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]?
Praise be to Allah.
        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):
        
        “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.