This is a lexical entry that gathers the technical meaning of this term in Shahrur across his various books, and links together its multiple uses.
This entry belongs to the Shahrur lexicon. For thematic reading, see Shahrur’s major themes and shared concepts.
Meaning in Shahrur
The covenant is a free commitment concluded without compulsion, based on the conscious human being’s acceptance of what is tied to the pillars of Islam and to the firmest bond. In Shahrur’s view, it is a foundational principle in organizing the relation to religion, not merely a moral promise or a verbal bond, but a value-based pact that defines entry into the religious sphere on the basis of choice.
Distinctions
- It differs from the pact because it is not based on mere general commitment, but on a voluntary acceptance grounded in the religious structure
- It differs from Islam as a broad or ritual affiliation; for in Shahrur’s view, the covenant focuses on the free value-based bond that gives this affiliation its meaning.
Occurrences in his books
- Islam and Faith: the covenant, in Shahrur’s view, is a voluntary commitment without compulsion, and is linked to the pillars of Islam and to the “firmest bond.” He also distinguishes it from the pact, and makes it part of the basic religious structure that organizes the human being’s relation to religion
What it neighbors and differs from
- Islam
- the firmest bond
- general Islam and the value-based covenant together form Shahrur’s definition of religion
- the Islamic covenant in Shahrur’s view is based on value principles, not on ritual affiliation
- Shahrur presents Islam as a free human covenant that reinterprets revelation, legislation, and Qur’anic concepts
- obedience to the Messenger within the framework of freedom
- Shahrur - Islam