It is certain that 'the city of security' refers to Mecca...

It is certain that 'the city of security' refers to Mecca, a land which was known as a secure region even in pagan times. Its sacred character was always respected, and no fighting was allowed in its territory even against criminals and murderers; so, when they reached there they were in complete security. This land is considered especially important in Islam; so important that its animals, trees and birds should be left in complete security; even more so is the state of people.

It is noteworthy that the word /tin/ ‘fig' is mentioned only in this Surah, which is only once in the whole Qur'an, while the word /zaytun/ ‘olive' is seen in six clear occurrences of all the verses of Holy Qur'an and once it is mentioned by implication where it says; "Also a tree springing out of Mount sinin, which produces oil, and relish for those who use it for food”. Even if we render these two oaths (about Tin and Zaytun) to their first common meanings, i.e.

the known ‘fig' and 'olive', They are meaningful oaths, because: the fig is a very good, nutritious food; a suitable morsel for anyone and any age; free from skin, stone, or commercial additives. Scientists of nutrition say that the fig can be used as a natural sugar for babies. Sportsmen and also those who are weak or are decrepit, due to old age, can use the fig for food.

It is said that Plato liked figs so much so that some have called it a friend of philosophers; Socrates knew the fig as an absorber of useful materials, in the body, and a repulsor of harmful ones. Galen arranged a special diet of figs for athletes. In ancient Rome and Greece, too, the champions were given figs to eat. Scientists, experts on nutrition, say that the fig is full of various vitamins and sugar.

It can be used as a remedy for some diseases, particularly when the fig and honey are equally mixed which can be very useful in curing stomach ulcers. Eating dried figs is useful in strengthening the memory. In brief, because of having mineral elements which cause the balance between the bodily faculties and the blood, the fig has been introduced as a food appropriate for all at any age and in any condition.

A tradition narrated from Imam Ali-ibn-Musa-ar-Riza (S) says: “The fig removes the bad smell of the mouth.