❀ Tafsīr of Sūrah al-Fīl and the Story of Abrahah’s Destruction ❀
Written by: Qārī Usāmah bin ʿAbd al-Salām ḥafiẓahullāh
Sūrah al-Fīl is the 105th chapter of the Noble Qur’an, revealed in Makkah. It narrates a powerful historical incident in which Abrahah, the ruler of Yemen, marched with an army—including elephants—to destroy the Kaʿbah. However, Allah ﷻ intervened miraculously and annihilated Abrahah’s army, turning their plan into utter failure.
“Have you (O Prophet) not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?”
Tafsīr:
The phrase "أَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ" (companions of the elephant) refers to Abrahah and his army, who came to attack Makkah with a force that included elephants.
The expression "أَلَمْ تَرَ" (Have you not seen?) highlights how widely known and impactful this incident was—as though it was witnessed firsthand by everyone.
“Did He not make their plot go astray?”
Tafsīr:
Despite Abrahah’s elaborate plan to demolish the Kaʿbah, Allah nullified his scheme, rendering his plotting and might completely futile.
“And He sent against them birds in flocks.”
Tafsīr:
Allah sent flocks of birds from the sky, each carrying small stones in their beaks and claws, forming the means of divine punishment.
“Striking them with stones of baked clay.”
Tafsīr:
These stones were of baked, hardened clay (sijjīl)—causing deadly destruction, penetrating their bodies and resulting in a horrific torment.
“And He made them like chewed straw.”
Tafsīr:
This is a metaphor expressing their complete annihilation, likening them to devoured husks—utterly lifeless, scattered remains.
Allah ﷻ can destroy the mightiest armies with the smallest means, as demonstrated by the tiny birds that obliterated a powerful force.
Allah Himself protected the Sacred House, proving that He is its true guardian, and that He honors and defends what is sacred to Him.
Any scheme made against Allah’s deen or His signs will surely fail, as did Abrahah’s campaign—ending in disgrace and ruin.
This incident occurred shortly before the birth of the Prophet ﷺ, and served as a clear sign to the people of Makkah that Allah is the Supreme Protector, and no worldly power can challenge His will.
Written by: Qārī Usāmah bin ʿAbd al-Salām ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Introduction to Sūrah al-Fīl
Sūrah al-Fīl is the 105th chapter of the Noble Qur’an, revealed in Makkah. It narrates a powerful historical incident in which Abrahah, the ruler of Yemen, marched with an army—including elephants—to destroy the Kaʿbah. However, Allah ﷻ intervened miraculously and annihilated Abrahah’s army, turning their plan into utter failure.
❖ Summary and Tafsīr of the Verses
① "أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ"
“Have you (O Prophet) not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?”
Tafsīr:
The phrase "أَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ" (companions of the elephant) refers to Abrahah and his army, who came to attack Makkah with a force that included elephants.
The expression "أَلَمْ تَرَ" (Have you not seen?) highlights how widely known and impactful this incident was—as though it was witnessed firsthand by everyone.
② "أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِي تَضْلِيلٍ"
“Did He not make their plot go astray?”
Tafsīr:
Despite Abrahah’s elaborate plan to demolish the Kaʿbah, Allah nullified his scheme, rendering his plotting and might completely futile.
③ "وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ"
“And He sent against them birds in flocks.”
Tafsīr:
Allah sent flocks of birds from the sky, each carrying small stones in their beaks and claws, forming the means of divine punishment.
④ "تَرْمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍ مِّن سِجِّيلٍ"
“Striking them with stones of baked clay.”
Tafsīr:
These stones were of baked, hardened clay (sijjīl)—causing deadly destruction, penetrating their bodies and resulting in a horrific torment.
⑤ "فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَّأْكُولٍ"
“And He made them like chewed straw.”
Tafsīr:
This is a metaphor expressing their complete annihilation, likening them to devoured husks—utterly lifeless, scattered remains.
❖ Lessons and Messages of Sūrah al-Fīl
✦ The Power of Allah
Allah ﷻ can destroy the mightiest armies with the smallest means, as demonstrated by the tiny birds that obliterated a powerful force.
✦ Sanctity of the Kaʿbah
Allah Himself protected the Sacred House, proving that He is its true guardian, and that He honors and defends what is sacred to Him.
✦ Failure of Falsehood
Any scheme made against Allah’s deen or His signs will surely fail, as did Abrahah’s campaign—ending in disgrace and ruin.
❖ Historical Note
This incident occurred shortly before the birth of the Prophet ﷺ, and served as a clear sign to the people of Makkah that Allah is the Supreme Protector, and no worldly power can challenge His will.
