When Abraha Came to Attack the Kaaba

The story of Abraha is immortalized in Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant). It occurred in the year 570 CE, the same year Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born.

The Jealousy of Abraha

Abraha, the Abyssinian ruler of Yemen, built a magnificent cathedral to divert pilgrims away from the Ka'bah. When his plan failed and an Arab defiled his cathedral, he swore to destroy the Ka'bah.

The Army of Elephants

He marched towards Makkah with a massive army led by a giant elephant named Mahmud. The Arabs were powerless against such a force. Abdul-Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet (SAW), famously said: "I am the lord of the camels, but the House (Ka'bah) has a Lord who will protect it."

Divine Intervention

As the army approached, the elephant Mahmud refused to move forward. Suddenly, the sky filled with flocks of birds (Ababil).

"Striking them with stones of hard clay, And He made them like eaten straw." (Quran 105:4-5)

The mighty army was decimated by small stones carried by birds. It was a clear sign that this House is protected by Allah Himself. This event set the stage for the coming of the Final Prophet.