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​Islamic Contract Law – Key Terms for “Contract” in Arabic (Notes with Examples)


1. Overview
  • In Islamic jurisprudence, three main Arabic terms are used to describe “contract”:
    • Mīthāq (ميثاق)
    • ʿAhd (عهد)
    • ʿAqd (عقد)
👉 Each term has:
  • A different scope and level of obligation


2. Mīthāq (Covenant with High Sanctity)
Meaning
  • A solemn and highly binding covenant
  • Stronger than an ordinary contract


Nature
  • Involves:
    • Deep moral and spiritual commitment


Examples
  • Marriage contract
    • Considered:
      • A sacred covenant
  • Covenant between Allah and mankind
    • Obligation to:
      • Obey divine commands


👉 Key Idea:
  • Not just legal
  • Also:
    • Spiritual and moral obligation


3. ʿAhd (Promise / Undertaking)
Meaning
  • A promise or commitment
  • Can be:
    • Unilateral
    • Or involve mutual understanding


Nature
  • Creates:
    • Moral and sometimes legal obligation


Examples
  • A promise:
    • To repay a debt
  • A pledge:
    • To perform a duty


👉 Key Idea:
  • Focus on:
    • Trust and responsibility


4. ʿAqd (Contract in Commercial Sense)
Meaning
  • Literally:
    • “To tie”, “to bind”, “to join”


Nature
  • A binding agreement between two parties
  • Based on:
    • Offer and acceptance


Examples
  • Sale contract (buying goods)
  • Lease agreement
  • Partnership contract


👉 Key Idea:
  • Most suitable term for:
    • Modern commercial contracts


5. Key Differences (Simple Comparison)
  • Mīthāq
    • Sacred covenant
    • Strongest obligation
 
  • ʿAhd
    • Promise or undertaking
    • Moral + possible legal effect
 
  • ʿAqd
    • Formal contract
    • Legal and commercial focus


6. Key Insight
  • Islamic law recognises:
    • Different levels of obligation:
      • Spiritual
      • Moral
      • Legal
👉 These are reflected in:
  • The three terms above


Final Summary
  • Mīthāq
    • Sacred covenant
  • ʿAhd
    • Promise or commitment
  • ʿAqd
    • Legal contract


One-Line Understanding
  • Islamic contract terminology ranges from:
    👉 “Sacred covenant → promise → legal contract.”




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