Interreligious Studies - An Interview with Rachel Mikva (Throwback)

Interreligious Studies - An Interview with Rachel Mikva (Throwback)

Author: Younus Y. Mirza August 14, 2025 Duration: 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 defining Interreligious Studies, how it is different from other fields, and how it is relevant to Jewish-Muslim relations and the current crisis in the Middle East.  

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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
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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…
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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…
Inner Dimensions of Fasting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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…
Maryam's Fast - Silence, Spirituality and Miracles (Throwback) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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…
Zulaykha - Seducing Joseph and the Repentance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:00
Zulaykha is often seen in the Islamic tradition as a temptress and someone who tries to seduce the prophet Joseph/Yusuf. However, minority readings focus on her repentance and how she eventually speaks the truth and seek…