Understanding Salafism - An Interview with Yasir Qadhi (Throwback)

Understanding Salafism - An Interview with Yasir Qadhi (Throwback)

Author: Younus Y. Mirza February 26, 2026 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 Ibn Taymiyya engaged the Arabic Bible and wrote on Biblical literature and its relationship to the Qur'an.  These figures today would be understood as "salafis".  But what does that mean?  I sit down with Yasir Qadhi to discuss the meaning of "salafism", his relationship to the movement, and the potential for a more inclusive Islam.  

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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
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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]

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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…