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 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. Examples of Covenants in the Qur’an a. Social Covenants...