Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from a speech given by Minoo Razavi at Fatema’s memorial service at Georgetown University.
I have a lot to say about her shining personality but here is one most important thing I will forever remember. I was blessed to have Fatema present in my life for two years. I was also fortunate to be able to go to Ohio and spend time with her loving family.
I wanted to share a part of the speech given at her mosque in her and her father’s remembrance. The professor giving the speech spoke about Dr. Naushad Khimji and his characteristicsshy;—which were clearly reflected in Fatema’s personality. He spoke of Dr. Khimji’s tolerance. Tolerance is a virtue we see too little of in today’s world.
He said that Dr. Khimji practiced tolerance of a better kind. Tolerance often has the negative connotation of something one may not like or believe in, but that one puts up with. Fatema and Dr. Khimji, however, were not only tolerant of other beliefs, values and lifestyles—they were open to them. They embraced the other and accepted and respected it.
What was thoroughly admirable about Fatema was this virtue which meant that anybody from any creed, from any background would feel comfortable to be with her and talk to her. She took tolerance one step further. She did not flaunt her belief to make you feel uncomfortable, inadequate. In fact, her strong faith was realized not in public display but in a very humble and quiet fashion. She would fast and you would not know. She would pray and you wouldn’t notice her absence. Her quiet footsteps of faith were not meant to emphasize her difference with you but were a realization of a quiet inner religion which she would keep to herself and kept her at peace. And that is what made her different. That was what broke all barriers between you and her. What differences you had would become of secondary concern—or none at all. This full and complete tolerance and embrace is something I look up to a lot and will always remember. This is what I hope all the people who were ever in her presence learn and strive to do.
—Minoo Razavi (SFS ‘07)
I’ll always remember the way Fatema looked hip and coordinated even though she was wearing two patterns, six colors, shoes with glitter, crazy earrings and of course a matching head scarf. The email she sent while in Ecuador after she fell off a bus and sprained both wrists. One line read, “Fell off a bus … can’t write much … but having a great time … lots of love.” It was so typically Fatema. She always found a way to have a good time, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
I’ll never forget when she came back from a family trip to Costa Rica and added “Jungle Tour Guide” to her list of possible future job options, the day she got hot pink streaks in her hair, and the day we graduated together. Neither of us could believe we had actually made it.
I will hold forever in my heart Fatema’s genuine smile, outstanding grace, contagious giggle, on-target impersonations, love for her family, desire to improve the world, commitment to faith, inspiring humility and extraordinary friendship.
Fatema has and always will be a true inspiration to me and I hope to live my life in a way that will make Fatema say, “Pili, I’m proud of you.”
—Pilar Siman (SFS ‘07)
