🤝 Understanding MĪS̤ĀQ: The Islamic Covenant
Comprehensive Definition
Mīs̤āq (ميثاق) refers to the sacred covenant or contract between Allah and His creation, prominently His prophets and the entire human community. It’s mentioned frequently in the Qurʾān to denote agreements that entail moral and spiritual responsibilities.
Etymology
The term Mīs̤āq stems from the Arabic trilateral root “و-ث-ق” (w-th-q), connoting trust, promise, or confirmation. Words derived from this root typically relate to trustworthiness and the binding nature of promises.
Background
In Islam, Mīs̤āq symbolizes Allah’s stipulations laid out for humankind, often presented in scriptural mandates or prophetic missions. The most significant of these covenants is the primordial covenant between God and humanity, where all souls testified to Allah’s sovereignty (Surah Al-A’raf 7:172).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Differences:
- Christianity: The concept of covenant is central but takes diverse forms such as the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenant with Jesus Christ.
- Judaism: The Jewish understanding involves covenants made with Abraham, Moses, and the entire Israelite nation, with primers on legal and ethical obligations.
Similarities:
- Judaism and Christianity: Both recognize the covenant as an essential divine promise involving mutual responsibilities like in Islam.
- Common Foundation: All three Abrahamic faiths use the idea of covenant to illustrate and mandate ethical monotheism.
Synonyms
- Agreement (اتفاق)
- Pact (عهد)
- Contract (عقد)
Antonyms
- Breach (خرق)
- Violation (انتهاك)
Related Terms with Definitions
- Ahd (عهد): Another term for a pledge or promise.
- Qasam (قسم): An oath, a vow by invoking the name of Allah.
- Shari’a (شريعة): Islamic law, which forms part of God’s covenantal stipulations.
Exciting Facts
- The idea of a covenant isn’t confined to humans. In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:1), believers are reminded of their obligations towards creatures under their care, extending the moral consideration embedded in Mīs̤āq to animals.
Quotations from Notable Writers
Ibn Kathir, a renowned Islamic scholar, interprets the Mīs̤āq as a profound testimony wherein Allah’s trust is both a privilege and a solemn duty, commanding adherence to divine guidance.
References
- The Holy Qurʾān
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir
- “Covenant and Commandment in Islam” by Michael Schimmer.
Suggested Literature
- “The Venture of Islam” by Marshall G.S. Hodgson
- “An Introduction to Islam for Jews” by Reuven Firestone
- “A Muslim Creed” by Khalid Ansari.
Quizzes
Stay true to the trust placed in you, just as Allah’s covenant forever binds His grace and guidance to those who believe.
- Nabiha El-Amin, - October 3, 2023
