The Islamic Mary

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...

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 between them.  This led me to the emerging field of Interreligious Studies and to the new book Interreligious Studies: An Introduction by Rachel Mikva.  I sit down with Rachel to talk about defining Interreligious Studies, how it is different fr...

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 spiritual legacy.  Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts , Spotify and YouTube . Order my new b...

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 please, he speaks about his weakness - his brittle bones and white hair - and emphasizes his unique relationship with God.  Zechariah's/Zakariyya's call is similar to other calls of vulnerability in the Qur'an, such as that of J...

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 discuss how mercy is a major theme of the Qur'an and how it manifests in the Chapter/Sura as a whole and the Story of Maryam.     Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which...

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 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, community and legacy.   Send me a text regardi...

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, relationship with other Qur'anic chapters and what makes it distinct.    Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as App...

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.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the m...

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.  I also speak about the future which will focus on the unique, amazing and fascinating chapter of Maryam (surat Maryam) as well as engaging more deeply the field of Qur'anc, Biblical and Interreligious Studies.    Send me a text regard...

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 to the writings of Jordan Denari Duffner who addresses...

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, upbringing, miracles and spiritual teachings.  The Qur'an is explicit that even though readers were not present during her life, there are still opportunities to learn from her story and example.    Send me a text regarding your feedback, co...

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 classroom.  I share my thoughts on Catholicism and Islam, highlight some of the points of the other panelists, and talk about my developing interest in Maryam and Qur'anic vulnerabilty.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, com...

Join me for this interview with Asma Afsaruddin , professor of Islamic Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington.  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...

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 figures, such as Abraham/Ibrahim, seek to understand the divine within the context of faith and belief.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is availa...

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 epilogue and discuss how Maryam has been a guide to me in my research and spiritual journey.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast...

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 birth parallels with that of John/Yahya.  The Qur'an makes an explicit connect between Maryam and Zechariah/Zakariyya and an implicit one between Maryam and Abraham/Ibrahim.  Send me a text regarding your...

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 communication leads to the discussion of the importance of intimacy within our various relationships.    Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major pod...

I speak about my experience at the Building Bridges Seminar, a special initiative on Christian-Muslim relations.  I share how the Seminar focuses on relationships, scripture and tradition and could potentially create new global projects, such as fighting hunger.    This podcast is based on my blog post "Building Bridges Seminar: An Exercise in Relational Theology" Send me a text regardin...

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 epiphany and his own prayer for children.  Maryam's model as a teacher inspires mystical and Sufi figures throughout history to teach about spirituality and to become closer to God. This podcast is based on my blog "The Deputy of...

I discuss how the Qur'an presents Maryam as a model, not just for women and the wives of the Prophet Muhammad but for men as well.  She also plays an important role in discussions regarding gender egalitarianism in the Qur'an. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, su...

Maryam is frequently seen as a side figure to Jesus/'Isa and presented only as a mother.  In this podcast, I speak about the idea of Maryam as a daughter, how she has an origin story of her own, and develops as a character.  Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as A...

In this podcast, I discuss why I am starting the Islamic Mary podcast, my personal connection to the topic and the potential that Maryam provides.   Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts , Spotify and YouTube . Order my new book The Islamic Mary: Maryam...