When I started writing my book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries, I was draw to the Qur'anic chapter on 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 pointed some of Surat Maryam 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.

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 and Spotify.

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 forthcoming book on the Islamic Mary.

Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!

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

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 and Spotify.

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 forthcoming book on the Islamic Mary.

Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!