THE REAL LOSERS

      Here in this verse, three significances of the unbelievers are added to their misguidance which was mentioned in the last verse.

      1) They are those who break Allah's covenant after it has been ratified. Men have entered into different covenants with Allah: The covenant of knowing Him, and worshipping none besides HIM. The covenant of not following SATAN; and also their own caprices and carnal desires. But they have broken such covenants and promises, and have obeyed their wishes and passions.

WHERE WAS THE COVENANTS FIXED?

      Besides any gift and grace of God, there lays a natural covenant that can be recognized by conscience and instinct.

      For God's loving care we at least owe HIM gratitude and obedience which is a sort of natural covenant, the words of which is uttered in the language and laws of creation. But the sinner who knows this before he darkens his own conscience, forsakes the path of truth, and even resists the grace of God that comes to save him! He breaks the covenant of Allah by using his power and abilities in the way of mischief and falsehood, and this is why his case becomes hopeless, and the loss of felicity and bliss will be his.

      2) The verse also signifies that: ``They cut out what Allah has commanded them to have it joined!'' These are the joints of families and friends. The connections with society and some social affairs; And having communications with the Divine Leaders.

      3) Their third sign, which is signified by the verse is doing mischief on the earth.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVING THE BONDS OF RELATIONSHIP

      Though the above verse commends to observe and pay regards to all the COVENANTS WITH ALLAH, but the observance of the bonds of relationship has got a clear cut importance in Islam. It means to join, to help, and to be good to kindreds and relatives, and cutting such relationship is a SIN MOST HEINOUS, so much so that, Imam SAJJAD (AS) says to his son: ``Do not befriend one who breaks the bonds of relationship because QURÄN has announced him a CURSED and far from GOD'S MERCY!''