What is the Covenant in the aayah "Those who break Allaah's Covenant after ratifying it…"?

Question:

What is the Covenant in the aayah "Those who break Allaah's Covenant after ratifying it…"

[al-Baqarah 2:27 _ interpretation of the meaning]?


Answer:

Praise be to Allaah. Abu Bakr ibn al-`Arabi said:

"Covenants are of two types: one for which expiation may be offered and another for which there is no expiation. That for which expiation may be offered is that which is intended as a vow to refrain from doing something or to do something.

"The second type is a covenant in which the two parties are bound in a manner that is permissible according to sharee'ah, and is binding, either exclusively between them or amongst many people. It is not permissible to nullify or abolish such a covenant, and it is not subject to kafaarah (expiation). This is the covenant for which the one who breaks it will be gathered (on the Day of Resurrection) as a betrayer, and a banner will be set up for him commensurate with the degree of his betrayal, and it will be said, "This is the betrayer of So and so." Maalik says, a covenant sworn by oath is not permitted to be nullified, and this is what is meant by the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

t""and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them — and indeed you have appointed Allaah your surety""[al-Nahl 16:91]

"And this is a matter concerning which there is no scholarly dispute."

Ahkaam al-Qur'aan, 1/27, 28.