CHAPTER 106: QURAYSH

It was revealed in the Mecca period. It consists of four verses. It takes its name from the word "Quraysh," which is the name of a tribe mentioned in the first verse. (H. T. FEYIZLI 1/602)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

106/1-4 LET THEM WORSHIP THE LORD OF THIS HOUSE

Translation

1, 2- [O my Prophet!] For the accustomed security of the Quraysh [tribe, being secured and reconciled for their journeys]; 2- For their familiarity [and reconciliation with others] for the journey of winter [to Yemen] and summer [to Syria];

3, 4- Let them worship the Lord of this House [the Kaaba]. 4- Who [that Lord] has fed them [for the sake of the Kaaba] against hunger and has made them secure from fear.

Commentary

(1) ‘For the security of the Quraysh, to provide their security in their winter and summer journeys (Allah bestowed favors).’

It was said that what is meant by this are the journeys they were accustomed to making for trade and other purposes to Yemen in winter and to Syria in summer. Then, due to their prestige among people because of their residence in Allah's sacred territory, they would return to their homelands from their journeys in safety. Those who recognized them would show them respect. Even those who went toward them and traveled with them would be in safety thanks to them. (S. HAWWA 16/389, 390)

The Quraysh had two journeys; they would go to Yemen in winter and to Syria in summer. Thus, they would provide their sustenance and engage in trade. They were in safety during both of these journeys. This was because they were the people of Allah the Almighty's Sanctuary and the servants of the Precious House (the Kaaba). For this reason, they were not touched. Other people, however, were always trapped between highway robbery, mugging, and extortion. (I. H. BURSEVI 23/626)

(3, 4) ‘Let them worship the Lord of this House (the Kaaba).’ ‘Who (that Lord) has fed them (for the sake of the Kaaba) against hunger and has made them secure from fear.’

Ibn Kathir says: "He is the Lord of the Kaaba. He is the one who fed them against hunger and made them secure from fear. That is, Allah bestowed security and easy sustenance upon them. Therefore, let them worship only Allah, who has no partner. Let them not worship any idol, any partner, or any associate besides Him. Whoever obeys this command, Allah gives him both worldly and otherworldly security. And whoever rebels against Him, Allah removes these securities from him." (S. HAWWA 16/390)

Since the Arabian Peninsula, where tribal life was lived, lacked state authority, there was a general state of insecurity there; yet, Mecca had been announced to humanity as a sanctuary (Harem) region whose sanctity has not been violated by Allah since the time of Prophet Ibrahim. Thanks to this, the people of Mecca were protected from external attacks. Indeed, in a verse: "Do they not see that We have made [Mecca] a safe sanctuary, while people are being snatched away all around them?" (Ankabut 29/67), these blessings are reminded. Additionally, vegetables, fruits, and other food items produced in other regions were brought to and sold in Mecca, which had become a trade center by the blessing of Prophet Ibrahim's prayer (Ibrahim 14/37), thus meeting the needs of the people here. Thus, in the surah, the Quraysh were asked to worship Allah to fulfill the gratitude for all these blessings. (QUR’AN WAY 5/694)