The Islamic Mary

Join me for one of the most popular episodes of 2024 where I interview Martin Nguyen on his edited book "An American Muslim Guide to the Art and Life of Preaching" by Sohaib Sultan. We discuss how the book was conceived, how he worked with Sohaib on the book before he passed away, and the work's major lessons and takeaways. Along the way, we discuss the ideas of friendship, communi

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 Muslim dialogue and with wrestling with the claims of each religion. In the interview, we discuss his spiritual biography, interest in Christian-Muslim dialogue, program at Wheaton College and theolog

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 important and significant is about to occur. The verse also brings up stories that relate to comparing Jesus/'Isa to that of Yahya/John and Adam. Send

In this episode, I join Roshan Iqbal, Celene Ibrahim, and Oludamini Ogunnaike to explore distinct fasting practices and their inner and outer dimensions in Islamic scholarship, especially focusing on Al-Ghazali’s seminal book, Inner Dimensions of Islamic Practice. Part of a series designed as a classroom resource and a primer for lay audiences. This episode provides valuable insi

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 positive relations with Muslims. However, the document is silent on core issues of Muslim faith such as the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad. This

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 Maryam in reference silence. The use of the word in the Story allows us to better understanding "fasting" as abstaining from something for a greater

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 decree, which is different than Zechariah/Zakariyya who asks for a sign. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to th

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 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 article

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 asking about the divine decree. It also brings up the issue of shame and social stigma. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questio

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 comparison to other Qur'anic boys, like Ishmael/Isma'il and Isaac/Ishaq, who are understood to be "forbearing" and "knowledgeable". Send me a text regarding