The Islamic Mary

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...

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...