The Islamic Mary

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 making so it is surreal to reach this milestone.  In this episode, I read the book's introduction and speak about its personal origins.  I also outline the content of the book such as Maryam in the Qur'an, prophetic reports (h...

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 this statement as part of the pain and suffering of the righteous and that when trials became too difficult believers would some times wish that they did not exist.  The statement also connects with the larger theme of life an...

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, as I wrote my book on "The Bible and the Qur'an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition," I became more interested in the figure of Mary and how she could bring Christians and Muslims together.  This led me to the work of...

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 rhyme scheme, emerges from an era of hopelessness and desperation, and emphasizes the themes of love and mercy.  Over 20 episodes have been published along with various interviews that relate to the chapter and Maryam in general.   Send me a...

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" which uses the Qur'an to understand the Biblical narrative and to argue that Zachariah should be seen more in a positive light.  Along the way, we discuss issues related to silence, suffering and divine questioning.   Send m...

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 trunk of a palm tree.  The Qur'an signals that relief comes after hardship and that the image of the palm tree is unique to Maryam.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast whic...

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 Preaching" by Sohaib Sultan.  We discuss how the book was conceived, how he worked with Sohaib on the book before he passed away, and the work's major lessons and takeaways.  Along the way, we discuss the ideas of friendship, commun...

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 proponent of Evangelical and Muslim dialogue and with wrestling with the claims of each religion.  In the interview, we discuss his spiritual biography, interest in Christian-Muslim dialogue, program at Wheaton College and theologic...

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 Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam).  The Qur'an is highlighting that something important and significant is about to occur.  The verse also brings up stories that relate to comparing Jesus/'Isa to that of Yahya/John and...

In this episode , I join Roshan Iqbal, Celene Ibrahim, and Oludamini Ogunnaike to explore distinct fasting practices and their inner and outer dimensions in Islamic scholarship, especially focusing on Al-Ghazali’s seminal book, Inner Dimensions of Islamic Practice. Part of a series designed as a classroom resource and a primer for lay audiences.  This episode provides valuable insights into a foun...

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 particular the groundbreaking Catholic document of Nostra Aetate which speaks about positive relations with Muslims.  However, the document is silent on core issues of Muslim faith such as the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad.  This led me...

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 abstaining from food and drink, the word "fasting" is used in the Chapter of Maryam in reference silence.  The use of the word in the Story allows us to better understanding "fasting" as abstaining fro...

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 will be a sign from God and a mercy.  Maryam is then silent, accepting God's decree, which is different than Zechariah/Zakariyya who asks for a sign.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the I...

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 Mary , I had the opportunity to engage her edited volume The Oxford Handbook on Islam and Women , in particular her article  "Modern Rereadings of the Qur'an through a Gendered Lens".  I discuss with her how she compiled the ar...

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 unchaste?"  Here question represents a theme in Qur'anic and Biblical figures asking about the divine decree.  It also brings up the issue of shame and social stigma.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and ques...

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.    Gabriel/Jibril speaks directly to Maryam and describes Jesus as "pure" in comparison to other Qur'anic boys, like Ishmael/Isma'il and Isaac/Ishaq, who are understood to be "forbearing" and "knowledgeable&quot...

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, react to Angels in that they don't immediately recognize them or have questions about their intentions.  This also leads to a larger question of divine communication to women and whether they are prophets.   Send me a text regarding...

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 common theme is to give voice to overlooked figures and shed light on groundbreaking research.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast stream...

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 in human form and are not initially recognizable.  Nonetheless, after their identity emerges, the righteous figure accepts the message and the divine command.    Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to t...

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 emphasizing how she withdrew before the revelation occurred.  In many ways, Maryam is similar to other Islamic figures, like the Prophet Muhammad, who withdrew to find themselves and God.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comm...

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 son John/Yahya who is forerunner to Jesus/'Isa.  The Chapter uses almost identical phrases to describe them, specifically the idea that they born, will die and be resurrected.  Maryam also uses the word of "death" right...

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" which uses the Qur'an to understand the Biblical narrative and to argue that Zachariah should be seen more in a positive light.  Along the way, we discuss issues related to silence, suffering and divine questioning.   Send m...

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 Zakariyya sets the stage for Maryam and how silence and speech are themes that run throughout the entire Chapter.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on...

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 has changed since I first started to go.  I also share my own experiences on the Interreligious Studies Steering Committee and meeting my publishers at the Book Exhibit.    Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subs...

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 foreshadowing of the struggle of Maryam and the birth of Jesus/'Isa.    This episode draws on my blog "Whats in a Name?" Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podc...