What is the wisdom behind the revelation of the chapter of Quraysh? Why was a separate chapter sent down for the tribe of Quraysh? Is it not contrary to the universality of the Quran for a separate chapter to be sent particularly for the tribe of Quraysh?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Quraysh is a big Arab tribe to which the Prophet (pbuh) belonged, which was the first addressee of the message of Islam and whose name is mentioned in the Quran.

In the Era of Jahiliyya, Qurayshis believed in the existence of Allah but they also worshipped idols, associating partners with Allah; therefore, the Quran described them as "mushrikun (polytheists)". When the Quran started to be sent down to the Prophet (pbuh) in 610, some of the Qurayshis believed in him but most of them did not; in addition, they started a struggle against the Prophet (pbuh) that got more severe and led to wars. This resistance lasted until Makkah was conquered in the 8^th year of the migration. When Makkah was conquered, the enmity of Quraysh against Islam ended. It is seen that Qurayshis worked very hard and struggled in order to spread Islam to the world.   

The tribe of Quraysh had undertaken the duty of the protection and maintenance of the Kaaba; therefore, the other Arab tribes showed great respect to them. When the attempt of the army of elephants that came to Makkah in order to demolish the Kaaba was hit by a miraculous disaster and failed, the respect shown to Quraysh by other tribes increased more. Rulers and kings showed respect to them; though other people were attacked by bandits in deserts, Qurayshis traveled safely to the cool plateaus of Taif in summer and to warm regions of Yemen in winter, earning a lot of money. Trade caravans of Quraysh went to Somalia and Abyssinia in winter and to Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Iran in summer.

Since the region where Makkah is located was not suitable for agriculture and animal husbandry, the people had scarcely any means of livelihood except trade. The fairs organized during the season of hajj caused trade to prosper and the competitions like poetry and rhetoric enabled the language, literature and culture to develop. Those boons granted by Allah to them are reminded and the Kaaba is emphasized in the chapter; the following is stated: "Let them adore the Lord of this House."

The Arabian Peninsula was full of tribes and it lacked a state authority; therefore, there was a general insecurity there but Makkah was declared as a secure region by Allah during the time of Hz. Ibrahim; thus, Makkah was protected from external attacks. As a matter of fact, those boons are reminded in a verse as follows:

"Do they not then see that We have made a sanctuary secure, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then, do they believe in that which is vain, and reject the Grace of Allah?" (al-Ankabut, 29/67)

Besides, vegetables, fruits and other food items produced in other regions were brought to Makkah, which became a trade center thanks to the prayer of Hz. Ibrahim (Ib­rahim 14/37), thus, the needs of the people of Makkah were met. In this chapter, Qurayshis are asked to worship Allah in order to thank for those boons. (Kur’an Yolu: V/655-656)

The Quran is a universal book. It is not contrary to its universal message to give a person or a tribe as an example. For instance, if the author of a novel of world classics gives examples from the place where he lives, does it prevent his book from being universal?

Boons that are given to people necessitate thanking; therefore, the Quran reminds Qurayshis of the boons granted to them and asks them to worship Allah by abandoning shirk and to make jihad in the way of Islam in return. The people who read this chapter can deduce/take the following lesson:

"Allah wanted the tribe of Quraysh to thank Him for the boons He gave them; since we have also been given boons as individuals and the community, it is necessary for us to thank for the boons granted to us."

That the Quran gives messages using some individuals and communities does not necessarily make those messages peculiar to them. That Abu Lahab and his wife are given as examples are related to the people having the mentality of Abu Lahab up to the Day of Judgment. Similarly, the divine warning in the chapter of Quraysh gives everybody the message that individuals and communities must not be ungrateful to the boons given to them and that they must thank the Creator. 

The messages given in the chapters of Quraysh and Lahab are explained without examples in other verses. However, the reason why concrete examples are given is that human mind tends to concrete examples.

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