Skip to main content
Events •

The Islamic Moses: How the Prophet Inspired Jews and Muslims to Flourish Together and Change the World

The horrific terror attacks of October 7 and the catastrophic war in Gaza once again put the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the global agenda. Some pessimists believe that peace is unattainable, as the conflict is not merely between two peoples claiming the same land but also between two civilizations with clashing values: the Judeo-Christian West versus the Muslim world.

In his new book, Mustafa Akyol offers a remarkably different vision. By going through much-forgotten episodes in history, and by a careful study of theology, he reminds audiences of all religious persuasions that for over a millennium, there was a Judeo-Islamic tradition. He shows that Islam and Judaism are kindred religions whose adherents have often coexisted peacefully, supported each other, and even learned from each other. He also argues that Jews and Muslims can still be partners for peace in the Middle East and stand together for freedom everywhere.

Join Akyol for a discussion of the key ideas in The Islamic Moses, followed by commentary by Ari Gordon on the past and the future of the Judeo-Islamic tradition.

Lunch to follow.

 The Islamic Moses: How the Prophet Inspired Jews and Muslims to Flourish Together and Change the World - book cover
Featured Book

The Islamic Moses

There is one human mentioned in the Quran more than any other: Moses. Why is it that the Jewish prophet dominates the Islamic scripture? Because he is the role model for Muhammad, Islam’s own prophet. Because Islam, just like Christianity, is deeply intertwined with Judaism — although surprisingly little attention has been given to this fascinating connection between the two religions.

Featuring
Ari Gordon - cropped
Ari Gordon

Director of Muslim-Jewish Relations, American Jewish Committee