Basic Story Facts
Who tried to destroy the Kaaba?
Abraha
What did Abraha want to destroy?
The Kaaba
What kind of birds did Allah send?
Birds called Abābīl.
How many verses are in Surah Al-Fīl?
5 verses.
Was Abraha stronger than the people of Makkah?
Yes, his army was stronger.
Where did Abraha come from?
Yemen (he ruled Yemen under the King of Habesha).
Who was the leader of Makaah at that time?
Abdul Muttalib
What were the birds carrying?
Small stones made of baked clay.
What does “Al-Fīl” mean?
The Elephant.
Did strength help Abraha win?
No.
What animal did Abraha bring to destroy the Kaaba?
An Elephant
What happened to the elephant when it was ordered to move towards the Kaaba?
it refused to move forward
Where did the birds drop the stones?
On the army of Abraha.
What does this surah show about Allah’s power?
Allah can defeat even the strongest army.
What quality did Abdul Muttalib show?
Strong faith and trust in Allah.
What is the name of the year when this happened?
The year of the Elephant
What did the people of Makkah do when the army came?
They went up to the mountains and trusted Allah.
What happened to the army after being hit?
They were destroyed
Did the people of Makkah defeat the army themselves?
No, Allah defeated them.
What does this story teach about pride?
Pride and arrogance can lead to destruction.
Who was born in the Year of the Elephant?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Who protected the Kaaba?
Allah protected it.
What did Allah turn them into, according to the Surah?
Like eaten straw (chewed-up crop).
What lesson does Surah Al-Fīl teach us?
Always trust Allah. He protects His house and His servants.
Why is this story important for Muslims?
It shows Allah’s protection and happened the year Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born.