The Parable of the Broken Covenant – A Warning Against Severing Ties
In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:27), Allah presents a powerful analogy about those who break their covenant with Him and sever the ties He has commanded to be maintained. This parable highlights the consequences of disobedience and corruption, warning that those who violate these fundamental obligations are the true losers in both this world and the Hereafter.
The Analogy in the Quran
Allah says:
Context of the Parable
This verse follows a passage contrasting the righteous with those who reject faith. It focuses on people who knowingly turn away from divine guidance, despite recognising the truth.
The "covenant" mentioned in this verse has a deep meaning in Islamic teachings. It refers to:
The Pre-Life Covenant (Mithaq - The Divine Pact) with Allah
Before human beings were placed on earth, Allah gathered all souls and asked:
“Am I not your Lord?” They responded: “Yes, we testify.” (Quran | Chapter 7, Verse 172)This eternal testimony means that every human soul has an innate recognition of Allah’s Lordship and a duty to worship Him.
Those who reject faith and turn away from divine guidance are violating this original pledge.
The Covenant Through Revelation and Prophets
Throughout history, Allah sent prophets and scriptures to guide humanity, renewing the call to uphold the covenant.
Those who receive divine knowledge but reject it knowingly are breaking this sacred trust.
The Social and Moral Covenant
Allah has commanded people to uphold justice, truth, and family ties.
Severing relationships, spreading corruption, and violating trust go against His divine laws.
The verse warns that those who break these covenants are not only causing harm in this world but also jeopardising their ultimate success in the Hereafter.
Key Elements of the Analogy
Breaking the Covenant with Allah
Humans are born with an innate recognition of their Creator (fitrah).
Rejecting divine guidance and turning away from faith violates the original pledge made to Allah.
Severing the Ties Allah Commanded to Be Maintained
This includes family ties, community obligations, and moral responsibilities.
Islam strongly emphasises kinship ties (silat ar-rahim) and social justice.
Neglecting these duties leads to division, harm, and spiritual decline.
Spreading Corruption in the Land
Corruption (fasad) includes injustice, dishonesty, oppression, and moral decay.
Breaking trusts and causing division weaken the fabric of society.
The Quran repeatedly condemns those who spread harm in the land.
The Ultimate Loss
Such individuals may seem to gain temporary benefits, but their true loss is immense.
Their failure extends beyond worldly instability—it affects their standing in the Hereafter.
The Quran calls them the "true losers" because they forfeit both divine mercy and inner peace.
The Warning in the Parable
This parable serves as a strong warning. Those who knowingly break their commitment to Allah and sever vital relationships risk moral and spiritual ruin. They are not only harming themselves but also contributing to the decay of their societies. While they may believe they are gaining something, in reality, they are heading toward ultimate failure.
Final Thoughts
This parable teaches the importance of honouring our covenant with Allah by upholding faith, justice, and relationships. True success lies in maintaining the ties Allah has commanded and working toward unity, righteousness, and justice. Those who break this trust and contribute to corruption ultimately face severe consequences in both this life and the next.