The Disciples’ Renewal of Covenant

The disciples of Jesus (a.s.) said to him: “and bear witness that we are muslims” and they presented to God: “so write us among the witnesses”; meaning, make us among those who possess knowledge (ulū al-ʿilm) and witnesses to Your oneness, just as in “God bears witness that there is no god except Him—and [so do] the angels and those who possess knowledge—maintainer of justice, there is no god but Him, the Almighty, the All-wise”(493) those who possess knowledge and the angels have testified to divine unity.

The disciples had faith in Jesus (a.s.) before responding to his call, as they were his addressees, and they expressed the phrase “We believe in God and bear witness that we are muslims” to renew their covenant.