(Allah coineth a similitude: a township) Allah explains the characteristic of the people of Mecca: Abu Jahl, al-Walid and their host (that dwelt secure) its inhabitants were safe from the enemy, fighting, hunger and being taken captives (and well content) its inhabitants were well settled, (its provision coming to it) food and fruits were brought to it (in abundance from every side) of the earth, (but it disbelieved in Allah's favours) its inhabitants disbelieved in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an, (so Allah made it experience the garb of dearth and fear) so Allah punished its inhabitants with hunger, which lasted seven years, and also with the fear of fighting Muhammad, Allah, bless him and give him peace, and his Companions (because of what they used to do) because of what they said and did with Muhammad (pbuh) of hostility.