Shows / The Islamic Mary
The Islamic Mary
A podcast about Maryam in the Qur'an, Islamic tradition, and Christian-Muslim relations. It is a journey into my book on the Islamic Mary and my interest in Biblical and Qur'anic figures and Islam and Interreligious Studies.
Episodes
- The Islamic Mary
How Can We Speak to an Infant? - Verse 29 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
When Maryam returns to her people, she mocked and told that she come from a righteous family, her father was a good man and her mother was chaste. In response…
- The Islamic Mary
Witnessing God - An Interview with Alexander Massad (Throwback)
I sit down with Alexander Massad to discuss his new book "Witnessing God: Christians, Muslims, and the Comparative Theology of Missions". Alex is a strong…
- The Islamic Mary
Maryam and the Clash of Civilizations
I speak about a recent keynote address that I gave at the Pacific Northeast Virtual Exchange conference where I connect my research on the Islamic Mary or…
- The Islamic Mary
Interreligious Studies - An Interview with Rachel Mikva (Throwback)
One of the reason I have been drawn to the Islamic Mary or Maryam is the idea of a shared figure between various religious traditions and the interactions…
- The Islamic Mary
Sister of Aaron - Verse 28 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
As part of the slander against Maryam, her people reference her family. They say that she comes from a noble lineage and her father was a decent man and her…
- The Islamic Mary
The Slander - Verse 27 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
After Maryam has her child Jesus/'Isa, she has to return to her people and face their judgement and criticism. Maryam "carries" her child which echoes how Noah…
- The Islamic Mary
One God and Two Religions - An Interview with Amir Hussain
When I was writing The Islamic Mary, I became further interested in the field of Christian and Muslim dialogue and its relevancy today and in the future. This…
- The Islamic Mary
The Vow of Silence - Verse 26 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
After Maryam is told to eat, drink and be glad, she told to take a vow of silence and not speak to anyone for an entire day. The second half of verse 19:26…
- The Islamic Mary
Top 5 Podcasts of 2024 (Throwback)
As we are six months into 2025, we revisit the top 5 podcasts of 2024. The Islamic Mary podcast now has over 50 episodes and a library of different interviews…
- The Islamic Mary
Eat, Drink and Be Glad - Verse 26 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
After Maryam shakes the palm tree, she is told "to eat, drink, and be glad". This phrase connects her with other Qur'anic mothers, such as the mother of…
- The Islamic Mary
A Devotional Qur'an - An Interview with Shawkat Toorawa
When I started writing my book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries, I was drawn to the Qur'anic chapter of Mary or Surat Maryam. As I started to…
- The Islamic Mary
Shake the Palm Tree - Verse 25 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
After Maryam calls out in pain and anguish, a voice calls telling her to shake a palm tree and ripe dates will fall upon her. This is similar to other Qur'anic…
- The Islamic Mary
My Response - 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Number 3
Happy to share the third and final installment of the 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lectures where I respond to Rachel S. Mikva's lecture "What Does it Mean to Be…
- The Islamic Mary
2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Number 2
Happy to share the second of the 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lectures where Rachel S. Mikva discusses "What Does it Mean to Be Human?" She touches on issues…
- The Islamic Mary
2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Number 1
Happy to share the first of the 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lectures where Rachel S. Mikva discusses "What Does it Mean to Be Human?" She touches on issues…
- The Islamic Mary
The Call From Below - Verse 24 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
After Maryam laments and wishes she was dead and long forgotten, she hears a call from below. This voice guides her on what to do next and informs her that she…
- The Islamic Mary
2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Conversation Event
Happy to share this 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Conversation Event where Rachel S. Mikva, Heather Miller Rubens and myself sit down and discuss "What Does…
- The Islamic Mary
The Islamic Mary Book Available for Pre-Order!
