SURA 106. Quraish or The Quraish, (Custodians of the Kaba)
For the covenants [of security and safeguard enjoyed] by the Quraish
Their covenants [covering] journeys by winter and summer
Let them adore the Lord of this House
Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear [of danger]
We destroyed the Army of the Elephant to foster the attachment of the Quraysh to this land, paving the way for the advent of Islam—their attachment to their winter and summer journeys. Therefore, (in gratitude for this blessing,) they ought to worship the Lord of this House—He who fed them, saving them from hunger (and famine), and secured them against fear (of the enemy)
Points
Some commentators regard this Surah as a continuation of the preceding one, citing narrations that deem it impermissible to separate the two during prayer—much like the Surahs *Ad-Duha* and *Ash-Sharh*. Had Abraha succeeded, the livelihood of the Quraysh would have been shattered; thus, God destroyed the Companions of the Elephant to preserve the livelihood of the Quraysh
The journey is undertaken upon a riding beast or mount. The Quraysh used to make two trading expeditions a year: one in winter to the region of Yemen and another in summer to the region of the Levant (al-Sham)
In contrast to the custom of the Age of Ignorance—which prized bloodshed and warfare—the repetition of the words *īlāf* (covenant of security) and *ulfat* (harmony/familiarity) signifies God’s grace and mercy toward the Quraysh
Commercial journeys boost exports and imports, leading to improved living standards and cultural exchange Following the destruction of the Companions of the Elephant, people held the Sanctuary (the Kaaba) in special reverence
Key Points
The defeat of enemies fosters solidarity among you. "And He made them like eaten straw"
فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَأْكُولٍ»
Unity and harmony among the various strata of society are divine blessings. "For the accustomed security of the Quraysh..."
«لِإِيلاٰفِ قُرَيْشٍ»
People cannot be invited to worship until the community's economic and security issues are resolved. "So let them worship..."... "Who fed them..."... "And secured them..."
الذی اطعمهم و امنهم
One of the underlying purposes of worship is to give thanks to the Provider of blessings. "So let them worship the Lord of this House..."
فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هٰذَا اَلْبَيْتِ
God governs the affairs of Mecca and the Kaaba. "The Lord of this House..."
«رَبَّ هٰذَا اَلْبَيْتِ»
Ensuring the community's livelihood and security should take place within the framework of servitude and worship of God
فَلْيَعْبُدُوا ... اَلَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُمْ ... وَ آمَنَهُمْ
Hunger and the need for food are inherent to human nature, and satisfying this need is a sign of God’s grace and mercy. "Fed them against hunger"
«أَطْعَمَهُمْ مِنْ جُوعٍ
Establishing security and removing the causes of fear is a divine act. "Secured them against fear"
«آمَنَهُمْ مِنْ خَوْفٍ»
Traveling to earn a livelihood is accepted in Islam. "The journey of winter and summer"
«رِحْلَةَ اَلشِّتٰاءِ وَ اَلصَّيْفِ
