THE MERCY COVENANT A Policy and Clerical Reform Manifesto for Islamic Scholars in the 21st Century Preamble Islam stands at a defining moment. Across the world, violence committed in its name—often without scholarly authority, lawful mandate, or ethical restraint—has distorted public understanding of the faith and endangered innocent lives, including Muslims themselves. This manifesto affirms that preserving life ( hifz al-nafs ) is a higher objective of Shariah than militant ideology , and that unchecked reinterpretation of jihad by non-state actors is a theological emergency . This document is a call for scholarly courage, moral clarity, and institutional reform . I. FOUNDATIONAL DECLARATION We, Islamic scholars and religious leaders, affirm that: Human life is sacred without qualification “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he has slain all of humanity.” (Qur’an 5:32) Violence is not the default condition of Islamic faith Peace ( sulh ), merc...