Episode 3

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Published on:

2nd Nov 2025

Surah Maryam in 4 parts

Surah Maryam: A Devotional Journey in Four Movements

This offering draws from Surah Maryam, a chapter that holds a sacred place in the hearts of Muslims. Mary, peace be upon her, is honored in the Qur’an as a model of faith, devotion, and dignity. Jesus, peace be upon him, is lifted as a sign of G_d’s power and mercy. Together, their story reminds us that trust in the Divine often arrives in moments of difficulty, and that blessing does not always look like ease.


Surah Maryam carries a narrative rhythm, guiding us through scenes of prayer, solitude, annunciation, birth, and the profound reassurance that G_d is always near. It is a chapter of tenderness and strength, where miracles unfold beside human vulnerability, and where reliance upon G_d becomes a source of courage.


Rendered here in four movements, this devotional honors the original Arabic while offering an English expression rooted in reverence and remembrance. May it be a reminder that spiritual aid arrives in quiet moments, that trials can carry hidden mercy, and that the nearness of G_d remains constant through every chapter of our lives.

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About the Podcast

Sacred Sounds Project
A Qur’anic Journey in the Key of Soul
Sacred Sounds Project is a devotional audio experience that brings together Qur’anic reflection, Black sacred musical tradition, and the universal search for G_d.

Created by Imam Tariq El-Amin, this project offers English renderings of Qur’anic ayat arranged in the sound and spirit of Negro spirituals and gospel music, accompanied by simple rhythmic percussion. This is not a replacement for Qur’anic recitation. It is a bridge. A cultural and spiritual offering for those who love scripture, those seeking connection, and those curious about the Qur’an in a familiar, soulful voice.

Inspired by memories of a grandmother humming praise songs, a father quoting the Qur’an and the Bible side by side, and a tradition that carried Black America through its darkest hours, Sacred Sounds honors the faith that birthed both gospel music and generations of Muslim devotion.

The project continues the work begun in the Conscious Connection Project, inviting native English speakers, individuals with access needs, and spiritually curious listeners to encounter the Qur’an in a way that is reverent, rooted, and culturally resonant.

May these sounds soften the heart, deepen reflection, and remind us that sincere devotion across traditions can bring us closer to one another and closer to the One who created us.

About your host

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Tariq El-Amin

Imam Tariq I. El-Amin serves as the Resident Imam of Masjid Al-Taqwa in Chicago, IL. He is the founder of the Chicago Black Muslim History Tour and the former host of Sound Vision's Radio Islam, a nightly talk radio program that aired in the Chicago market. Tariq is a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Scholarship and earned a Master of Divinity in Islamic Chaplaincy from Bayan Islamic Graduate School in 2022. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry in Islamic Community Leadership at Bayan, with expected completion in 2026. Tariq is also a producer of the award-winning UIC Black Excellence podcast, hosted by Dr. Aisha El-Amin, and lends his voice to narrating audiobooks.