The Faith of Muslim Political Prisoners - An Interview with Walaa Quisay

The Faith of Muslim Political Prisoners - An Interview with Walaa Quisay

Author: Younus Y. Mirza March 19, 2026 Duration: 1:03:47

In many Biblical and Qur'anic stories, the protagonist isolates themselves and, at times, even go to prison.  In this interview, I chat with Walaa' Qusaiy about her new book "When Only God Can See: The Faith of Muslim Political Prisoners".  Walaa' discusses how faith and spirituality of Muslim prisoners merge with that of prophetic ones, and how they find inspiration and hope in their stories.   The prison experience is pervasive in Muslim society and Islamic scholarship and we need to study that space to better understand the lives of the various Muslim scholars and activists.     

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, Spotify and YouTube.

Order my new book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries 

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 book on the Islamic Mary.

Thanks for listening to The Islamic Mary Podcast!


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
Why is Maryam Silent? Analyzing Maryam's Speech in the Qur'an [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:47
One of the questions I received in presenting on The Islamic Mary is why is Maryam silent? This question is connected to a larger question about women and religion and their speech, agency, and power in various scripture…
Nostra Aetate and Islam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:05
I had the opportunity to speak at Georgetown University on the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a Catholic document on the church's relationship with other religions. Specifically, I spoke on the panel on Christian-Mus…
A Devotional Qur'an - An Interview with Shawkat Toorawa (Throwback) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
Understanding Salafism - An Interview with Yasir Qadhi [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…