Surah 106. Quraysh
Translation of Verse 1-4
In the name of Allah, The Kind, The Compassionate
(106:1) For the familiarity of the Quraysh,2
(106:2) Their familiarity with the winter and summer journeys,3
(106:3) They ought to worship the Lord of this House,4
(106:4) Who feeds them against hunger and secures them from fear.5
Commentary
2. The starting verse “For the familiarity of the Quraysh” could be connected with the previous surah, in which case it would mean, `We destroyed the people of the elephant … for creating the situation for the Quraysh in which they could travel around the land without fear.” But most commentators believe that the first verse is saying that since the Quraysh are familiar with the fact of their travel with ease through the lands they ought to worship the Lord of this House (who has made that possible for them while it is not so for adjoining tribes). Some have said that the lam of li-’ilaf (translated as “for”) is for expression of wonder at the behavior of the Quraysh who are provided with peace and comforts by their Lord but they give thanks to the idols (Razi).
Qurtubi remarks: The Prophet (saws) has said in a report of Bukhari and Muslim:
“ Allah chose Kinanah from the sons of Isma`il, from Kinanah he chose Quraysh, from Quraysh He chose Banu Hashim and from Banu Hashim He chose me.”
3. The allusion is to the two traditional journeys of the Makkans for trade to Syria in summer and to Yemen in winter.
4. Majid quotes: “This temple, which Abraha al-Ashram had wished to destroy, had been throughout the ages the object of greatest veneration; it was looked on as a present made by Jehovah to the Arab race to bear witness to its condition privileged beyond all others. It was the oratory of Abraham and Ishmael, the house of Allah … The Sabians, the fire worshippers, sent their offerings to it; even the Jews showed a deep respect for this reverend spot. The guardians of the temple, the Koraish clan, had a sort of religious authority which was willingly recognized by all.” (HHW, VIII, p.132). ‘Though in an inhospitable and barren valley with an inclement and unhealthy climate, this sanctuary at Makka made Al-Hijaz the most important religious center in North Arabia.’ (Hitti, p. 101).”
Razi notes: Allah’s blessings are of two kinds: those that protect from harms and those that bring in benefits. The earlier surah spoke of Allah’s protection from the harm of the people of the elephant. This surah speaks of the grant of benefits. Thus, with His blessings fully realized, now the Quraysh ought to turn to Allah in thanks.
5. This is an allusion to the peace the Quraysh enjoyed in contrast with the tribes in the outlying areas who did not feel themselves secure either in their homes or in their journeys. They were subject to loot, plunder and attack. In contrast, the Quraysh could move about freely unharmed because they were the custodians of the Ka`ba. Allah said about them (in 28: 57):
“Did We not establish for them a Sanctuary secure, to which fruits of all kinds are brought in?” (Ibn Jarir).
Author: @Boots
