After Maryam shakes the palm tree, she is told "to eat, drink, and be glad".  This phrase connects her with other Qur'anic mothers, such as the mother of Moses/Musa, and a larger Qur'anic theme of finding joy with your family.  Muslims frequently make a prayer that God should bestow upon them spouses and children who bring happiness to their heart.  

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When I started writing my book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries, I was drawn to the Qur'anic chapter of Mary or Surat Maryam.  As I started to research the chapter, I came across the work of Shawkat Toorawa who focuses on the sound, rhyme and rhythm of the Qur'an and points out some of Surat Maryam's unique qualities and characteristics.  I was thus excited to see that he has come out with a new book entitled The Devotional Qur'an which translates key chapters and verses that are used in Muslim daily life.  I sit down with Shawkat to discuss his spiritual biography, academic background and new book.  

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After Maryam calls out in pain and anguish, a voice calls telling her to shake a palm tree and ripe dates will fall upon her.  This is similar to other Qur'anic figures, such as Moses/Musa, who are told to act when they are in trying and difficult situation, such as when he was in front of the Red Sea.  The lesson is to act rather than allow the pain and sorrow overtake you.  

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Happy to share the third and final installment of the 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lectures where I respond to Rachel S. Mikva's lecture "What Does it Mean to Be Human?" I do a retelling of the Islamic creation story with an emphasis on the body, repentance and redemption.  Super impressed with ICJS and their work of spreading religious literacy and interreligious and interfaith cooperation.  You can check out the videos of the lectures on the ICJS YouTube channel where you can see us presenting the lectures 

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Happy to share the second of the 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lectures where Rachel S. Mikva discusses "What Does it Mean to Be Human?" She touches on issues relating to AI, climate change and abortion. I respond to her presentation in lecture number 3.  Super impressed with ICJS and their work of spreading religious literacy and interreligious and interfaith cooperation.  You can check out the videos of the lectures on the ICJS YouTube channel where you can see us presenting the lectures 

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

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Happy to share the first of the 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lectures where Rachel S. Mikva discusses "What Does it Mean to Be Human?" She touches on issues relating to AI, climate change and abortion. I respond to her presentation in lecture number 3.  Super impressed with ICJS and their work of spreading religious literacy and interreligious and interfaith cooperation.  You can check out the videos of the lectures on the ICJS YouTube channel where you can see us presenting the lectures 

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

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After Maryam laments and wishes she was dead and long forgotten, she hears a call from below.  This voice guides her on what to do next and informs her that she should not worry or be sad.  This "call" connects her to Zechariah/Zakariyya as well as Moses/Musa who discussed later in the chapter.  The verse further connects Maryam to the Mother of Moses/Musa who is also instructed to trust god and not worry about her child.    

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Happy to share this 2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Conversation Event where Rachel S. Mikva, Heather Miller Rubens and myself sit down and discuss "What Does it Mean to Be Human?" We discuss issues related to scripture, AI and climate change and attempt to excavate the influence of religion on society. Super impressed with ICJS and their work of spreading religious literacy and interreligious and interfaith cooperation.  You can check out the videos of the lectures on the ICJS YouTube channel which include keynotes by Rachel and my response.  

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I am super excited to announce that my book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries is now available for pre-order!  This book has been several years in the making so it is surreal to reach this milestone.  In this episode, I read the book's introduction and speak about its personal origins.  I also outline the content of the book such as Maryam in the Qur'an, prophetic reports (hadith), theology, mysticism, art and film and contemporary times.  

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

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In the climax of the story, Maryam makes a remarkable statement: "I wish I had died before this and been a thing forgotten".  Qur'anic commentators understood this statement as part of the pain and suffering of the righteous and that when trials became too difficult believers would some times wish that they did not exist.  The statement also connects with the larger theme of life and death which is found within the Qur'an and the with the chapter (surat) of Maryam in particular.  

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