Best Younus Y Mirza Podcasts (2025)

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2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Number 2

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10h ago

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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 inte…

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2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Number 1 51:52

7d ago51:52

51:52

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 inter…

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The Call From Below - Verse Number 24 of the Chapter of Maryam (Surat Maryam) 15:54

14d ago15:54

15:54

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…

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2025 ICJS Silber-Obrecht Lecture Conversation Event 1:29:59

21d ago1:29:59

1:29:59

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 …

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The Islamic Mary Book Available for Pre-Order! 17:46

28d ago17:46

17:46

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 Marya…

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The Lament - Verse19:23 in the Chapter of Maryam 15:48

1M ago15:48

15:48

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…

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Christians, Muslims and Mary - An Interview with Rita George-Tvrtkovic 34:35

1M ago34:35

34:35

When I started my career, I was interested in the figure of Abraham/Ibrahim and how he could be a bridge figure between Christians, Jews and Muslims. However, as I wrote my book on "The Bible and the Qur'an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition," I became more interested in the figure of Mary and how she could bring Christians and Muslims toge…

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Trailer for the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 0:56

2M ago0:56

0:56

Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast as we explore the chapter of Mary or Maryam! In our second season, we will examine how the chapter (sura) has a unique rhyme scheme, emerges from an era of hopelessness and desperation, and emphasizes the themes of love and mercy. Over 20 episodes have been published along with various interviews that relate to…

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Redeeming Zachariah - Interview with Maria Barga (Throwback) 47:57

2M ago47:57

47:57

In the Chapter of Mary (Maryam), Zechariah/Zakariyya foreshadows the coming of Maryam. I sit down with Maria Barga to discuss her article "Redeeming Zachariah" which uses the Qur'an to understand the Biblical narrative and to argue that Zachariah should be seen more in a positive light. Along the way, we discuss issues related to silence, suffering…

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The Pain - Verse 23 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 15:14

2M ago15:14

15:14

We now have reached the climax of the story where Maryam is about to give birth to her son Jesus. However, she begins to experience pain and retreats to a trunk of a palm tree. The Qur'an signals that relief comes after hardship and that the image of the palm tree is unique to Maryam. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions S…

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The Art and Life of Preaching - An Interview with Martin Nguyen (Throwback) 48:06

2M ago48:06

48:06

Join me for one of the most popular episodes of 2024 where I interview Martin Nguyen on his edited book "An American Muslim Guide to the Art and Life of Preaching" by Sohaib Sultan. We discuss how the book was conceived, how he worked with Sohaib on the book before he passed away, and the work's major lessons and takeaways. Along the way, we discus…

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Witnessing God - An Interview with Alexander Massad 58:34

3M ago58:34

58:34

I sit down with Alexander Massad to discuss his new book "Witnessing God: Christians, Muslims, and the Comparative Theology of Missions". Alex is a strong proponent of Evangelical and Muslim dialogue and with wrestling with the claims of each religion. In the interview, we discuss his spiritual biography, interest in Christian-Muslim dialogue, prog…

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Withdrawal II - Verse 22 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 19:18

3M ago19:18

19:18

Before she gives birth to Jesus/'Isa, Maryam withdraws for a second time. The word that is used for "withdrawal" is a hapax or a word that is only used in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam). The Qur'an is highlighting that something important and significant is about to occur. The verse also brings up stories that relate to comparing Jesus/'Isa to …

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Inner Dimensions of Fasting 1:58

3M ago1:58

1:58

In this episode, I join Roshan Iqbal, Celene Ibrahim, and Oludamini Ogunnaike to explore distinct fasting practices and their inner and outer dimensions in Islamic scholarship, especially focusing on Al-Ghazali’s seminal book, Inner Dimensions of Islamic Practice. Part of a series designed as a classroom resource and a primer for lay audiences. Thi…

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"Fruits of the Spirit" - An Interview with Jordan Denari Duffner on her Recent Dissertation (Throwback) 56:09

3M ago56:09

56:09

Join me in one of the most popular episodes of 2024. While writing my book the Islamic Mary, I came across various works on Christian-Muslim relations, in particular the groundbreaking Catholic document of Nostra Aetate which speaks about positive relations with Muslims. However, the document is silent on core issues of Muslim faith such as the Qur…

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Maryam's Fast - Silence, Spirituality and Miracles 16:30

4M ago16:30

16:30

As the month of Ramadan approaches, I wanted to explore the word "fasting" (sawm) in the story of Maryam. While most Muslims understand the word "fasting" as abstaining from food and drink, the word "fasting" is used in the Chapter of Maryam in reference silence. The use of the word in the Story allows us to better understanding "fasting" as abstai…

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The Sign - Verse 21 of the Chapter of Maryam 16:18

4M ago16:18

16:18

After Maryam asks how she will have a child when no man has touched her, the Angel Gabriel/Jibril responds that this is a decree from God and the Jesus/'Isa will be a sign from God and a mercy. Maryam is then silent, accepting God's decree, which is different than Zechariah/Zakariyya who asks for a sign. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comm…

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Interview with Asma Afsaruddin, Editor of the Oxford Handbook on Islam and Women (Throwback) 50:56

4M ago50:56

50:56

Join me for this throwback interview with Asma Afsaruddin, which was one of our most popular episodes of 2024. 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 wit…

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The Question - Verse 20 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 15:45

4M ago15:45

15:45

When Maryam hears the news that she will have a child, she immediately asks a question: "How can I have a child when no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?" Here question represents a theme in Qur'anic and Biblical figures asking about the divine decree. It also brings up the issue of shame and social stigma. Send me a text regarding y…

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The Gift - Verse 19 of the Chapter of Maryam (Surat Maryam) 15:02

4M ago15:02

15:02

After Maryam is initially scared of Gabriel/Jibril, he responds and explains that he is a divine messenger and that he is there to bestow upon her a son. Gabriel/Jibril speaks directly to Maryam and describes Jesus as "pure" in comparison to other Qur'anic boys, like Ishmael/Isma'il and Isaac/Ishaq, who are understood to be "forbearing" and "knowle…

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The Refuge - Verse 18 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 17:52

5M ago17:52

17:52

When the Angel first approaches Maryam, she is afraid and seeks refuge. This is similar to how other Qur'anic and Biblical figures, such as Abraham/Ibrahim, react to Angels in that they don't immediately recognize them or have questions about their intentions. This also leads to a larger question of divine communication to women and whether they ar…

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Top 5 Podcasts of 2024 20:15

5M ago20:15

20:15

I speak about the Top 5 Podcasts of 2024. They were a mix of individual session and interviews that all speak about topics related to the Islamic Mary. A common theme is to give voice to overlooked figures and shed light on groundbreaking research. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast …

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The Angel - Verse 17 in the Chapter of Maryam (Surat Maryam) 13:17

5M ago13:17

13:17

After Maryam withdraws from her family and is in a state of seclusion, an angel appears in the form of a man. Angels frequently appear in the Islamic tradition in human form and are not initially recognizable. Nonetheless, after their identity emerges, the righteous figure accepts the message and the divine command. Send me a text regarding your fe…

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The Withdrawal - Verse 16 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 16:51

5M ago16:51

16:51

We have finally reached the section of Maryam! I speak about how the Qur'an introduces Maryam, connecting her with other Biblical and Qur'anic figures and emphasizing how she withdrew before the revelation occurred. In many ways, Maryam is similar to other Islamic figures, like the Prophet Muhammad, who withdrew to find themselves and God. Send me …

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Life and Death - Verses 12-15 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 20:28

6M ago20:28

20:28

While silence and speech are major themes in Surat Maryam, so are life and death. After Zechariah/Zakariyya's impassioned plea, the divine voice introduces his son John/Yahya who is forerunner to Jesus/'Isa. The Chapter uses almost identical phrases to describe them, specifically the idea that they born, will die and be resurrected. Maryam also use…

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Redeeming Zachariah - An Interview with Maria Barga 47:57

6M ago47:57

47:57

In the Chapter of Mary (Maryam), Zechariah/Zakariyya foreshadows the coming of Maryam. I sit down with Maria Barga to discuss her article "Redeeming Zachariah" which uses the Qur'an to understand the Biblical narrative and to argue that Zachariah should be seen more in a positive light. Along the way, we discuss issues related to silence, suffering…

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Silence and Speech - Verses 10 & 11 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 14:14

6M ago14:14

14:14

When Zechariah/Zakariyya is granted his wish of having a child, he asks for a sign and that sign is to be silent. I speak in this episode on how the silence of Zakariyya sets the stage for Maryam and how silence and speech are themes that run throughout the entire Chapter. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to …

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Reflection on the American Academy of Religion Conference 2024 18:48

6M ago18:48

18:48

I just came back from San Diego where I attended the American Academy of Religion (AAR) conference! I speak about the mission and vision of the AAR and how it has changed since I first started to go. I also share my own experiences on the Interreligious Studies Steering Committee and meeting my publishers at the Book Exhibit. Send me a text regardi…

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The Good News - Verses 7,8 and 9 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 13:56

7M ago13:56

13:56

After speaking about his vulnerabilities and weakness, Zechariah/Zakariyya is given the "good news" of a child. The child is miracle, a gift from God and a foreshadowing of the struggle of Maryam and the birth of Jesus/'Isa. This episode draws on my blog "Whats in a Name?" Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to …

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Interreligious Studies - An Interview with Rachel Mikva 58:13

7M ago58:13

58:13

One of the reason I have been drawn to the Islamic Mary or Maryam is the idea of a shared figure between various religious traditions and the interactions between them. This led me to the emerging field of Interreligious Studies and to the new book Interreligious Studies: An Introduction by Rachel Mikva. I sit down with Rachel to talk about definin…

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The Inheritance - Verse 5 & 6 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 16:03

7M ago16:03

16:03

After describing his plight, Zechariah/Zakariyya moves to discussing his fears and asking God for a child. He seeks a heirwho will continue his prophetic and spiritual legacy. 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…

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The Call - Verse 3 and 4 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 17:40

7M ago17:40

17:40

Verse 3 and 4 of the chapter of Mary (surat Maryam) captures about the private call of Zechariah/Zakariyya as he prays to have a child. Before he makes his please, he speaks about his weakness - his brittle bones and white hair - and emphasizes his unique relationship with God. Zechariah's/Zakariyya's call is similar to other calls of vulnerability…

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Mercy - Verse 2 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 15:10

7M ago15:10

15:10

The second verse of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) speaks about mercy, especially mercy in regards to the Prophet Zechariah/Zakariyya having a child. I discuss how mercy is a major theme of the Qur'an and how it manifests in the Chapter/Sura as a whole and the Story of Maryam. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subsc…

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The Art and Life of Preaching - An Interview with Martin Nguyen 48:06

8M ago48:06

48:06

Join me in this interview with Martin Nguyen on his edited book "An American Muslim Guide to the Art and Life of Preaching" by Sohaib Sultan. We discuss how the book was conceived, how he worked with Sohaib on the book before he passed away, and the work's major lessons and takeaways. Along the way, we discuss the ideas of friendship, community and…

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The Opening - Verse 1 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) 17:11

8M ago17:11

17:11

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. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the majo…

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Reflection on Season 1 of the Islamic Mary Podcast 20:02

8M ago20:02

20:02

I reflect on season 1 of the Islamic Mary podcast, from commenting on the verses on Maryam, to doing reflections on my travels, to interviewing special guests. I also speak about the future which will focus on the unique, amazing and fascinating chapter of Maryam (surat Maryam) as well as engaging more deeply the field of Qur'anc, Biblical and Inte…

