Surah 106 - Al-Quraysh (The Quraysh)

1 For the security of Quraysh.

The surah opens by pointing to the privileged position of the Quraysh, the family of Muhammad, who enjoyed unusual security in a volatile region. The focus on a specific tribe’s advantage raises questions about particularism versus universality. That this whole Surah is talking about how special Muhammad’s family are, financially, shows an unspiritual and greedy mindset. Also, why should anyone care about four verses that say that one family many centuries ago were prosperous? What’s the spiritual or theological value?

2 For their security (We cause) the caravans to set forth in winter and summer.

These journeys refer to established trade routes—south to Yemen in winter, north to Syria in summer. The Quraysh’s economic prosperity is presented as evidence of divine favor. Christianity acknowledges that material stability can be a gift of God (Deuteronomy 8:18), but it consistently warns against interpreting prosperity as proof of righteousness (Luke 12:15). From a Christian critique, the surah risks sanctifying economic success without sufficiently questioning its moral use.

3 So let them worship the Lord of this House,

Here the surah turns from description to obligation. The beneficiaries of security are commanded to worship the Lord of the Kaʿba (“this House”). Christianity resonates with the logic that gratitude should lead to worship. Yet it differs sharply on sacred space: in the New Testament, worship is no longer centered on a single holy site but is universalized in spirit and truth (John 4:21–24). The verse grounds devotion in geographic and tribal context, whereas Christianity relocates holiness to relationship with God.

4 Who has fed them against hunger and has made them safe from fear.

The surah closes by summarizing God’s gifts in two basic human needs: provision and security. Christianity affirms God as provider and protector (Matthew 6:31–33). However, the Christian critique notes that these blessings are primarily temporal. The New Testament repeatedly shifts focus from physical hunger and fear to humanity’s deeper spiritual need—reconciliation with God and freedom from sin and death (John 6:35).

God grants safety and prosperity; therefore, worship is due. Christianity affirms this moral logic but presses it further, insisting that divine blessing carries responsibility not only for worship, but for justice, humility, and care for others (Luke 12:48). Moreover, Christianity universalizes God’s concern beyond tribe and territory, locating true security not in trade routes or sacred houses, but in restored relationship with God through Christ.