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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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!

In this podcast, we go back into time and share the first podcast of the show. I discuss why I am starting the Islamic Mary podcast, my personal connection to the topic and the potential that Maryam provides.

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!