This research paper by Wesley M. Grubb, submitted to Dr. James N. Anderson for ST540 – Christian Encounter with Islam at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, argues that covenant theology lies at the very heart of the Islamic faith. Grubb challenges the common assumption that Islam lacks a covenantal structure comparable to that of the Bible, demonstrating instead that the Qur’an is deeply rooted in covenantal language, concepts, and obligations.
The paper begins by surveying modern scholarship—particularly Joseph Lumbard, Bernard Weiss, and Tariq Jaffer—who have shown that the Qur’an contains hundreds of references to covenant-related terms such as ‘ahd and mithaq. Grubb notes that these terms appear throughout the Qur’an and are central to the tafsir tradition, suggesting that covenant theology is not peripheral but foundational to Islamic self-understanding.
He distinguishes between unilateral and bilateral covenants in Islamic theology, showing how God’s covenant with humanity combines divine sovereignty with conditional reciprocity. Although the Qur’an emphasizes God’s absolute transcendence, it also presents Him as voluntarily binding Himself to promises of blessing and judgment, creating a moral framework of mutual responsibility between Creator and creation.
The study identifies two major covenants in Islamic thought: the Primordial Covenant (mithaq al-astu), in which all humanity swore allegiance to God before creation (Q 7:172), and the Prophetic Covenant, through which God sends guidance and revelation via His prophets. The first establishes humanity’s accountability; the second provides divine mercy and restoration through revelation.
Grubb concludes that Islam’s covenantal worldview defines every aspect of its theology—creation, law, sin, and redemption. Far from being a religion of mere submission, Islam emerges as a “religion of the covenant,” where divine faithfulness and human obedience together shape the entire structure of faith and salvation.
Course and semester: ST540 Christian Encounter with Islam — Spring 2018
