The Islamic Mary

You Were Not There - Echos Between Biblical and Qur'anic Figures

Modern Qur'anic Studies often focuses on "echos" or phrases that connect particular stories, figures and prophets.  In this episode, I look at the phrase "you were n

Solomon and the Ant (Throwback)

One of the most fascinating stories in the Qur'an is the Story of Solomon/Sulyaman and the ant.  An ant see Solomon/Sulyman's army approaching and warns her tri

Reflecting on the 25th Year Anniversary of 9/11

This month marks the 25 year anniversary of 9/11, an event that had a profound impact on global politics, religion and relations.  I reflect on the anniversary and its im

Can the Story of Joseph Be Made Into a Play?

As I write the second edition of my book "The Bible and the Qur'an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition", I came across an article by Shawkat Toorawa which tri

Maryam as Model (Throwback)

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

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 so

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 communicati

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 to

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 ot

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 th

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,

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 medi

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 repentan

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 B

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 Isl

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 a

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 t

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 regardin

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 sim

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 ep