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 from other fields, and how it is relevant to Jewish-Muslim relations and the current crisis in the Middle East.

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As part of the slander against Maryam, her people reference her family. They say that she comes from a noble lineage and her father was a decent man and her mother was not unchaste. The verse connects Maryam once again to Moses/Musa and his mother and speaks to the idea of criticism and family expectations.

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After Maryam has her child Jesus/'Isa, she has to return to her people and face their judgement and criticism. Maryam "carries" her child which echoes how Noah was "carried" in the ark. Also, Maryam is attacked for her perceived sexual immorality which is similar to other figures in the life of the Prophet Muhammad, such as his wife 'Aisha. The slander, accusations, and criticism eventually lead to her defense through the words of Jesus/'Isa

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Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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When I was writing The Islamic Mary, I became further interested in the field of Christian and Muslim dialogue and its relevancy today and in the future. This led me to various books published on the topic, such as Amir Hussain's new book One God and Two Religions: Christians and Muslims as Neighbors. Amir's book is unique in that it speaks about Christians and Muslim worshipping the same God and living next to each other as neighbors. I sit down with Amir to discuss his spiritual biography, his new book and its implications for today's world.

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Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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After Maryam is told to eat, drink and be glad, she told to take a vow of silence and not speak to anyone for an entire day. The second half of verse 19:26 sets up the themes of God being the most merciful and the themes of silence and speech. Maryam's silence leads to the speech of Jesus/'Isa.

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As we are six months into 2025, we revisit the top 5 podcasts of 2024. The Islamic Mary podcast now has over 50 episodes and a library of different interviews, reflections and commentaries. A common theme is to give voice to overlooked figures and shed light on groundbreaking research.

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Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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After Maryam shakes the palm tree, she is told "to eat, drink, and be glad". This phrase connects her with other Qur'anic mothers, such as the mother of Moses/Musa, and a larger Qur'anic theme of finding joy with your family. Muslims frequently make a prayer that God should bestow upon them spouses and children who bring happiness to their heart.

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Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Take my quiz on the Islamic Mary which is based on my research and teaching

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Join my listserve to be updated about my research, speaking and publications, especially my forthcoming book on the Islamic Mary.

Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!

When I started writing my book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries, I was drawn to the Qur'anic chapter of Mary or Surat Maryam. As I started to research the chapter, I came across the work of Shawkat Toorawa who focuses on the sound, rhyme and rhythm of the Qur'an and points out some of Surat Maryam's unique qualities and characteristics. I was thus excited to see that he has come out with a new book entitled The Devotional Qur'an which translates key chapters and verses that are used in Muslim daily life. I sit down with Shawkat to discuss his spiritual biography, academic background and new book.

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Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Take my quiz on the Islamic Mary which is based on my research and teaching

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Join my listserve to be updated about my research, speaking and publications, especially my forthcoming book on the Islamic Mary.

Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!