The Islamic Mary
A podcast about Maryam in the Qur'an, Islamic tradition, and Christian-Muslim relations. It is a journey into my forthcoming book on the Islamic Mary and my interest in Biblical and Qur'anic figures and Islam and Interreligious Studies.
Episodes
99 episodes
Maryam the Devout and Gender Equity
One of the questions regarding the Qur'an is whether it is a scripture that supports gender hierarchy or equality. I examine a new article that touches on the meaning of "devout" (qanitat) in the Quran and how it could help answer this qu...
Islam in Southeast Asia - An Interview with Khairudin Aljunied (Throwback)
When I first started my graduate education, I was attracted to the framework of Abrahamic Religions or the idea that Jews, Christians and Muslims should return back to their founder, Abraham, to better understand their faiths and move beyond co...
Islamic Mary Book Talk at Shenandoah University
We had a great book talk at Shenandoah University's library on my book "The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries"! I enjoyed speaking about the...
Aaron - The Helper and Sibling Prophet
Various Biblical and Qur'anic prophets play different roles, ranging from parents to children. Aaron/Harun plays the role of a sibling, helping his brother Moses/Musa on his mission against Pharaoh and being a loyal aid and companion.&nbs...
The Chapter of Constellations and the Christians of Najran
In the Chapter of Constellations (Surat al-Buruj), there is a debate on who it refers to: the Christians of Najran, the Disbelievers in the Hellfire or the Biblical story in Daniel. I go through
Why I am Starting This Podcast? (Throwback)
In this podcast, we go back into time and share the first podcast of the show. I discuss why I am starting the Islamic Mary podcast, my personal connection to the topic and the potential that Maryam provides.
Luqman - The Wise Father
When we think of fathers, the stereotypical image of somebody who is stern, domineering and even coercive may come up. In the stereotypical image of Islam, fathers are simply breadwinners and maintainers and arrange their daughters into u...
The Eid of Jesus - Inclusivity, Signs and Sustenance
Muslims around the world are celebrating "Eid", in particular "the Eid of the Breaking of the Fast". I examine how the word "Eid" is used in the Qur'an, particularly in the words of Jesus/'Isa. Based on the request of his Disciples,...
The Faith of Muslim Political Prisoners - An Interview with Walaa Quisay
In many Biblical and Qur'anic stories, the protagonist isolates themselves and, at times, even go to prison. In this interview, I chat with Walaa' Qusaiy about her new book
Commentary on Nostra Aetate: Shared Spirituality, Figures and Social Justice (Throwback)
Here I present a short commentary on Nostra Aetate, a Catholic document on the church's relationship with other religions. Specifically, I focus on the paragraphs on Muslims and how it open up modern possibilities for Christian-Muslim rel...
Jacob - The Emotional and Spiritual Father
I have been thinking about fathers recently: what do they do? What is their function? How are they effectively? Today, I dive into the Biblical and Qur'anic Jacob/Yaqub and explore how the Qur'an understands fathers, especially in t...
Understanding Salafism - An Interview with Yasir Qadhi (Throwback)
One of the reasons I became interested in Biblical and Qur'anic figures is because I did my dissertation and initial research on the medieval Ibn Kathir (d. 774/1373) and Ibn Taymiyya (d. 728/1328). Both Ibn Kathir and Ibn Taymiyya engage...
Inner Dimensions of Fasting
In this episode, I join Roshan Iqbal, Celene Ibrahim, and Oludamini Ogunnaike ...
Maryam's Fast - Silence, Spirituality and Miracles (Throwback)
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 Mar...
Zulaykha - Seducing Joseph and the Repentance
Zulaykha is often seen in the Islamic tradition as a temptress and someone who tries to seduce the prophet Joseph/Yusuf. However, minority readings focus on her repentance and how she eventually speaks the truth and seeks the mercy and fo...
Reinventing Islam - An Interview with Deanna Womack
I have always wondered about the roots of modern day Islamophobia? When did it start? How did it develop? How was it formed? In this interview, D...
Top 5 of 2025: Reflecting on the Last Year of Podcasting
I go through the Top 5 episodes of 2025. The top 5 were a mix of interviews, reflections and commentary and touched on various subjects from Christian-Muslim relations to a devotional Qur'an. I discuss plans for the future, such as ...
David and Bathsheba
David/Dawud is represented in the Islamic tradition as a righteous ruler who combines worship and kingship, piety and authority. One story that emerges in the Biblical and Qur'anic literature is that David/Dawud sees Bathsheba bathing, le...
Solomon and the Ant
One of the most fascinating stories in the Qur'an is the Story of Solomon/Sulyaman and the ant. An ant see Solomon/Sulyman's army approaching and warns her tribe to take shelter to protect themselves. Solomon/Sulayman hears the ants...
Islamic Mary Book Talk at George Mason University
I got the opportunity to do a book talk at the AbuSulayman Center at George Mason University. The Center focuses on Global Islamic Studies and is a leader in digital Islamic studies and ...
Author Series with Younus Mirza hosted by Matthew Taylor
I had the opportunity to do a program with the Institute for Islamic, Christian Jewish Studies, especially with my good friend Mathew Taylor. We discuss issues related to new the book
What Can Maryam Do?
One of the questions that I have gotten on the book tour is "What Can Maryam Do?" I discuss how Maryam can bring unique audiences together, from Middle Eastern Studies, to Religious Studies to Chaplaincy. She also brings up overlook...
Islam in Southeast Asia - An Interview with Khairudin Aljunied
When I first started my graduate education, I was attracted to the framework of Abrahamic Religions or the idea that Jews, Christians and Muslims should return back to their founder, Abraham, to better understand their faiths and move beyond co...
The Call - Verse 3 and 4 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) (Throwback)
My father passed away this week so I reshare an older episode of Zechariah/Zakariyya who resembled my father in his age, spirituality and caretaking. Verse 3 and 4 of the chapter of Mary (surat Maryam) captures about the priva...