إِۦلَـٰفِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ ٱلشِّتَآءِ وَٱلصَّيْفِ 2
Translations
Their accustomed security [in] the caravan of winter and summer -
Transliteration
Ilaafihim rihlatash-shitaa'i wash-sayf
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Quraysh's accustomed trade journeys during winter and summer seasons, which provided them security and prosperity. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Allah reminding the Quraysh of their comfortable lifestyle sustained by these trading expeditions, emphasizing that such blessings obligated them to worship the Lord of the Ka'bah. The ayah serves as a preface to highlighting their ingratitude despite receiving abundant provision.
Revelation Context
Surah Quraysh was revealed in Mecca to remind the Quraysh tribe of Allah's favors upon them. The surah's context addresses the historical reality that Quraysh conducted two major annual trading journeys—the winter caravan to Yemen and the summer caravan to Syria—which brought them wealth and safety. This prosperity was a direct blessing from Allah, yet they failed to acknowledge His lordship.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly narrates the revelation of this specific ayah, Surah Quraysh is contextually related to hadiths discussing the Quraysh's trade routes and their pre-Islamic commercial practices, as mentioned in various seerah (biographical) traditions about Meccan society.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that material prosperity and security are divine blessings that should inspire gratitude and obedience to Allah rather than arrogance or negligence. Modern readers should reflect on how Allah's provisions in their lives—whether financial, social, or political stability—demand a response of sincere worship and acknowledgment of their Creator.