Sacred Earth, Common Ground: An Interfaith Gathering for Unity and Reflection
On November 17th, 2024, youth leaders from the United Islamic Center of Arizona (UICA) attended the Sacred Earth, Common Ground interfaith event at Foothills Church. The gathering, held from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, brought together individuals from various religious backgrounds to reflect on shared values and foster greater understanding. The event created a space for unity and connection, offering participants an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and celebrate the common threads that unite different faith traditions.
The event featured a Story Sharing Circle, where attendees from diverse backgrounds took turns sharing personal stories and reflections on their spiritual journeys. This circle allowed participants to connect on a deeper level, finding common ground in universal themes like love, compassion, and resilience. The warm and open atmosphere encouraged honest conversations, fostering stronger bonds among the diverse group and highlighting the power of shared experiences in bridging gaps between communities.
A key moment in the event was the presentation of a stunning painting by Alma Tabuka, a talented youth from the UICA community. The painting, which featured Islamic calligraphy of Ayat 286 from Surah Al-Baqarah—“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear”—was a powerful visual reminder of resilience and hope. Alma’s artwork beautifully captured the spirit of the gathering, underscoring the themes of strength, faith, and unity that were central to the event. The event ended with a closing dua by one of UICA’s Youth Leaders.