I am super excited to announce that my book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries is now available for pre-order! This book has been several years in…
- The Islamic Mary
The Lament - Verse 23 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
In the climax of the story, Maryam makes a remarkable statement: "I wish I had died before this and been a thing forgotten". Qur'anic commentators understood…
- The Islamic Mary
Christians, Muslims and Mary - An Interview with Rita George-Tvrtkovic
When I started my career, I was interested in the figure of Abraham/Ibrahim and how he could be a bridge figure between Christians, Jews and Muslims. However…
- The Islamic Mary
Trailer for the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast as we explore the chapter of Mary or Maryam! In our second season, we will examine how the chapter (sura) has a unique…
- The Islamic Mary
Redeeming Zachariah - Interview with Maria Barga (Throwback)
In the Chapter of Mary (Maryam), Zechariah/Zakariyya foreshadows the coming of Maryam. I sit down with Maria Barga to discuss her article "Redeeming Zachariah"…
- The Islamic Mary
The Pain - Verse 23 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
We now have reached the climax of the story where Maryam is about to give birth to her son Jesus. However, she begins to experience pain and retreats to a…
- The Islamic Mary
The Art and Life of Preaching - An Interview with Martin Nguyen (Throwback)
Join me for one of the most popular episodes of 2024 where I interview Martin Nguyen on his edited book "An American Muslim Guide to the Art and Life of…
- The Islamic Mary
Witnessing God - An Interview with Alexander Massad
I sit down with Alexander Massad to discuss his new book "Witnessing God: Christians, Muslims, and the Comparative Theology of Missions". Alex is a strong…
- The Islamic Mary
Withdrawal II - Verse 22 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
Before she gives birth to Jesus/'Isa, Maryam withdraws for a second time. The word that is used for "withdrawal" is a hapax or a word that is only used in the…
- The Islamic Mary
Inner Dimensions of Fasting
In this episode, I join Roshan Iqbal, Celene Ibrahim, and Oludamini Ogunnaike to explore distinct fasting practices and their inner and outer dimensions in…
- The Islamic Mary
"Fruits of the Spirit" - An Interview with Jordan Denari Duffner on her Recent Dissertation (Throwback)
Join me in one of the most popular episodes of 2024. While writing my book the Islamic Mary, I came across various works on Christian-Muslim relations, in…
- The Islamic Mary
Maryam's Fast - Silence, Spirituality and Miracles
As the month of Ramadan approaches, I wanted to explore the word "fasting" (sawm) in the story of Maryam. While most Muslims understand the word "fasting" as…
- The Islamic Mary
The Sign - Verse 21 of the Chapter of Maryam
After Maryam asks how she will have a child when no man has touched her, the Angel Gabriel/Jibril responds that this is a decree from God and the Jesus/'Isa…
- The Islamic Mary
Interview with Asma Afsaruddin, Editor of the Oxford Handbook on Islam and Women (Throwback)
Join me for this throwback interview with Asma Afsaruddin, which was one of our most popular episodes of 2024. When writing my forthcoming book the Islamic…
- The Islamic Mary
The Question - Verse 20 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
When Maryam hears the news that she will have a child, she immediately asks a question: "How can I have a child when no man has touched me and I have not been…
- The Islamic Mary
The Gift - Verse 19 of the Chapter of Maryam (Surat Maryam)
After Maryam is initially scared of Gabriel/Jibril, he responds and explains that he is a divine messenger and that he is there to bestow upon her a son…
- The Islamic Mary
The Refuge - Verse 18 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
When the Angel first approaches Maryam, she is afraid and seeks refuge. This is similar to how other Qur'anic and Biblical figures, such as Abraham/Ibrahim…
- The Islamic Mary
Top 5 Podcasts of 2024
I speak about the Top 5 Podcasts of 2024. They were a mix of individual session and interviews that all speak about topics related to the Islamic Mary. A…
- The Islamic Mary
The Angel - Verse 17 in the Chapter of Maryam (Surat Maryam)
After Maryam withdraws from her family and is in a state of seclusion, an angel appears in the form of a man. Angels frequently appear in the Islamic tradition…
- The Islamic Mary
The Withdrawal - Verse 16 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
We have finally reached the section of Maryam! I speak about how the Qur'an introduces Maryam, connecting her with other Biblical and Qur'anic figures and…
- The Islamic Mary
Life and Death - Verses 12-15 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
While silence and speech are major themes in Surat Maryam, so are life and death. After Zechariah/Zakariyya's impassioned plea, the divine voice introduces his…
- The Islamic Mary
Redeeming Zachariah - An Interview with Maria Barga
