VOCABULARY
Abraha: The greedy king who attacked Mecca.
Kaaba: The sacred house of Allah in Mecca.
Flocks: Groups of birds.
THE STORY
The Arrogant King
Abraha, the ruler of Yemen, grew jealous of the Kaaba. Pilgrims from all over Arabia visited Mecca to worship Allah, but Abraha wanted them to come to his grand temple instead. He carved statues of elephants from stone and shouted, “My temple is greater than the Kaaba!”
The March to Mecca
Abraha gathered a massive army, including a giant elephant named Mahmud. As they marched toward Mecca, they destroyed villages and terrified the people. The Quraish tribe prayed, “O Allah, protect Your House!”
The Miracle of the Birds
When Abraha reached Mecca, Allah sent flocks of Ababil birds from the sky. Each bird carried a tiny stone in its beak and claws. They dropped the stones on Abraha’s army, piercing their armor and turning them into “crushed straw” (Quran 105:5). The elephant Mahmud refused to move, and Abraha fled in shame, his body covered in sores!
The Kaaba Stands Strong
The Kaaba remained unharmed, and the people of Mecca celebrated Allah’s power. To this day, Muslims recite Surah Al-Fil to remember that no one can defeat Allah’s plan.
KEY TEACHINGS
“Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant? Did He not make their plan into misguidance? And He sent against them birds in flocks, striking them with stones of hard clay.” (Quran 105:1-4)
THINK & REFLECT
Why did Allah use something small (birds) to defeat something big (elephants)?
How does this story make you feel about Allah’s power?