An Islamic Philosophy of Coexistence: Covenants (ʿAhd and Mīthāq) in the Qurʾān, Sunnah, and Muslim Governance
摘要
This chapter explores how covenants in the Qurʾān, Sunnah, and Muslim governance contribute to an Islamic philosophy of coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims. The first section discusses covenants in the Qurʾān and those issued by Prophet Muḥammad, examining their implications for an Islamic conception of human existence and coexistence. The second section explores how the Prophet’s covenantal emphasis on human security and peaceful coexistence informed Muslim governance historically, including the Rāshidūn, Umayyad, ʿAbbāsid, Fāṭimid, Ayyūbid, and Ottoman periods. The chapter’s third section discusses an Islamic philosophy of coexistence in response to the crisis in Palestine, particularly its relevance toward decoloniality, rule of law, and a just peace. This chapter refutes the claims that Islam harbors an inherent enmity toward non-Muslims. It uncovers a largely overlooked yet normative tradition—manifest in the covenantal provisions of the Qurʾān, Sunnah, and Muslim governance—that affirms a principled commitment to just and peaceful coexistence. This covenantal tradition constitutes an Islamic philosophy of coexistence with enduring relevance for contemporary interreligious and international relations.