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106: Quraish - قريش
Introduction
This Makkan Surah may well be considered as a pendant to the last. If the Quraysh were fond of Makkah and proud of it, if they profited, by its central position and its guaranteed security, from their caravans of trade and commerce, let them be grateful, adore the One True God, and accept His Message.
106:1
[ Original ]
لِإِيلَافِ قُرَيْشٍ
[ Abdullah Yusuf Ali ]
For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoyed) by the Quraysh,
Tafseer Commentary
6276 Quraysh were the noblest tribe of Arabia , the tribe to which belonged the Prophet himself. They had the custody of the Ka'bah, the central shrine of Arabia, and their possession of Makkah gave them a triple advantage: (1) they had a commanding influence over other tribes; (2) their central position facilitated trade and intercourse, which gave them both honour and profit; and (3) the Makkah territory being, by Arabian custom, inviolable from the ravages of war and private feuds, they had a secure position, free from fear of danger. This honour and advantage they owed to their position as servants of the sacred shrine of the Ka'bah. They owed it to Allah. Was it not therefore right and fitting that they should adore the One True God, and listen to His Message of Unity and Purity, brought by His Prophet? In those days of general insecurity, their prestige as custodians of Makkah enabled them to obtain Covenants of security and safeguard from the rulers of neighbouring countries on all sides-Syria, Persia, Yemen, and Abyssinia-protecting their trade journeys in all seasons.
106:2
[ Original ]
إِيلَافِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ الشِّتَاءِ وَالصَّيْفِ
[ Abdullah Yusuf Ali ]
Their covenants (covering) journeys by winter and summer,-
Tafseer Commentary
6277 See last note, especially section (2). On account of their trade journeys to the warmth of Yemen in the winter and the cooler regions of Syria and the north in the summer, Quraysh became practised travellers and merchants, acquired much knowledge of the world and many arts, and perfected their language as a polished medium of literary expression.
106:3
[ Original ]
فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَٰذَا الْبَيْتِ
[ Abdullah Yusuf Ali ]
Let them adore the Lord of this House,
Tafseer Commentary
6278 The Ka'bah.
106:4
[ Original ]
الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُمْ مِنْ جُوعٍ وَآمَنَهُمْ مِنْ خَوْفٍ
[ Abdullah Yusuf Ali ]
Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger).
Tafseer Commentary
6279 Their trade caravans enriched them, and drew people from distant parts to visit Makkah and bring their merchandise and gifts thither.
6280 Their territory being inviolable, they did not suffer from the dangers of constant warfare nor from private feuds of vengeance or breaches of the peace in their secure homes
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