(1–4) “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. For the accustomed security of Quraysh * their accustomed security in the winter and summer journeys * let them worship the Lord of this House * Who fed them against hunger and made them safe from fear.”

Many commentators have said that the prepositional phrase is connected to the preceding surah. That is: We did what We did to the People of the Elephant for the sake of Quraysh—so that they might enjoy security, their interests might prosper, and their winter journey to Yemen and summer journey to Syria might proceed regularly for trade and profit.

Allah therefore destroyed those who intended them harm and magnified the sanctity of the Sacred Precinct and its people in the hearts of the Arabs, so that they respected them and did not hinder them on any journey they wished to undertake. For this reason, Allah commanded them to show gratitude, saying: “Let them worship the Lord of this House”; that is, let them affirm His oneness and worship Him sincerely. “Who fed them against hunger and made them safe from fear.” Abundant provision and safety from danger are among the greatest worldly blessings and necessitate gratitude to Allah Most High.

To You, O Allah, belong all praise and thanks for Your manifest and hidden blessings. Allah singled out the House for mention in connection with His Lordship (1) because of its excellence and honor; otherwise, He is the Lord of all things.

Commentary on Sūrat al-Māʿūn

[It is] Meccan.