The Islamic Mary

Younus Y. Mirza

A podcast about Maryam in the Qur'an, Islamic tradition, and Christian-Muslim relations. It is a journey into my book on the Islamic Mary and my interest in Biblical and Qur'anic figures and Islam and Interreligious Studies.

Play

Open in

22 episodes
weekly
Avg 25 min
English

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Thursday · 16 min
Zechariah - The Caretaker Prophet
In this episode, I do a deep dive into the Stories of the Prophets literature on Zechariah/Zakariyya. The commentators focus on his Qur'anic prayer, birth of his son John/Yahya and caretaking of Mary/Maryam. Along the way, he expresses his vulnerabilities and fears and learns from Mary/Maryam Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
August 20 · 16 min
Maryam and Intimacy (Throwback)
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. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
August 13 · 18 min
On the Passing of John Esposito
I reflect on the Passing on John Esposito, who was a scholar, academic, friend and mentor. I met him when I was an undergraduate at Georgetown University, and kept in touch with him through graduate school and when I started my professional career. I discuss what made him so unique and why he embodied so many of the values that I hope to as a scholar and teacher. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
August 6 · 17 min
The Opening - Verse 1 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) (Throwback)
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. See our library for a commentary of the entire chapter. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
July 30 · 57 min
Emotions In Islam - An Interview with Paul Heck
As I look closely at Qur'anic figures, I am struck in how they speak about their emotions. They are open about their fears, upfront about their sadness and share their joy and grief. This led me to the work of Paul Heck on "Emotions In Islam" where he details how Muslims have thought about emotions throughout their history. I speak with Paul about his spiritual biography, how he became interested in the topic and how emotions are connected to the ultimate goal of becoming righteous. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
July 23 · 50 min
Interview with Asma Afsaruddin, Editor of the Oxford Handbook on Islam and Women (Throwback)
Join me for this throwback interview with Asma Afsaruddin, which was one of our most popular episodes of the podcast. 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 articles, her views on Qur'an and women and the implications of her work on the modern world. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
July 16 · 15 min
Joseph's Dream Between the Qur'an and Bible
As I work on the second edition of my book The Bible and Qur'an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition, I am look at new sources, from modern scholarship to medieval chronicles. In this episode, I speak about how medieval scholars picked up on the fact that Qur'anic Joseph tells his dream only to his father Jacob/Yaqub which sets up a special relationship between them that climaxes at the end. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
July 9 · 19 min
Zulaykha - Seducing Joseph and the Repentance (Throwback)
Zulaykha is often seen in the Islamic tradition as a temptress and someone who tries to seduce the prophet Joseph/Yusuf. However, minority readings focus on her repentance and how she eventually speaks the truth and seeks the mercy and forgiveness of God. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
July 2 · 20 min
Islamic Mary Book Panel in Bosnia
In my recent trip to Sarajevo, I was honored to be part of a panel of Christian and Muslim scholars who discussed the new translation of my book “The Islamic Mary” into Bosnian. Various scholars discussed the book, what they found relevant in it, and how it could contribute to interreligious dialogue. I share some of the points that resonated with me regarding the panel, specifically the comments of Father Mario Bernadić, the Dean of the Catholic School of Theology at the University of Sarajevo: Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
June 25 · 52 min
Islamic Mary Book Talk at George Mason University (Throwback)
I got the opportunity to do a book talk at the AbuSulayman Center at George Mason University. The Center focuses on Global Islamic Studies and is a leader in digital Islamic studies and humanities. I also got to interact with my good friend Professor Maria Dakake who influenced my work on the Quran and the Islamic Mary. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
June 18 · 16 min
David and Bathsheba (Throwback)
David/Dawud is represented in the Islamic tradition as a righteous ruler who combines worship and kingship, piety and authority. One story that emerges in the Biblical and Qur'anic literature is that David/Dawud sees Bathsheba bathing, leading him to have an affair with her, kill her husband and then marrying her. Various Muslim commentators struggled with this story, with some saying that he only had relations with her after marriage and with others rejecting the story altogether. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
June 11 · 19 min
Top 5 of 2025: Reflecting on the Last Year of Podcasting (Throwback)
I go through the Top 5 episodes of 2025. The top 5 were a mix of interviews, reflections and commentary and touched on various subjects from Christian-Muslim relations to a devotional Qur'an. I discuss plans for the future, such as a new series on the stories of the prophets and more interviews on different books, from emotions in the Qur'an to prison faith and scripture. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
June 4 · 14 min
Adam's Connection to Maryam (Throwback)
As I revise my second edition of my book "The Bible and the Qur'an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition", I continue to read new articles and research regarding the various prophetic and righteous figures. One argues that Adam is connected to Maryam in that Adam was taught "all of the names" of his future progeny which included that of Maryam. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
May 28 · 18 min
Is Maryam More Jewish or Christian?
At a recent book talk, somebody asked me: Is Maryam more Christian or Jewish? I discuss how this question is connected to a larger debate about whether Islam is more similar to Judaism and Christianity and how it speaks to questions of law, ethics, and spirituality. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
May 21 · 17 min
Bilqis - The Queen of Sheeba (Throwback)
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. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
May 15 · 15 min
Maryam the Devout and Gender Equity
One of the questions regarding the Qur'an is whether it is a scripture that supports gender hierarchy or equality. I examine a new article that touches on the meaning of "devout" (qanitat) in the Quran and how it could help answer this question. In particular, Mary/Maryam is described as being among the "devout" and as a model for all believers. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
May 7 · 47 min
Islam in Southeast Asia - An Interview with Khairudin Aljunied (Throwback)
When I first started my graduate education, I was attracted to the framework of Abrahamic Religions or the idea that Jews, Christians and Muslims should return back to their founder, Abraham, to better understand their faiths and move beyond contemporary differences. In the last several years, I have been traveling to Southeast Asia through the Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning at Shenandoah University which I direct. Through my travels, I have seen the power and influence of Islam in the region and how it interacts with other religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. I sit down with one of the foremost experts in Islam in Southeast Asia, Khairudin Aljunied, to better understand the region and Islam's relationship with other faiths. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
April 30 · 1 hr 9 min
Islamic Mary Book Talk at Shenandoah University
We had a great book talk at Shenandoah University's library on my book "The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries"! I enjoyed speaking about the origins of my book, Mary/Maryam in the Qur'an and why she matters today. I came of age in an era of the "Clash of Civilizations" and shared figures allow us to think of what relationships, bridges and partnerships are possible. The Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning continues and implements much of my work in religious and interreligious studies. The Questions and Answers period was dynamic and I shared how the Islamic Mary even helps various Christians think about the role of Mary within their own traditions. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
April 23 · 14 min
Aaron - The Helper and Sibling Prophet
Various Biblical and Qur'anic prophets play different roles, ranging from parents to children. Aaron/Harun plays the role of a sibling, helping his brother Moses/Musa on his mission against Pharaoh and being a loyal aid and companion. Moses/Musa specifically asks God for Aaron/Harun's help because he trusts him and is more articulate and eloquent. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!
April 16 · 17 min
The Chapter of Constellations and the Christians of Najran
In the Chapter of Constellations (Surat al-Buruj), there is a debate on who it refers to: the Christians of Najran, the Disbelievers in the Hellfire or the Biblical story in Daniel. I go through recent scholarship on the topic and agree with Walid Saleh that it refers to the Christians of Najran. The Christians of Najran were persecuted for their faith and were models of resilience and fortitude to the early Muslim community. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. 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 book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes