A Devotional Qur'an - An Interview with Shawkat Toorawa (Throwback)

A Devotional Qur'an - An Interview with Shawkat Toorawa (Throwback)

Author: Younus Y. Mirza September 25, 2025 Duration: 54:43

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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In The Islamic Mary, Younus Y. Mirza guides us through a nuanced exploration of Maryam, a figure revered across faiths yet understood in uniquely profound ways within Islam. This isn't a lecture series, but a thoughtful conversation that delves into her significant presence in the Qur'an and the rich tapestry of Islamic tradition that has contemplated her life and meaning for centuries. The discussions naturally extend into the vital realm of Christian-Muslim relations, using Maryam as a focal point for understanding shared heritage and respectful dialogue. Mirza frames this podcast as an intellectual and spiritual journey, one that intertwines with his own scholarly work on a forthcoming book. Listeners will find themselves immersed in episodes that examine Biblical and Qur'anic figures, drawing connections and distinctions through the lens of Interreligious Studies. The result is a deeply engaging series that appeals to anyone curious about spirituality, comparative religion, or the powerful stories that shape our world. By focusing on this singular, pivotal woman, the podcast opens up expansive questions about faith, history, and the possibilities for mutual understanding.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

The Islamic Mary
Podcast Episodes
Maryam as Model [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 Qu…
Maryam as Daughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 characte…
Why I am Starting this Podcast? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 questionsSubscribe t…

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