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106

Quraysh

The Tribe of Quraysh

Verses

4

Revelation Period

Makkan

Reason for the Name

Named after the Quraysh tribe, the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) tribe, who are mentioned in the first verse . The Surah highlights Allah's special favours upon them.

Summary

This very short Surah directly addresses the Quraysh, the most prominent tribe in Makkah and the custodians of the Ka'bah. Allah reminds them of His great favour in establishing their custom ([object Object]) of trade caravans . These journeys, undertaken safely in winter (south to Yemen) and summer (north to Syria) despite the surrounding dangers, were a unique privilege and source of their prosperity and influence.

Because of these immense blessings – the sustenance provided in a barren valley and the security granted from fear (both general tribal conflict and potentially alluding to the protection from the Army of the Elephant mentioned in the previous Surah) – Allah commands them to dedicate their worship solely to the Lord of "this House" (the Ka'bah) .

The Surah powerfully links divine favours with the obligation of Tawhid (monotheism) and gratitude.

Core Message

A concise reminder to the tribe of Quraysh of the specific blessings of security and provision bestowed upon them by Allah, urging them, therefore, to worship Him alone, the Lord of the Ka'bah, in gratitude.

Themes

  • Allah's Blessings (Ni'mah)
  • Gratitude (Shukr)
  • Provision (Rizq)
  • Security (Amn)
  • The significance of the Ka'bah
  • The call to Monotheism (Tawhid)
  • Responsibility tied to privilege
  • Trade and Commerce (as a context for blessings)

Key Verses

  • "For the accustomed security of the Quraysh – Their accustomed security [in] the caravan of winter and summer..." - Significance: Highlights the specific, established blessing of safe trade routes Allah facilitated for them.
  • "Let them worship the Lord of this House," - Significance: The central command of the Surah, directly linking the blessings received to the exclusive worship of Allah, Lord of the Ka'bah.
  • "Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear." - Significance: Explicitly mentions the fundamental blessings of sustenance and security provided solely by Allah, emphasizing His lordship and care.

Stories

  • The Surah doesn't contain a full narrative but directly references the established and protected trade caravans of the Quraysh.
  • It implicitly connects to the event of the Army of the Elephant (Surah Al-Fil), as the security enjoyed by Quraysh was significantly enhanced after Allah protected the Ka'bah from Abraha's attack.

Personalities

The Quraysh: Mentioned collectively as the recipients of Allah's blessings and the audience for the command to worship Him alone.

Practical Guidance

  • Recognize that all blessings, including safety, food, livelihood, and stability, come ultimately from Allah .
  • Cultivate constant gratitude for Allah's favours, both big and small.
  • Understand that true gratitude is expressed through sincere and exclusive worship of Allah .
  • Reflect on the unique blessings Allah may have granted your own community or family and the responsibilities that come with them.
  • Appreciate the value of security and provision, which are foundational for a stable life and community.

Points of Reflection

  • What are the specific "winter and summer caravans" (blessings, provisions, security) in my own life that I should be more consciously grateful for?
  • How effectively does my worship (prayer, charity, good deeds) reflect my gratitude for the blessings Allah has given me?
  • Considering the Quraysh were custodians of the Ka'bah yet were reminded to worship its Lord, how can I ensure I don't take my religious identity or practices for granted?

Unique Features

  • Specifically named after and addresses the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) tribe, Quraysh.
  • Focuses distinctively on the material blessings of safe trade and sustenance as reasons for worship.
  • Extremely concise and impactful.
  • Has a very strong thematic link to the preceding Surah, Al-Fil.

Connection to Chapters

  • Previous (Surah Al-Fil, 105): Surah Al-Fil describes Allah's miraculous protection of the Ka'bah from Abraha's army. Surah Quraysh serves as a direct follow-up, reminding the Quraysh that their subsequent prestige, security, and ability to travel safely for trade (ilaf) are direct results of Allah's favour and protection detailed in Al-Fil. Therefore, they owe worship to the Lord Who granted this .
  • Next (Surah Al-Ma'un, 107): After establishing the obligation to worship Allah out of gratitude for provision and security (Surah Quraysh), Surah Al-Ma'un critiques those who fail in the core aspects of that worship – being heedless in prayer and neglecting social responsibilities like feeding the needy, which contrasts sharply with Allah being the Provider .