Name and Background
Like Al-Feel, Al-Quraish was taken from the first verse of this Soorah to be used
as its name.
This Soorah is the companion of Al-Feel and uses a different style to make the Makkans
realize that if they just consider the blessings that the Holy Ka‘bah brings to
them in the form of peace, security and sustenance, they owe their gratitude, obedience
and worship to the Lord of this Blessed House.
Food and security are the two most important human needs. From the perspective of
food, Makkah was a totally barren land where no food could be produced. From a security
perspective, Arabia was a lawless land of robberies, plundering, abductions, nightly
raids and ongoing battles between tribes. If the food and security was available,
it was only because of the Holy Ka‘bah. The Holy Ka‘bah is surrounded by a territory
that is called its sanctuary. Within the limits of the sanctuary, no one would touch
even his worst enemy under any circumstances. The blood thirsty enemies would see
each other without engaging in a fight. Thus, Makkah and the surrounding sanctuary
was an island of peace in the ocean of violence. In addition, travel in Arabia was
safe only during two pilgrimage seasons when people would travel to Makkah for the
pilgrimage of the House. During the months specified for that purpose, no travellers
were attacked by anyone. Thus, the pilgrimage season was the only time when Arabs
could travel freely without concern for security.
As mentioned in the background notes for Al-Feel, the Quraish were in a unique position
to safely travel throughout the year because of their connection with the Holy Ka‘bah.
Even a lone Quraishi could travel safely. If anyone was to attack him, he could
merely mention “I am from Allaah’s sanctuary (Ĥaram)” to be left alone. This privilege
allowed them to prosper through their trading activities and to increase their influence,
power and networking connections with various tribes in Arabia and the governments
outside Arabia. Both this trade as well as the pilgrims coming from all over Arabia
were also sources of food supplies, in addition to the general wealth. The Quraish
also enjoyed this special status, leveraged their position smartly and structured
their travels in different seasons to different destinations.
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