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.     

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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
The Question - Verse 20 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 B…
The Gift - Verse 19 of the Chapter of Maryam (Surat Maryam) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 "p…
The Refuge - Verse 18 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 o…
Top 5 Podcasts of 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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…
The Angel - Verse 17 in the Chapter of Maryam (Surat Maryam) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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. Nonetheles…
The Withdrawal - Verse 16 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 m…
Life and Death - Verses 12-15 of the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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…
Redeeming Zachariah - An Interview with Maria Barga [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 a…