The Islamic Mary

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. Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast wh

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 arti

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

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

After Maryam's birth and miracles, the Qur'an finally speaks about the birth of Jesus/'Isa. Jesus/'Isa is considered to be a "glad tiding" and blessing and his birth parallels with that of John/Yahya. The Qur'an makes an explicit connect between Maryam and Zechariah/Zakariyya and an implicit one between Maryam and Abraham/Ibrahim. Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is avai

I speak about how the Qur'an speaks directly to Maryam as well as other Qur'anic women and addresses their hopes, aspirations and fears. The direct communication leads to the discussion of the importance of intimacy within our various relationships. Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming service, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. V

I speak about my experience at the Building Bridges Seminar, a special initiative on Christian-Muslim relations. I share how the Seminar focuses on relationships, scripture and tradition and could potentially create new global projects, such as fighting hunger. This podcast is based on my blog post "Building Bridges Seminar: An Exercise in Relational Theology"Subscribe to the Islam

Maryam is not only a daughter and mother but also a teacher. In the Qur'an, she teaches Zechariah/Zakariyya a lesson about spirituality which leads to an epiphany and his own prayer for children. Maryam's model as a teacher inspires mystical and Sufi figures throughout history to teach about spirituality and to become closer to God. This podcast is based on my blog "The Deputy of M

I discuss how the Qur'an presents Maryam as a model, not just for women and the wives of the Prophet Muhammad but for men as well. She also plays an important role in discussions regarding gender egalitarianism in the Qur'an. Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming service, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Visit my website to learn

Maryam is frequently seen as a side figure to Jesus/'Isa and presented only as a mother. In this podcast, I speak about the idea of Maryam as a daughter, how she has an origin story of her own, and develops as a character. Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming service, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Visit my website to learn mo