One of the questions that Maryam raises is the level of agency and power of women in religion, especially within scriptures such as the Qur'an and Bible. In this episode, I speak about the Queen of Sheeba, known as Bilqis in the Islamic tradition, and how she is seen as a wise, sensible and pious ruler. I also speak about the various stories and traditions that developed around the Bilqis, such as her getting married to Solomon/Sulyaman and her hairy legs.

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One of the questions I received in presenting on The Islamic Mary is why is Maryam silent? This question is connected to a larger question about women and religion and their speech, agency, and power in various scriptures. I analyze Maryam's speech in the Qur'an and contend that it represents spirituality, vulnerability and agency.

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As I speak about the book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries, I keep getting the question: how is your book different? In this show, I review the books on Maryam in the last ten years and discuss how they are similar and different in terms of themes, style and approach. I then share how they influenced my own writing and eventual publication of my book.

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In the climax of the story, Maryam makes a remarkable statement: "I wish I had died before this and been a thing forgotten". Qur'anic commentators understood this statement as part of the pain and suffering of the righteous and that when trials became too difficult believers would some times wish that they did not exist. The statement also connects with the larger theme of life and death which is found within the Qur'an and the with the chapter (surat) of Maryam in particular.

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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 relations, such as shared spirituality, figures and social justice.

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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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Today, we revisit the first episode of my commentary of the chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam). I have now done commentaries of over 30 of the first verses of the chapter that you can follow on the podcast archives. 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.

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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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I had the opportunity to speak at Georgetown University on the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a Catholic document on the church's relationship with other religions. Specifically, I spoke on the panel on Christian-Muslim relations and how Nostra Aetate continues to be relevant in terms of prayer and spirituality, social justice and moral welfare and shared figures such as Abraham and Mary.

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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.

Order my new book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries

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

Visit my website to learn more about my bio, research, and blogs.

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!