Judaism/Islam

When I first heard about Dr. Khan’s lecture, I was excited, believing that it would touch on how Judaism and Islam differ, in addition to their similiarities. I was especially hoping to examine how both groups examine sources differently. However, the angle of Dr. Khan’s talk seemed more focused on discussing Islam with the mindframe that the Koran was a valid text, that is separated with differing views. (Perhaps this was just my general sentiment.) Dr. Khan discussed how Islam recognizes Judaism ie. Moses, but Judaism does not recognize Islam, ie. Mohammed. He then spent a good portion of the talk about how there are different interpretations and translations of the Koran, and that a traditional Conservative view maybe be completely different then a more liberal stance. Different passages of the Koran were looked at, showing how Jews are recognized as being a good nation, or destined to be losers in the afterlife (Quran 3:85 vs. Quaran 2:62). Admittedly, I am an extremely biased observer of all this. However, I did find it interesting that at the end of the lecture he mentioned how Jews and Muslims do have some similar interests, one of which is keeping the US as a secular country.