The Year of the Elephant: Allah Intervention
1. What is the Year of the Elephant, and why was it given this name?
The Year of the Elephant, known as “ʿam al-fīl” in Arabic, holds a significant place in Islamic history.
It earned its name due to a pivotal incident that unfolded in 570–571 CE when Abraha, a Christian king of Ethiopian origin, undertook a daring mission to destroy the Ka‘bah.
The event is marked by its unique association with elephants, symbolizing the magnitude of the army Abraha assembled for this audacious venture.
2. What happened in the Year of the Elephant, and its relationship to Islam
In this fateful year, Abraha, around 500-570 AD, conquered Yemen and overthrew the existing king. Crowned as the ruler of Yemen, he bestowed upon himself royal titles.
His dissatisfaction with the Kaaba, which is the holy sanctuary for Muslims, stemmed from his Christian beliefs and frustration with the Ka‘bah’s significance in Muslims pilgrimage.
Frustrated by the Arab refusal to abandon the Ka‘bah in favor of a cathedral he constructed, Abraha decided To demolish the Sacred House”Ka’bah”.
The people of Mecca, united in defense, faced Abraha’s mighty army. Remarkably, rather than engaging in battle, the situation took a unique turn, emphasizing Allah intervention that unfolded.
3. When was the Year of the Elephant?
The Year of the Elephant corresponds to the period around 570–571 CE. It is crucial to note that within this pivotal year, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born, marking the beginning of a new era.
4. Why did Abraha al-Habashi want to demolish the Kaaba? And what did God do to him?
Abraha, whose name in Ethiopian means “the one with the white face,” was a Christian king of Ethiopian origin. Around 500-570 AD, he conquered Yemen, overthrowing the existing king and assuming rulership.
His frustration with the Ka‘bah’s significance in Arab pilgrimage led him to construct a cathedral in Sanaa, urging pilgrims to redirect their devotions.
When met with Arab resistance, Abraha, determined to demolish the Ka‘bah, assembled a massive army with elephants. However, Allah, in His divine wisdom, thwarted Abraha’s plot.
When Abraha’s army approached the Ka‘bah, a miraculous intervention occurred, as birds carrying stones rained down upon them, leaving the invaders defeated and humiliated.
5. The story of the elephant in the Qur’an and how to read the verses
The miraculous events of the Year of the Elephant are eloquently narrated in the Qur’an, specifically in Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant). Here are the Arabic verses with diacritics:
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Bismillah hir rahman nir Raheem
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلْفِيلِ
Alam tara kaifa fa’ala rabbuka bi ashaabil feel
أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِى تَضْلِيلٍۢ
Alam yaj’al kaidahum fee tadleel
وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ
Wa arsala ‘alaihim tairan abaabeel
تَرْمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍۢ مِّن سِجِّيلٍۢ
Tarmeehim bihijaaratim min sijjeel
فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍۢ مَّأْكُولٍۭ
Faja ‘alahum ka’asfim m’akool
Reading and reflecting on these verses provide a profound understanding of the divine protection bestowed upon the Ka‘bah during the Year of the Elephant.
In conclusion, the Year of the Elephant stands as a testament to Allah’s power and His unwavering protection of sacred places. The events of this year serve as a reminder of divine intervention in the face of adversity and the significance of faith in the face of formidable challenges.
