Surah ‘Al Fil’ – A Major Chronicle Embedded in a Small Quranic Surah | Part 2

Ibn Kathir states that Abrahah’s plan to destroy the Ka’bah would follow this strategy: They planned to do this by fastening chains to the pillars of the Ka’bah and placing the other ends around the neck of the elephant. Then they would make the elephant pull on them in order to tear down the walls of the Ka’bah [ God forbid] all at once. When the Arabs heard of Abrahah’s expedition, they considered it their moral obligation to defend the Sacred House and thwart the evil plans of the conspirators. Thus, the Arabs raised an army under to go to war against Abrahah and fight in defense of the Sacred House, so that the enemy would be unable to tear it down. Abrahah sent his troops on a foray to capture the camels and other grazing animals of the Makkans. They accomplished their mission. They also drove away about two hundred camels of Abdul-Muttalib. (the grandfather of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the leader of the Quraysh). Abrahah then sent an emissary named Hanatah al-Himyari to enter Makkah and bring to him the leader of the Quraysh. He mandated him to convey to the leader of the Quraysh his message that he had not come to fight with the Makkans unless they stood in his way of destroying their Sacred Sanctuary. Arriving in the city, Hanatah was directed to Abdul-Muttalib Ibn Hashim, to whom he communicated Abrahah’s message. According to Ibn Ishaq’s narration, Abdul-Muttalib replied, “By Allah! We too have no desire to fight him, nor do we have the might to do so. This is the Sacred Sanctuary of Allah built by His friend Prophet Ibrahim (AS). If He wills to prevent Abrahah from pulling it down, He will protect it. And if He allows him to approach it, by Allah, we have no means to defend it.” So Hanatah told him, “Come with me to Abrahah.” So Abdul-Muttalib went with him. Thus, Abdul-Muttalib, accompanied by some other prominent leaders, went to see Abraha. Abrahah was informed beforehand of the prestige and position of Abdul-Muttalib. When he beheld Abdul Muttalib, he marveled at his impressive and awe-inspiring personality. When Abdul Mutallib entered Abraha’s tent, the latter rose from his throne, warmly welcomed him, and during the ensuing conversation, Abdul-Muttalib requested him to release his camels. Abrahah was astonished and appalled. Speaking derogatorily, he stated that he had been so impressed by Abdul Muttalib that had the latter requested him to forego his attempt to attack Makkah, he would have done so post haste and possibly returned to Yemen too. But he was outraged that instead of being concerned about the demolishment of the Ka’bah, (which was not only the focal religious center of Abdul Muttalib’s tribe, but also the source of his ancestors’ prestige and the foundation of their tribal respect in Arabia) he was merely requesting the paltry return of his camels. Abdul Muttalib’s rejoinder to this was the profound statement that he was the rightful owner and protector of his herd of camels, whereas Almighty Allah was cognizant of the attempt of the eminent attack on his House, and He was its rightful defender and only He was supremely equipped to protect its honor from any adversaries who would attack it. Abrahah was stunned by this reply. He ordered the camels to be released, and the deputation of Quraysh returned. Providing details of this meeting, Ibn Kathir observes: When Abrahah saw him, he was highly impressed, because Abdul Muttalib had the most handsome, charming, and attractive personality. He descended from his throne and sat with the latter on a carpet on the ground. He then said to his interpreter to ask him, “What do you need?” Abdul Muttalib replied to the interpreter, “I want the king to give back my two hundred camels which his soldiers have taken from me.” Then Abrahah told his interpreter to relay to him: “When I first set my eyes on you, I admired you greatly and had great respect for you. But all that is now lost. You speak only of your two hundred camels while you fully well know that I have come to tear down your Ka’bah which is the embodiment of your religion and the religion of your forefathers. You did not even say a single word to persuade me to spare it.” Abdul Muttalib calmly responded, “I am the owner of my camels and am concerned about them. I am not the owner of Allah’s House. The Master of the House knows how best to protect His House.” Abrahah rudely rebuffed, “Your God cannot protect it from me.” Abdul Muttalib made a rejoinder, “Then do as you like [or take your chance]!.” According to some scholars, there were other chiefs of Quraysh present with Abdul Muttalib at the time of this negotiation. They proposed to Abrahah that if he withdrew from the Sanctuary, the tribes of the entire region would pay him a third of their agricultural produce