Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Quraysh is a Makkan surah. It reminds the tribe of Quraysh about the blessings that Allah gave them, especially their safety, trade, and provision. Because of these blessings, Allah commands them to worship Him alone, the Lord of the Ka‘bah.
The Favor Given to Quraysh (Verses 1–2)
Allah says:
“For the Ilaf of the Quraysh.
Their Ilaf caravans, in winter and in summer.”
(Qur’an 106:1–2)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Ilaf refers to the unity, security, and agreements that allowed the Quraysh to travel safely for trade. They would travel in the winter to Yemen and in the summer to Ash-Sham (the region of Syria and surrounding lands).
Because they were the custodians of the Ka‘bah and lived in Allah’s sacred sanctuary, other tribes respected them. This respect allowed them to travel safely, and even those who traveled with them were protected.
Ibn Kathir also mentions that this surah is connected in meaning with the previous surah, Surah Al-Fil, because Allah destroyed the army of the elephant and protected Makkah so that the Quraysh could remain secure in their city.
The Command to Worship Allah (Verse 3)
Allah says:
“So let them worship the Lord of this House.”
(Qur’an 106:3)
Explanation
After mentioning the blessing of safety and successful trade, Allah commands the Quraysh to worship the Lord of the Ka‘bah alone.
Ibn Kathir explains that since Allah gave them security and honor through the Sacred House, they should single Him out in worship and not associate partners with Him.
This meaning is similar to another verse where Allah says:
“I have been commanded only to worship the Lord of this city, Who has sanctified it and to Whom belongs everything. And I am commanded to be from among the Muslims.”
(Qur’an 27:91)
Allah’s Blessings of Provision and Safety (Verse 4)
Allah says:
“Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear.”
(Qur’an 106:4)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah is the One who provided the Quraysh with food when they were in need and gave them safety from fear while other people around them faced danger and instability.
Because of these blessings, they were obligated to worship Allah alone and abandon idols. If they obeyed this command, Allah would grant them safety in this world and the Hereafter. But if they rejected His blessings and disobeyed Him, those blessings could be removed.
Ibn Kathir then mentions another example from the Qur’an where Allah describes a town that was safe and prosperous but denied Allah’s favors, so He made it taste hunger and fear as a punishment. (Qur’an 16:112–113).
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Quraysh (106).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Quraysh.