In the Chapter of Mary (Maryam), Zechariah/Zakariyya foreshadows the coming of Maryam. I sit down with Maria Barga to discuss her article "Redeeming Zachariah"…
- The Islamic Mary
Silence and Speech - Verses 10 & 11 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
When Zechariah/Zakariyya is granted his wish of having a child, he asks for a sign and that sign is to be silent. I speak in this episode on how the silence of…
- The Islamic Mary
Reflection on the American Academy of Religion Conference 2024
I just came back from San Diego where I attended the American Academy of Religion (AAR) conference! I speak about the mission and vision of the AAR and how it…
- The Islamic Mary
The Good News - Verses 7,8 and 9 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
After speaking about his vulnerabilities and weakness, Zechariah/Zakariyya is given the "good news" of a child. The child is miracle, a gift from God and a…
- The Islamic Mary
Interreligious Studies - An Interview with Rachel Mikva
One of the reason I have been drawn to the Islamic Mary or Maryam is the idea of a shared figure between various religious traditions and the interactions…
- The Islamic Mary
The Inheritance - Verse 5 & 6 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
After describing his plight, Zechariah/Zakariyya moves to discussing his fears and asking God for a child. He seeks a heirwho will continue his prophetic and…
- The Islamic Mary
The Call - Verse 3 and 4 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
Verse 3 and 4 of the chapter of Mary (surat Maryam) captures about the private call of Zechariah/Zakariyya as he prays to have a child. Before he makes his…
- The Islamic Mary
Mercy - Verse 2 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
The second verse of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) speaks about mercy, especially mercy in regards to the Prophet Zechariah/Zakariyya having a child. I…
- The Islamic Mary
The Art and Life of Preaching - An Interview with Martin Nguyen
Join me in this interview with Martin Nguyen on his edited book "An American Muslim Guide to the Art and Life of Preaching" by Sohaib Sultan. We discuss how…
- The Islamic Mary
The Opening - Verse 1 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
The Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) is unique with a special rhyme scheme, opening letters and emphasis on love and mercy. I speak about its context…
- The Islamic Mary
Trailer for the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam)
Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast as we explore the chapter of Mary or Maryam! In our second season, we will examine how the chapter (sura) has a unique…
- The Islamic Mary
Reflection on Season 1 of the Islamic Mary Podcast
I reflect on season 1 of the Islamic Mary podcast, from commenting on the verses on Maryam, to doing reflections on my travels, to interviewing special guests…
- The Islamic Mary
"Fruits of the Spirit" - An Interview with Jordan Denari Duffner on her Recent Dissertation
While writing my book the Islamic Mary, I came across various works on Christian-Muslim relations, in particular the groundbreaking Catholic document of Nostra…
- The Islamic Mary
Recap of the Verses in the Chapter of the Family of Imran (Surat al-Ali 'Imran)
I recap the verses on Maryam in the Chapter of the Family of Imran (Surat al-Ali 'Imran) and argue that Maryam has a story of her own, with a birth…
- The Islamic Mary
Reflections from Speaking at the Catholic Biblical Association Conference
I share my experiences speaking at the Catholic Biblical Association Conference, specifically an opening panel promoting the use of the Qur'an in the Biblical…
- The Islamic Mary
Interview with Asma Afsaruddin, Editor of the Oxford Handbook on Islam and Women
Join me for this interview with Asma Afsaruddin, professor of Islamic Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. When writing my forthcoming book the Islamic…
- The Islamic Mary
Maryam and Divine Questioning
Once Maryam is told that she will give birth to Jesus/'Isa, she asks a question: "How can this be?" Her question is part of a Qur'anic theme where righteous…
- The Islamic Mary
Discussion with the Editor at Fortress Press
I spoke to my editor and my book the Islamic Mary should come out in Fall 2025! In this episode, I share my discussion with the publisher, read an excerpt from…
- The Islamic Mary
Maryam and Jesus
After Maryam's birth and miracles, the Qur'an finally speaks about the birth of Jesus/'Isa. Jesus/'Isa is considered to be a "glad tiding" and blessing and his…
- The Islamic Mary
Maryam and Intimacy
I speak about how the Qur'an speaks directly to Maryam as well as other Qur'anic women and addresses their hopes, aspirations and fears. The direct…
- The Islamic Mary
Reflection on the Building Bridges Seminar
I speak about my experience at the Building Bridges Seminar, a special initiative on Christian-Muslim relations. I share how the Seminar focuses on…
- The Islamic Mary
Maryam as Teacher
Maryam is not only a daughter and mother but also a teacher. In the Qur'an, she teaches Zechariah/Zakariyya a lesson about spirituality which leads to an…