Surah Al-Fil: Power of God Demonstrated by Birds

TEHRAN (IQNA) – A few months before the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the then king of Yemen sought to destroy the Ka’aba but God revealed His power through a miracle and prevented that from happening, according to Surah Al-Fil.

Al-Fil is the 105^th chapter of the Quran that has 5 verses and is in the 30^th Juz. It is Makki and the 19^th Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

It is about the ‘people of elephant’ or ‘owners of elephant’ – a group of people who, riding on elephants sought to demolish the holy Ka’aba – and hence the name of the Surah.  

It is a historical event during which God saved the Ka’aba from the army of infidels from Yemen riding on elephants. Pointing to this story is a warning to the arrogant enemies of Islam so that they realize they have no power in the face of God’s power.

The person who wanted to demolish the Ka’aba was Abraha, the king of Yemen. When he learned about the important status of Mecca which was visited by pilgrims from all over the place, he built a large church so that people would visit it instead of the Ka’aba but not many people went to visit the church. That is why he amassed an army of fighters riding on elephants and marched toward Mecca. 

The people of Mecca, fearing for their life, left the city.

The next morning, when Abraha began to attack Mecca, a large number of birds came, each of which brought three small stones. They dropped the stones on the soldiers of Abraha. Everyone hit by these stones was killed, including Abraha himself.

It is said that the incident took place in the year 570 AD, known as Aam al-Fil (year of elephant).

It is the year in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born.