Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Fil is a Makkan surah that reminds the people of Quraysh of a great event that happened before the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Allah protected the Ka‘bah from the army of Abrahah who came with elephants intending to destroy it. This event showed Allah’s power and His protection of the Sacred House.
The Plot of the People of the Elephant (Verses 1–2)
Allah says:
“Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the Owners of the Elephant?
Did He not make their plot go astray?”
(Qur’an 105:1–2)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that this refers to the army that came from Yemen under the command of Abrahah, who intended to destroy the Ka‘bah. Allah ruined their plan and made their efforts completely useless.
Allah protected the Ka‘bah and defeated the army, sending them back defeated and humiliated. This event was also a preparation for the coming of the Prophet Muhammad, who was born in the same year according to the well-known opinion.
The Story of Abrahah and His Army
Ibn Kathir summarizes the historical background of this event.
Abrahah was the ruler of Yemen under the authority of the king of Abyssinia. He built a large and magnificent church in San‘a called Al-Qullays, intending to turn the Arabs away from the Ka‘bah and make them perform pilgrimage to this church instead.
However, the Arabs rejected this idea. One man from the Quraysh even entered the church and defiled it, which angered Abrahah. Because of this, he swore that he would march to Makkah and destroy the Ka‘bah stone by stone.
Abrahah prepared a massive army and brought with him a large elephant named Mahmud, along with other elephants. The plan was to use the elephant to pull down the walls of the Ka‘bah.
The Meeting with Abdul-Muttalib
When the army approached Makkah, they seized animals belonging to the people, including two hundred camels belonging to Abdul-Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad.
Abdul-Muttalib went to meet Abrahah. Abrahah was impressed by his appearance and honor. When Abrahah asked him what he wanted, Abdul-Muttalib requested that his camels be returned.
Abrahah was surprised and said that he expected Abdul-Muttalib to speak about the Ka‘bah.
Abdul-Muttalib replied:
“Verily, I am the lord of the camels. As for the House, it has its Lord Who will defend it.”
After this, the people of Makkah left the city and went to the mountains while Abdul-Muttalib prayed to Allah to protect His House.
The Elephant Refuses to Move
When Abrahah prepared to enter Makkah and destroy the Ka‘bah, they directed the elephant toward the Sacred House.
However, the elephant refused to move.
Whenever they turned it toward Makkah, it would kneel and refuse to advance. But when they turned it toward other directions, it would walk normally.
This was a sign that Allah was preventing them from entering the sacred city.
The Birds Sent by Allah (Verses 3–4)
Allah says:
“And He sent against them birds, in flocks (Ababil),
Striking them with stones of Sijjil.”
(Qur’an 105:3–4)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah sent birds in large groups. The word Ababil means many groups coming one after another.
Each bird carried three stones:
one in its beak and two in its claws.
The stones were small, like chickpeas or lentils, but whenever they struck someone from the army, they destroyed him completely.
Some of the soldiers died immediately, while others were destroyed slowly as they tried to escape. Even Abrahah himself was struck and gradually died while returning to Yemen.
Their Final Destruction (Verse 5)
Allah says:
“And He made them like ‘Asf, Ma’kul.”
(Qur’an 105:5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that ‘Asf refers to the leaves or straw of crops, and Ma’kul refers to what animals have eaten and left behind.
This means Allah destroyed the army and left them like chewed and trampled straw, completely ruined and humiliated.
The Blessing for Quraysh
Ibn Kathir mentions that Allah reminded Quraysh of this event as a great blessing. Allah protected them and their sacred sanctuary from the attack of the Abyssinian army. Because of this protection, they were able to remain safe in Makkah.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Fil (105).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Fil.