annually as tribute. But he turned down the offer. He then gave back Abdul Muttalib’s camels to him. Consequently, Abdul Muttalib commanded his people to leave Makkah and seek sanctuary in the mountains. He feared that atrocities might be committed by the invading army against them. Then he went with a few of the prominent members of the Quraysh tribe to the Ka’bah, clasped the metal ring of the Ka’bah’s door and earnestly implored Allah to give them victory over Abrahah and his army and to defend the holy Ka’bah. Having prayed in all earnestness, he was confident and convinced that Allah’s protection would overcome Abrahah and his troops. Ibn Kathir comments, “When the next morning dawned, Abrahah prepared to enter the sacred city of Makkah. He prepared the elephant named Mahmud and mobilized his army, and they turned the elephant towards the Ka’bah. The elephant drivers exerted all efforts to persuade the elephant to enter the city, but their efforts were in vain. Then they tried striking it with large iron spears, beat it on its head with axes and used hooked staffs to pull it out of its resistance and make it stand, but it refused. So, they turned it towards Yemen, and it rose and walked quickly. Then they turned it towards Greater Syria, and it walked fast. Then they turned it towards the east and it walked briskly. Then they turned it towards Makkah, it knelt and sat down again.” Abrahah’s mighty elephant Mahmud is said to have stopped at the boundary around Makkah, and refused to enter. Subsequently, something unprecedented occurred which could only be interpreted as the wrath of Allah. A dark cloud, comprising of a huge flock of small birds or an “army of Allah” (of martin swallow birds, known in Arabic as “ababil”) appeared on the western horizon and they ominously overshadowed the entire army of Abrahah. These birds were somewhat smaller in size than pigeons and had never been seen before.” (As stated by Ibn Jubayr, and as quoted by Qurtubi.) Each bird held three pebbles: two in its claws and one in its beak. These pebbles were actually “sijjil”, a volcanic stone. These sharp pebbles rained down strategically on the soldiers, and in a few minutes, the whole army was assailed upon violently and destroyed. Abrahah himself was seriously wounded and subsequently, he fled towards Yemen and died. Thus, the Ethiopian forces were smashed like “eaten straw”, as stated in the Qur’an. The noted writers al-Zamakhshari and Fakhr al-Din al-Razi translate the above mentioned verses as, “Thus, He let loose upon them great swarms of flying creatures which smote them with stone-hard blows of chastisement pre-ordained…” Bringing the narration of the momentous event to a close, Ibn Kathir remarks: This was one aspect of the manifestation of the Divine power unfolding itself miraculously. The flocks of birds were seen coming from the sea. Each bird carried three pebbles of the size of gram seeds or lentils, one in each claw and two in its beak. According to Waqidi’s narration, the birds looked unusual as they had never been seen before. They looked smaller than pigeons, and their claws were red in color. They flew over Abrahah’s army and pelted them with the pebbles. When these pebbles fell on anything, it had a devastating effect, as it tore directly through the body and settled deep in the ground. Seeing this scourge, the elephants fled in panic, except one which was harmed and destroyed by the pebbles. Abrahah’s men were not destroyed instantly. People escaped in different directions. They died excruciatingly on their way back. Allah had willed that the most distressful scourge should be inflicted upon Abrahah, and He did not allow him to die immediately. In fact, Allah afflicted him with a deadly disease. A kind of poison spread thoroughly through his entire body and caused every single part to decay, and his limbs began to rot and separate from the rest of his body. His body was carried back in that state to Yemen. By the time they arrived back in Sana, the capital of Yemen, his body was broken down limb by limb until he eventually died. Two of Mahmud’ (the elephant) drivers remained in Makkah, but both of them became blind and paralyzed. Muhammad Ibn Ishaq reports that A’ishah (RA) narrates that she saw them blind and paralyzed. Her sister, Asmah says that she saw the two blind and paralyzed men begging.” In a nutshell, Ibn Kathir very aptly sums up this incident, “This is one of the favors Allah did for the Quraysh. He saved them from The People of the Elephant who had tried to tear down the Ka’bah and wipe out all traces of its existence. Allah destroyed them, defeated them, thwarted their plans, made their efforts in vain and sent them back routed.” Connection With the Next Surah Surah al-Fil and the next surah, Surah Quraysh, form a pair in subject matter according to most Qur’anic scholars. Surah