Quraysh

Some commentators view this surah as complementary to, or a continuation of, Surah al-Fil, which precedes it.

Being strategically situated astride Europe and Asia, the Arabian Peninsula has, since early times, been a vital trade route between these two continents. As renowned traders, the sixth-century Arabs formed an important link between the Romans to their north and the Indians to their east and south. Regular trade caravans would cross the peninsula in both directions, carrying all manner of goods and merchandise.

The Quraysh people of Makkah and its surrounding towns were to benefit greatly from this most fortuitous situation. For the good and protection of the Quraysh in their winter and summer journeys, they should worship the Lord of this House [the Ka’bah] who has provided them with food to satisfy their hunger, and security from all danger. (1–4)

Peace and security are a prerequisite for prosperity and political and economic freedom. With their strong and tenacious character, the Arabs truly epitomized a free spirit, which, in turn, made them most suitable candidates for shouldering the message of Islam and passing it on to the rest of humanity.