Bilqis - The Queen of Sheeba (Throwback)

Bilqis - The Queen of Sheeba (Throwback)

Author: Younus Y. Mirza May 21, 2026 Duration: 17:09
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. Send...

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: en-us Episodes: 50

The Islamic Mary
Podcast Episodes
Islamic Mary Book Talk at Shenandoah University [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:45
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 toda…
Aaron - The Helper and Sibling Prophet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:21
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…
The Chapter of Constellations and the Christians of Najran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:30
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…
Why I am Starting This Podcast? (Throwback) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:10
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 t…
Luqman - The Wise Father [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:09
When we think of fathers, the stereotypical image of somebody who is stern, domineering and even coercive may come up. In the stereotypical image of Islam, fathers are simply breadwinners and maintainers and arrange thei…
The Eid of Jesus - Inclusivity, Signs and Sustenance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
Muslims around the world are celebrating "Eid", in particular "the Eid of the Breaking of the Fast". I examine how the word "Eid" is used in the Qur'an, particularly in the words of Jesus/'Isa. Based on the request of hi…
Jacob - The Emotional and Spiritual Father [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:13
I have been thinking about fathers recently: what do they do? What is their function? How are they effectively? Today, I dive into the Biblical and Qur'anic Jacob/Yaqub and explore how the Qur'an understands fathers, esp…
Understanding Salafism - An Interview with Yasir Qadhi (Throwback) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
One of the reasons I became interested in Biblical and Qur'anic figures is because I did my dissertation and initial research on the medieval Ibn Kathir (d. 774/1373) and Ibn Taymiyya (d. 728/1328). Both Ibn Kathir and I…