Breaking the Covenant in the Qur’an

Breaking the Covenant in the Qur’an: The Concept of “Nakz” and the Allegory of the Woman Untying the Rope

1. Introduction: The Importance of the Covenant

In the Qur’an, “misak” (مِيثَاق) refers to a moral and principled contract made between Allah and humans or communities. This covenant carries not only a verbal promise but also a responsibility—rooted in the principles of trustworthiness and justice (cf. An-Nisā 4:58).

The Qur’an frequently mentions covenants made with prophets, peoples, and especially the Children of Israel. These covenants emphasize fundamental principles such as justice, faithfulness to promises, and safeguarding the rights of others. However, the breaking of these promises is repeatedly condemned. The Qur’an expresses this breaking with the word “nakz,” which means not merely “forgetting” or “failing to fulfill,” but a fundamental undoing, dismantling, and rendering void of the covenant’s meaning.

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2. Examples of Covenants in the Qur’an

a. Social Covenants

• Al-Baqarah 2:83–84
  The covenant with the Children of Israel includes worshiping Allah, kindness to parents, helping orphans and the poor, and refraining from killing unjustly.

• Al-Mā’idah 5:12–13
  “Allah took a covenant from the Children of Israel... But when they broke their covenant, We cursed them...”

b. Covenants Made with Prophets

• Āl ‘Imrān 3:81

“And Allah took the covenant of the prophets, saying, ‘I will give you the Scripture and wisdom, then a messenger will come to you confirming what is with you; you must believe in him and support him.’”

This verse highlights that the covenant entails a historic chain of responsibility, and its violation leads to grave consequences.

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3. Breaking the Covenant: The Concept of “Nakz”

In the Qur’an, breaking the covenant is described by the verb “nakz” (نقض). Its semantic layers include:

• Destroying a structure

• Untwisting something woven like a rope

• Nullifying a binding contract

Thus, “nakz” is not a passive forgetting but a conscious and systematic undoing.

Manifestations of Breaking the Covenant in the Verses:

• Al-Baqarah 2:100
  “Whenever they made a covenant, a party among them would break it. Indeed, most of them do not believe.”

• Al-Anfāl 8:56
  “They make a covenant with you but then break their covenant every time and do not fear Allah.”

These verses declare that breaking the covenant is not merely a moral weakness but a conscious betrayal of faith.

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4. The Allegory of the Woman Untying the Rope: The Depth of An-Nahl 16:92

“Do not be like the woman who unravels her spun thread after it is strong.” (An-Nahl 16:92)

This verse presents breaking the covenant not as an abstract breach but as a complete futility, akin to destroying one’s own hard work.

Features of the Allegory:

• “Spinning the thread” = a process of construction requiring time, effort, and patience

• “Then untying it” = actively devaluing and destroying one’s own effort

The woman herself is not condemned; her act is an allegory for those who break their covenant.

Profound Message:

Breaking the covenant is like unraveling the fabric of faith you have woven with your own hands.
It is not simply reneging on a promise but dismantling what you have built.

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5. Consequences of Breaking the Covenant: Individual and Societal Collapse

Breaking the covenant severs not only one’s bond with Allah but also:

• Causes the collapse of social justice

• Destroys relationships of trust and responsibility

• Empties the core of faith values

As a result, systems of polytheism and oppression arise.

Regarding those who break the covenant:

• Ar-Ra’d 13:25
  “But those who break Allah’s covenant after it has been established—they are the ones who incur loss.”

• At-Tawbah 9:4
  “Allah loves those who are firm in their covenant.”

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6. Conclusion: Fidelity to the Covenant is Fidelity to Truth

In the Qur’an, the covenant is a divine commitment that defines one’s faith, morality, and social stance. This commitment is fulfilled not merely by saying “I believe” but by living truth, justice, and moral principles in every aspect of life.

Closing remarks:

“Spinning the thread takes years; untying it takes but a moment. Breaking the covenant is the same.”
“Faithfulness to the covenant is the very essence of faithfulness to the Qur’an.”
“Whoever breaks the covenant made with Allah has begun destruction with their own hands.”