken truths about our respective paths, both converging towards the Holiness of this sacred place.

The complexity of an interfaith understanding of Pain becomes even more pronounced in times like these. As Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik said, while no one can fully enter the experiential world of another faith tradition, this barrier should not prevent the building of trust and cooperation. This ethos is now more urgent than ever, as we must seek to end the suffering that surrounds us today urgently.

But the questions remain: when and how will this convergence lead us to peace? Are we faithful enough to leave this in God’s hands, or bold enough to change the course ourselves?

Nazhath Faheema

Nazhath Faheema, a Singaporean Muslim of Indian descent, actively promotes interfaith dialogue. She holds a full-time position at an NGO where she focuses on organizing interfaith charity events. Additionally, she plays an active role in community development, particularly in developing youth leadership to foster social harmony.

Furthermore, Nazhath serves as an external lecturer at ESSEC Asia Pacific in Singapore. She teaches students from Europe and Asia regions on "Race & Religion in Singapore" and "Islam in Singapore."

Nazhath earned her Master of Science in Asian Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She also holds a certificate in the Comparative Study of Religions in Plural Societies. Her research interests span various areas, including youth interfaith movements in Southeast Asia, Jewish-Muslim relations, interactions between Muslim-majority states and Israel, and interreligious dialogue in diplomacy.

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