Join me for one of the most popular episodes of 2024 where I interview Martin Nguyen on his edited book

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 Mu...

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...

In this episode, I join Roshan Iqbal, Celene Ibrahim, and Oludamini Ogunnaike ...

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...

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...

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 decre...

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 Islami...

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 as...

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 com...

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 a...

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 groundbr...

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 the...

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, Ma...

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 ...

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 Z...

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...

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 ...

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.    ...

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 th...

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. 

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 emph...

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...

Join me in this interview with Martin Nguyen on his edited book

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.