BADR 1
Why was the Prophet so focused on Mecca
"But while they [The Quraysh] may have been concerned with the growing number of his followers, as long as they remained confined to Yathrib, Mecca was content to forget about Muhammad. Muhammad, however, was not willing to forget about Mecca.
Of course, no matter what how popular or successful or large his community became, it could never hope to expand beyond the borders of Yathrib if the Religious, economic, and social center of the Hijaz continued to oppose it. Eventually, Muhammad would have to confront and, if possible, convert the Quraysh to his side. But first head to get their attention. The only effective way to confront the Quraysh was through their pocketbooks." - Aslan
How did the Prophet feel about honoring Pre-Islamic traditions?
"It is important, because traditionally with the Quraysh, it was the clan of ' Abd ad-Dar that were given the banner in war. Tradition is not always bad. The Prophet, God's peace and blessings upon him, was honoring a tradition of his people there that did not go against Islam.