(106:1-4) The Holy Kaaba The very existence of the Kaaba was...

(106:1-4) The Holy Kaaba The very existence of the Kaaba was considered a significant factor for the development of the city and for the prosperity of its people. This is because the Arabs used to arrive to this city twice for the observance of Hajj ceremonies. People of Quraysh, being responsible sponsors for the Kaaba’s affairs, provided the pilgrims with water and food.

Trade transactions were carried out between the pilgrims and the Meccan merchants during the Hajj ceremonies.[^201] These two factors played major roles in the trade prosperity of the city. Of course, the sanctity of Mecca which brought forth the required security for the trade transactions was of utmost importance for the trade prosperity of Mecca. This fact is mentioned by Allah: And they say: If we follow the guidance with you, we shall be carried off from our country. What!

Have We not settled them in a safe, sacred territory to which fruits of every kind shall be drawn-sustenance from Us? But most of them do not know. (38:57) Upon the settlement of his wife and child beside the Kaaba, Prophet Abraham asked his God for such an asset: O Our Lord! Surely, I have settled a part of my offspring in a valley unproductive of fruit near Thy Sacred House, our Lord!

That they may keep up prayer; therefore make the hearts of some people yearn towards them and provide them either fruits; haply they may be grateful. (14:37) My Lord, make it a secure town and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the last day.

(2:126) Trade and Custodianship of Quraysh The two factors of trade and the existence of the Kaaba, which had played their roles in the prosperity of Mecca, had their role in increasing the power of the people of Quraysh in Mecca, because they had the trade and religious initiatives in their hands: (1) People of Quraysh could amass tremendous amounts of wealth thorough trade.

The share of one of these traders in one caravan was more than thirty thousand Dinars.[^202] The Quraysh nobles had a lot of gardens.[^203] in the summer quarters of ta’if, which, in good weather, was called a part of Damascus.[^204] Al-`Abbas ibn `Abd al-Muttalib had a vineyard in ta’if the produce of which was carried to Mecca to be made wine.[^205] He was one of the great usurers of Mecca.