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 who focuses on the sound, rhyme and rhythm of the Qur'an and points out some of Surat Maryam's unique qualities and characteristics. I was thus excited to see that he has come out with a new book entitled The Devotional Qur'an which translates key chapters and verses that are used in Muslim daily life. I sit down with Shawkat to discuss his spiritual biography, academic background and new book. Subscribe to A Common Word podcast which is available on the major podcast streaming services, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify Order my book “The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries” Visit the Maydan website for more podcasts, blogs and videos. 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 forthcoming book on the Islamic Mary. Thanks for listening to A Common Word Podcast!