Surah No. 106
Introduction
Merits of the Surah1
1. Although the great majority believe that this is a Makkan surah, Dahhak and Kalbi have said that it is Madinan (Shawkani).
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ لِإِيلَافِ قُرَيْشٍ (1)
(106:1) For the familiarity of the Quraysh,2
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.”
إِيلَافِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ الشِّتَاءِ وَالصَّيْفِ (2)
(106:2) Their familiarity with the winter and summer journeys,3
3. The allusion is to the two traditional journeys of the Makkans for trade to Syria in summer and to Yemen in winter.
فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَٰذَا الْبَيْتِ (3)
(106:3) They ought to worship the Lord of this House,4
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.
الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُمْ مِنْ جُوعٍ وَآمَنَهُمْ مِنْ خَوْفٍ (4)
(106:4) Who feeds them against hunger and secures them from fear.5
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).
The Qur'an also said (29: 67):
The Central Position of Makkah
Majid quotes: 'Mecca is a place almost at an equal distance, a month’s journey, between Yemen on the right, and Syria on the left hand. The former was the winter, the latter the summer station of her caravans: and their seasonable arrival relieved the ships of India from the tedious and troublesome navigation of the Red Sea. ... The lucrative exchange diffused plenty and riches in the streets of Mecca: and the noblest of her sons united the love of arms with the profession of merchandise’ (GRE. v. p.318). The extent and degree of business activity carried by means of these caravans were truly astonishing. 'Few caravans set forth in which the whole population, men and women, had not a financial interest’... On departure the caravans carried leather, spices, precious essences, and metals, particularly, silver, from the Arabian mines (Lammans). 'On their return every one received a part of the profits proportionate to his stake and number of shares subscribed. The dividend was never less than 50 p.c. and often amounted even to a double.’... 'Makka owed its economic prosperity to its geographical position and to its relations with the important trade route to India... From Babylon, from the ports of the Persian Gulf as well as from the Yaman, flowed the rich products of the Middle East and of India: from Syria those of the Mediterranean world. We see Makka opening negotiations with the neighboring states, obtaining safe conducts, free passage for her caravans, and concluding the equivalent of commercial treaties with Byzantium, Abyssinia, Persia and the Emirs of Yaman. (Lammans).’
Sayyid observes: “In spite of very poor conditions of security in all parts of the Arabian Peninsula at the time, ... the sanctity of the House in the eyes of all Arabs guaranteed security and peace in their flourishing business to those who lived near it and were its custodian...
“This is the specific grace of which Allah reminds the Quraysh, as He had reminded them of the Elephant incident in the pervious surah. It is the grace of their being accustomed to the trips of winter and summer, and the abundance with which He endowed them in these two fruitful journeys. It is by the grace of Allah that while their land is desolate and dry, they still live a comfortable life. Out of His grace He secured them from fear whether in their hearths and homes, next to Allah’s house, or in their trips and journeys. Their security is the result of their being the custodians of the House, the sanctity of which is ordained and preserved by Allah against any violence.”