Dr. Khan

Studying similarities, differences, and interactions between religions has always been interesting to me. I'm amazed that so many people can coexist with such an array of different beliefs. I have never been to a lecture specifically concerning Islam and Judaism, and was surprised at some of Dr. Khan's comments. He talked about the symmetry amidst the religions and how, for example, Islam and Christianity recognize Judaism but neither Judaism nor Christianity recognize Islam. Regardless, Judaism and Islam share one "Ummah" or one political community consisting of two religions. It is fascinating that Muslims would be willing to accept a religion that in turn does not accept them back. I was also intrigued by Dr. Khan's idea that all of the religions may be equal but that does not make them the same and they are, effectively, competing doing good deeds. I felt his point was that it is ok, even good, to have differing opinions and separate ideas and beliefs, and that's what makes us all get along, as long as we follow our own set of rules while accepting that others may live by differing standards.