Quraish
Quraysh · verses 1–4
Makkan4 verses
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
لِإِيلَٰفِ قُرَيْشٍ
إِۦلَٰفِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ ٱلشِّتَآءِ وَٱلصَّيْفِ
فَلْيَعْبُدُوا۟ رَبَّ هَٰذَا ٱلْبَيْتِ
106:3let them worship the Lord of this House,
ٱلَّذِىٓ أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍۢ وَءَامَنَهُم مِّنْ خَوْفٍۭ
106:4who has fed them [and saved them] from hunger, and secured them from fear.
Tafsir
Commentary on this passage
Verse 1
1.In the sixth century A.D. Mecca’s population was divided in three categories. The children of Nazar bin Kanan were Quraish. The allies of Quraish were other Arabs and slaves. Quraish were businessman and they undertook two trade journeys. During winter towards Yemen and in summer towards Shaam (Syria). They were safe in their trading because they were residents of Mecca and people were agreeable with them and terrified also, because after all in Hajj season they also have to go to Mecca. Providence has by reminding about this favour shown, that every favour has an obligation. And obligation to our favour is that you worship the Owner of this house, by whose means this business is established and this peaceful and secure life remains forever.
Footnotes
Explanations of words and phrases in these verses
Benefit
This Laam is for ‘illat’ that Allah destroyed the people of Elephant so that the interest of the Quraish should remain with trade journeys and Mecca, as its Protector was present. And the right of this protection is that the Lord of the House should be worshipped.
- 1
Le ilaaf - To create love and attachment.
- 2
Rehlata - It is the cause of shifting and results, that is journey. The Mutalliq (relative) of Laam according to a view is ‘Alam Yaj-al’ in the surah. And according to another view, it is ‘Fal yabudo’.