The Lament - Verse 23 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) (Throwback)

The Lament - Verse 23 in the Chapter of Mary (Surat Maryam) (Throwback)

Author: Younus Y. Mirza October 30, 2025 Duration: 15:48
In the climax of the story, Maryam makes a remarkable statement: "I wish I had died before this and been a thing forgotten". Qur'anic commentators understood this statement as part of the pain and suffering of the righteous and that when trials became too difficult believers would some times wish that they did not exist. The statement also connects with the larger theme of life and death which is found within the Qur'an and the with the chapter (surat) of Maryam in particular. &nb...

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
Solomon and the Ant (Throwback) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:40
One of the most fascinating stories in the Qur'an is the Story of Solomon/Sulyaman and the ant. An ant see Solomon/Sulyman's army approaching and warns her tribe to take shelter to protect themselves. Solomon/Sulayman he…
Reflecting on the 25th Year Anniversary of 9/11 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:15
This month marks the 25 year anniversary of 9/11, an event that had a profound impact on global politics, religion and relations. I reflect on the anniversary and its impact on me and my career as well as go over a pew p…
Can the Story of Joseph Be Made Into a Play? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:40
As I write the second edition of my book "The Bible and the Qur'an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition", I came across an article by Shawkat Toorawa which tries to turn the story of Joseph/Yusuf into a play. I dis…
Maryam as Model (Throwback) [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…
Zechariah - The Caretaker Prophet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:57
In this episode, I do a deep dive into the Stories of the Prophets literature on Zechariah/Zakariyya. The commentators focus on his Qur'anic prayer, birth of his son John/Yahya and caretaking of Mary/Maryam. Along the wa…
Maryam and Intimacy (Throwback) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:11
I speak about how the Qur'an speaks directly to Maryam as well as other Qur'anic women and addresses their hopes, aspirations and fears. The direct communication leads to the discussion of the importance of intimacy with…
On the Passing of John Esposito [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:30
I reflect on the Passing on John Esposito, who was a scholar, academic, friend and mentor. I met him when I was an undergraduate at Georgetown University, and kept in touch with him through graduate school and when I sta…
Emotions In Islam - An Interview with Paul Heck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:31
As I look closely at Qur'anic figures, I am struck in how they speak about their emotions. They are open about their fears, upfront about their sadness and share their joy and grief. This led me to the work of Paul Heck…