al-Fil warns the Quraysh about the Incident of the Elephant to inspire their fear in Allah, while Surah Quraysh urges them to keep in mind the favors they enjoy, a major one being the fact that Allah had entrusted them with the upkeep and maintenance of the Ka’bah. Consequently, they must give up rebelliousness against Allah, be thankful to the Almighty and worship Him alone for providing them with all of their needs. They are cautioned that they have been blessed with peace and sustenance, not because of their efforts or because they were entitled to them, but because of Prophet Ibrahim‘s invocation and the blessings of the House which he built. Therefore, instead of showing vanity, it was their obligation to worship the Lord of this House, who fed them, protected them and kept them secure against any kind of danger. Hadiths about Surah Al-Fil The event of al-Fil took place at Muhassir by the Muhassab valley between Muzdalifah and Mina.  According to Sahih Muslim and Abu Dawood (Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq has related from his father, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, and he from Jabir ibn Abd-Allah), he says that when Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) proceeded from Muzdalifah to Mina, he increased his speed in the valley of Muhassir. Imam Al-Nawawi has explained it by saying that the incident of the people of the elephant had occurred there; therefore, the pilgrims have been enjoined to traverse this area with haste, for Muhassir is a tormented place. Imam Malik in Mu’attah has related that Muhammad said that “the whole of Muzdalifah is a fit place for staying but one should not stay in the valley of Muhassir.” Narrated Abu Hurayrah that when God, the Exalted and Majestic, granted His Messenger victory over Makkah, he stood before the people and praised and extolled Allah and then said, “Verily Allah held back the elephants from Makkah and gave the domination of it to His Messenger and believers.” Historical Significance The event and the year itself have become ingrained in Islamic history and traditions, serving as a reminder of Allah’s power and the importance of the Ka’bah. Additionally, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) opened a new page in the history of humanity and the world, as his divine message illuminated the prevalent darkness. These events were a precursor to the glad tidings of Prophet Muhammad’s birth, and subsequently the foreshadowing of his Prophethood. Just as Allah saved His Ancient House from the army of Abrahah and his elephants, He, the Almighty, saved humanity by sending Muhammad (PBUH) as bringer of glad tidings and warner. The Prophet’s (PBUH) birth heralded the birth of a new era and the revival of a new nation. This event is considered a cornerstone of Islamic faith, (as Prophet Muhammad conveyed the true religion of Allah to humanity) and is revered as the final Prophet and Messenger of God. Allah, The Most Exalted said, “It is He Who has sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).” (Al-Saff, 61:9) Asbab al-Nuzul significantly refers to the specific circumstances, reasons, or occasions surrounding the revelation of a particular Qur’anic verse or passage. With reference to Surah al-Fil, it is stated that:

• The story serves as a reminder to the polytheists of Makkah about the fragility of their power and encourages them to instead contrast it with the overwhelming and everlasting power of Allah.
• The Surah’s main theme is that “Allah helps in ways that one least expects.”
• It also reinforces the notion of divine protection of sacred spaces like the Ka’bah and serves as a warning against mankind’s arrogant and puny attempt to challenge Allah’s will.
• Quranic exegetes interpreted that Allah saved the Makkans from Abrahah’s force by sending a swarm of birds that pelted the invaders with clay stones and destroyed them. The army of Abrahah that was destroyed for attacking the Ka’bah is a reminder and an example that Allah can save His house by destroying a massive army of 60,000 men plus elephants, through a mere flock of birds.

Although this tumultuous event may have somewhat faded in the annals of Islamic history, paradoxically, this year will always blaze brightly and luminously for the fact that our Beloved Prophet who would prove to be the “seal of the Prophets” sent by Allah was born in this year. Therefore, this marked the beginning of the divine message which would be conveyed to mankind for the last time as no other Prophet would come after him. Not only this, it is Allah’s promise that the Qur’an would be the last book to be revealed and it would remain unchanged till the end of time. Hence, this momentous confrontation and important year should prove to be a pivotal landmark and a turning point that should forever be etched in the memory of all Muslims.