Surah al-Quraish ([the tribe of] Quraysh) 106 : 2

Explanatory Note

The Elephant incident had an added effect in greatly enhancing the sanctity of the House amongst the Arabs all over the Peninsula. It also strengthened the position of the Quraysh, the custodians of the House, in all Arabia. They were thus able to travel far and wide in peace and security. Wherever they went they met with generosity and high esteem. This encouraged them to establish two great routes for their commercial caravans, to the Yemen in the south and to Syria in the north. They organised two enormous trading expeditions; one to the Yemen in winter and the other to Syria in summer.

In spite of very poor conditions of security in all parts of the Arabian Peninsula at that time, and in spite of all the looting and plundering raids that were common in that land, 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 custodians. It created for the Quraysh a distinct and exclusive position and opened up for them an extensive and guaranteed means of sustenance in peace, security and contentment. The Quraysh became accustomed to these two profitable and peaceful trips, which were soon established among their traditional habits.

This is the specific grace of which God reminds the Quraysh, as He reminded them of the Elephant incident in the previous surah. It is the grace of their being accustomed to the winter and summer trips, and the abundance with which He endowed them by means of these two fruitful journeys. It is by the grace of God that while their land is desolate and dry, they still live a comfortable life. Out of His grace He secures them from fear whether in their hearths and homes, next to God’s House, or on their journeys. Their security is the result of their being the custodians of the House, the sanctity of which is ordained and preserved by God against any violation.

God reminds them of these graces in order that they may be ashamed of their submission to other beings, while He is the Lord of the House. God says to them in effect: for this tradition of the Quraysh, namely their winter and summer trips, let them submit to the Lord of this House who guaranteed their security and so encouraged them to take such beneficial journeys. “Let them worship the Lord of this House, who provided them with food against hunger, and with security against fear.” (Verses 3-4) As their land was infertile, they would have starved had it not been for the sustenance supplied by God. “And with security against fear.” Poor as they were, and living in an insecure surroundings, their life would have been one of fear and apprehension. But God granted them security and allayed their fear.

Winter

 * The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Winter is the season of the believer," and another narration contains the addition: "Its nights are long for him to pray in, and its days are short for him to fast in."

* He also said: "Fasting in the winter is the cold booty." As Ibn Rajab explained, it is referred to as 'cold booty' because it is booty which is gained easily, without any fighting or effort.

* Abu Hurayrah would say to his companions: "Should I not point you to the cold booty? Fasting in the winter."

* Ibn Mas'ud would say, upon the start of winter: "Welcome to winter! In it, blessing descends, its nights are long for prayer, and its days are short for fasting."

* al-Hasan al-Basri said: "What a wonderful time the winter is for the believer! Its nights are long for him to pray in, and its days are short for him to fast in."

* 'Ubayd bin 'Umayr would say, upon the start of winter: "O people of the Qur'an! Your nights are now long for your recitation, so recite. Your days are now short for your fasting, so fast."

* Mu'adh wept on his deathbed, and said: "Indeed, I weep because I miss being thirsty in the midday heat (i.e. fasting in the summer), praying at night in the winter, and putting my knees next to the scholars in the circles of knowledge.""