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"Fruits of the Spirit" - An Interview with Jordan Denari Duffner on her Recent Dissertation 56:09

9M ago56:09

56:09

While writing my book the Islamic Mary, I came across various works on Christian-Muslim relations, in particular the groundbreaking Catholic document of Nostra Aetate which speaks about positive relations with Muslims. However, the document is silent on core issues of Muslim faith such as the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad. This led me to the writ…

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Recap of the Verses in the Chapter of the Family of Imran (Surat al-Ali 'Imran) 17:17

9M ago17:17

17:17

I recap the verses on Maryam in the Chapter of the Family of Imran (Surat al-Ali 'Imran) and argue that Maryam has a story of her own, with a birth, upbringing, miracles and spiritual teachings. The Qur'an is explicit that even though readers were not present during her life, there are still opportunities to learn from her story and example. Send m…

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Reflections from Speaking at the Catholic Biblical Association Conference 18:36

9M ago18:36

18:36

I share my experiences speaking at the Catholic Biblical Association Conference, specifically an opening panel promoting the use of the Qur'an in the Biblical classroom. I share my thoughts on Catholicism and Islam, highlight some of the points of the other panelists, and talk about my developing interest in Maryam and Qur'anic vulnerabilty. Send m…

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Interview with Asma Afsaruddin, Editor of the Oxford Handbook on Islam and Women 50:56

9M ago50:56

50:56

Join me for this interview with Asma Afsaruddin, professor of Islamic Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. 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 …

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Maryam and Divine Questioning 16:12

10M ago16:12

16:12

Once Maryam is told that she will give birth to Jesus/'Isa, she asks a question: "How can this be?" Her question is part of a Qur'anic theme where righteous figures, such as Abraham/Ibrahim, seek to understand the divine within the context of faith and belief. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic M…

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Discussion with the Editor at Fortress Press 17:41

10M ago17:41

17:41

I spoke to my editor and my book the Islamic Mary should come out in Fall 2025! In this episode, I share my discussion with the publisher, read an excerpt from the epilogue and discuss how Maryam has been a guide to me in my research and spiritual journey. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary …

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Maryam and Jesus 16:53

10M ago16:53

16:53

After Maryam's birth and miracles, the Qur'an finally speaks about the birth of Jesus/'Isa. Jesus/'Isa is considered to be a "glad tiding" and blessing and his birth parallels with that of John/Yahya. The Qur'an makes an explicit connect between Maryam and Zechariah/Zakariyya and an implicit one between Maryam and Abraham/Ibrahim. Send me a text re…

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Maryam and Intimacy 16:11

10M ago16:11

16:11

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…

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Reflection on the Building Bridges Seminar 17:27

11M ago17:27

17:27

I speak about my experience at the Building Bridges Seminar, a special initiative on Christian-Muslim relations. I share how the Seminar focuses on relationships, scripture and tradition and could potentially create new global projects, such as fighting hunger. This podcast is based on my blog post "Building Bridges Seminar: An Exercise in Relation…

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Maryam as Teacher 16:28

11M ago16:28

16:28

Maryam is not only a daughter and mother but also a teacher. In the Qur'an, she teaches Zechariah/Zakariyya a lesson about spirituality which leads to an epiphany and his own prayer for children. Maryam's model as a teacher inspires mystical and Sufi figures throughout history to teach about spirituality and to become closer to God. This podcast is…

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Maryam as Model 15:33

11M ago15:33

15:33

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 in discussions regarding gender egalitarianism in the Qur'an. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on t…

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Maryam as Daughter 18:44

11M ago18:44

18:44

Maryam is frequently seen as a side figure to Jesus/'Isa and presented only as a mother. In this podcast, I speak about the idea of Maryam as a daughter, how she has an origin story of her own, and develops as a character. Send me a text regarding your feedback, comments and questions Subscribe to the Islamic Mary podcast which is available on the …

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Why I am Starting this Podcast? 15:10

12M ago15:10

15:10

In this podcast, 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 and Spotify. Take m…