Book Launch | Quranic Covenants: An Introduction at Institute of Policy Studies
During the launch of his book “Quranic Covenants: An Introduction” on April 24, 2024, Ahmer Bilal Soofi, a law expert and former federal law minister, highlighted Allah’s engagement with humans through multiple tiers, each representing a distinct covenant. While the Quran is commonly seen as a religious text offering guidance to believers, Soofi’s exploration reveals it as a unique contractual agreement between Allah and His creations.
The event, organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), gathered scholars, educators, and community members. The panel discussion, moderated by Syed Nadeem Farhat, IPS research fellow, was chaired by Honorable Justice Dr. Khalid Masood of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. It featured Khalid Rahman, IPS chairman; Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, IPS vice chairman; Honorable Justice Syed Mohammad Anwer; and other distinguished figures from various fields, including religious and legal scholars, university educators, and researchers.
In his introductory remarks, Ahmer Bilal Soofi noted that Allah engages with both believers and non-believers on multiple levels, each forming a distinct legal arrangement that encompasses spiritual devotion and the universal order. He emphasized the importance of exploring the Quran’s legal architecture, highlighting its relative underexposure in existing scholarship. Soofi’s work aims to bridge this gap and enhance the understanding of the Quran’s significance in both religious and societal contexts.
Soofi presents the Holy Quran as a covenant or contractual framework between Allah and His creations, offering a fresh perspective. This approach reveals multiple layers of engagement within the Quran, enriching individual spiritual experiences and the understanding of societal governance.
The research presented in Soofi’s work is significant for two main reasons. Firstly, it underscores the Quran’s role not only as a religious text but also as a foundation for socio-cultural and legal systems worldwide. Understanding its structure and message is crucial for effectively navigating these systems.
Secondly, viewing the Quran as a contractual framework provides a new perspective that deepens the comprehension of its message. This work aims to strengthen the connection between believers and their faith by investigating the Quran’s unique contractual identity.
The research also explores the broader implications for societal and state governance, emphasizing the importance of internalizing the sanctity of contracts as a fundamental belief. By regarding contracts as articles of faith, individuals are more likely to adhere voluntarily to both private and legislative agreements. Promoting this narrative among Muslim scholars and religious leaders could lead to significant shifts in societal paradigms.
In conclusion, Khalid Rahman noted that Soofi’s book offers a compelling examination of the Quran’s legal framework, promising to reshape perceptions of the holy scripture, bridge scholarly divides, and provide fresh insights.
