Across historical periods-from ancient temple theodicies to early Christian-Muslim cooperation in the Umayyad world-the concept of loyalty can be considered both a stabilizing force and a site of contestation. This richly textured volume brings together Christian and Muslim scholars to explore loyalty as a complex, morally charged notion within interrelated religious and philosophical traditions. Drawing on textual, historical, philosophical, and ethnographic approaches, separate chapters variously trace the nuances of loyalty's evolution from scriptural foundations to contemporary ethical crises. Scholars of Islam examine Qur'anic and Sufi articulations of covenant, fidelity, and walā', highlighting tensions between loyalty to God, community, and the moral self. Contributions from the Christian tradition, meanwhile, explore fraternity, kenosis, ecclesial allegiance, and political loyalty, negotiating communal belonging against conscience and self-emptying love. Collectively, these pieces argue that loyalty becomes virtuous only when critically examined and subordinated to higher moral ends: God, justice, and human flourishing.

‘The theme of loyalty is well chosen in our current social and political context, and its complexity comes through powerfully both in the volume as a whole and in some very compelling individual contributions.'

Susannah Ticciati - Professor of Christian Doctrine, King's College London

‘All the pieces here are interesting and evince good quality scholarship. The breadth of approaches to the concept of loyalty is a strength, in my view, with some writers taking a historical approach, others a more theological lens, and others still a more personal perspective. This helps to tease out the complexity of the concept and its multifarious application, from individuals to religions and whole societies. The project makes an original contribution through its separate contributions and also via the whole volume.'

Jonathan Cole - Director, Centre for Ethics, Religion, and Society, Charles Sturt University