[16].Surah An-Nahl [The Bees] :Ayat 91

Ayat 91. And fulfill the Covenant of Allah (Bai'a: pledge for Islam) when you have covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them, and indeed you have appointed Allah your surety. Verily! Allah knows what you do.

Hazrat Abu Said Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Every one who breaks a covenant will have a flag by his buttocks on the Day of Resurrection. It will be raised higher according to the nature of his breach. Behold, there will be no greater a sin with respect to breaking the covenant than that of a ruler who breaks his covenant with the Muslim masses.''

[Muslim Book 04, Chapter 19, Hadith # 4903].

 

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah An-Nahl Ayat 91.And fulfill the Covenant of Allah. This Hadith clearly shows that breach of covenant is forbidden in Islam, especially on the part of a ruler because (a) he is in a position to honour his covenant, and (b) his evil can affect the whole Muslim community. It was a custom in the Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance in Arabia to fix flags on poles for those who were guilty of breach of oath to humiliate and defame them. Almighty Allah has mentioned the punishment of flags on the Day of Resurrection for such people who break their covenant so that people can easily understand its nature. What a humiliation that will be!

* Placing the flag by his bottom signifies humiliation and disgrace because flags are usually carried in front of the bearer not behind. (Editor's Note)