Discover the true story of Am al-Fil, the Year of the Elephant. Learn how Abraha attacked Mecca and how the Ka’ba was protected by Ababil in 570 CE.
ʿĀm al-Fīl (Arabic: عام الفيل) (literally: year of the Elephant), is the year in which Abraha, the king of Yemen, started a huge military expedition toward Mecca in order to destroy Ka’ba. As he had an army with war elephants, the year turned to be known as the year of the Elephant. This event has been addressed in the Qur’an 105. Based on a famous historical account, this year is the birth year of the Prophet Muhammad (s). Historians believe the year of the Elephant was about 570 CE in the Julian calendar.
Military Expedition
After assuming the full control over Yemen, Abraha built a church in San’a and called it: Qulays. He wrote to the Ethiopian king: I have built a church similar to which none had existed before. Upon finishing its project, I will attract the pilgrims of Mecca to my church.
When Arabs knew about this letter, a member of Bani Faqim polluted the building with his feces. Upon such an outrageous act, Abraha who had long been waiting for a chance to destroy Ka’ba, prepared a great army with fourteen war elephants and started his military expedition toward Mecca.
Resistance against Abraha
Two of Yemeni elite, namely Dhu nafar and Nufayl b. Habib al-Khath’ami stood against Abraha but they were defeated and captured by him.
Message to ‘Abd al-Muttalib
Before reaching Mecca, Abraha sent a message to ‘Abd al-Muttalib, then the head of Quraysh, saying: I have not come to kill people but only to destroy Ka’ba.
‘Abd al-Muttalib went to him and asked him to give back his 200 camels which were plundered by Abraha’s army.
Abraha said in amazement: with all nobility that I see in your character, I don’t undrestand why you make such a humble request, while I have come to destroy Ka’ba which is [the center of] your religion and the religion of your ancestors.
‘Abd al-Muttalib replied: I am the lord of the camels and The House (Ka’ba) has a Lord who will protect it.
“Nobody can stop me from my goal.” Abraha said with conceit and ordered his men to give back the camels to ‘Abd al-Muttalib.
Quraysh Evacuating Mecca
‘Abd al-Muttalib told Quraysh to evacuate Mecca and take refuge in surrounding mountainous areas.
Attack of Ababil
Once the army of Abraha marched close to Ka’ba, Allah commanded flocks of birds, known as Ababil, to attack and destroy the Army of Abraha by throwing stones from their beaks.
The Holy Qur’an tells this story in the Qur’an 105. After ‘Am al-Fil, Quraysh gained a special position and respect among other Arab tribes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Why did Abraha decide to attack the Ka'ba in Mecca?
Abraha built a magnificent church in San'a called Qulays to divert Arab pilgrims away from Mecca. After a member of the Bani Faqim tribe desecrated the building, Abraha used the insult as a justification to launch a massive military expedition to destroy the Ka'ba and solidify his power.
2- How did 'Abd al-Muttalib respond to the approaching army?
As the leader of the Quraysh, 'Abd al-Muttalib focused on recovering his plundered property while entrusting the protection of the Ka'ba to God. He famously stated that he was the lord of the camels, but the House had its own Lord who would surely protect it from destruction.
3- What was the significance of the Ababil birds in this event?
When Abraha's army neared the Ka'ba, Allah sent flocks of birds known as Ababil to intervene. These birds carried small stones in their beaks and dropped them upon the soldiers, effectively destroying the invading military force. This miraculous defense is immortalized in chapter 105 of the Holy Qur'an.
4- Why is the year 570 CE historically significant in Islam?
The year 570 CE, known as Am al-Fil or the Year of the Elephant, marks both the failed invasion of Mecca and the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. This pivotal moment in history elevated the status of the Quraysh tribe and signaled divine protection for the sacred city of Mecca.