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 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 book, "Inner Dimensions of Islamic Practice." Part of a series designed as a classroom resource and a primer for general audiences. This episode provides valuable insights into a foundational topic of fasting and Ramadan. Click here to access the podcast.

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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 the Chapter of Maryam in reference silence. The use of the word in the Story allows us to better understanding "fasting" as abstaining from something for a greater spiritual benefit and higher good.

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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 seeks the mercy and forgiveness of God.

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I have always wondered about the roots of modern day Islamophobia? When did it start? How did it develop? How was it formed? In this interview, Deanna Womack takes us into her new book "Re-inventing Islam: Gender and the Protestant Roots of American Islamophobia" where is examines the connection between the history of missions and contemporary Islamophobia. Along the way, she provides a more nuanced understanding of missionaries, their lives, goals and aspirations. Many of them would eventually became champions of interfaith dialogue and build bridges between the civilizations.

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I go through the Top 5 episodes of 2025. The top 5 were a mix of interviews, reflections and commentary and touched on various subjects from Christian-Muslim relations to a devotional Qur'an. I discuss plans for the future, such as a new series on the stories of the prophets and more interviews on different books, from emotions in the Qur'an to prison faith and scripture.

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David/Dawud is represented in the Islamic tradition as a righteous ruler who combines worship and kingship, piety and authority. One story that emerges in the Biblical and Qur'anic literature is that David/Dawud sees Bathsheba bathing, leading him to have an affair with her, kill her husband and then marrying her. Various Muslim commentators struggled with this story, with some saying that he only had relations with her after marriage and with others rejecting the story altogether.

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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 hears the ants cry which leads him to pray for God to make him grateful and live a righteous life. The story speaks to the idea of humility, gratitude and conservation.

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