The Elephant
•5 verses
A Meccan surah of 5 verses, Al-Fil recounts the historical event of the Year of the Elephant (around 570 CE), when Abraha attempted to destroy the Kaaba with his army of elephants.
Al-Fil shows how Allah protected His Sacred House by sending birds (Ababil) that hurled stones of baked clay upon Abraha's army, reducing it to nothing.
Tell the story of the Elephant to your child as a fascinating tale showing Allah's protection over the Kaaba, the most sacred place in Islam.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Have you not considered, [O Muḥammad], how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?1
Did He not make their plan into misguidance?1
And He sent against them birds in flocks,
Striking them with stones of hard clay,
And He made them like eaten straw.1
Learn the letters of the Arabic alphabet with audio pronunciation and interactive exercises.
Discover the Arabic alphabetExplore our collection of Islamic supplications with translation and audio for the whole family.
View supplications