The People of the Elephant - in the Quran

The People of the Elephant (أصحاب الفيل) is the name given to an army led by Abraha who attempted to invade the Kaaba in Mecca, according to Islamic tradition. The story is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), which is the 105th chapter of the Quran. The army was named after the elephants that were used in their military campaign, which was a unique and powerful feature at the time. The story is often cited as an example of Allah's power and protection over His sacred house in Mecca.

According to Islamic tradition, the story of the People of the Elephant took place during the time of the Prophet Muhammad's birth, in the year 570 CE. Abraha was a Christian ruler of Yemen who had built a grand cathedral in his kingdom and sought to attract pilgrims from across the Arabian Peninsula to his cathedral instead of the Kaaba in Mecca.

Abraha's army, which included several elephants, set out for Mecca to destroy the Kaaba. However, Allah sent flocks of birds that dropped stones on the army, killing many soldiers and causing the remaining ones to flee. The story is recounted in Surah Al-Fil, which describes the event in brief but powerful terms.

The incident of the People of the Elephant is considered significant in Islamic history, as it is believed to have occurred shortly before the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, who would go on to be the final prophet and messenger of Allah. Some scholars suggest that the story may have also served as a reminder to the Arab tribes of the power and might of Allah, and the importance of the Kaaba as a central religious site for the Arabs

In similar note, Muttalib was the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad and a prominent figure in the history of Mecca. According to Islamic tradition, Muttalib was known for his bravery and leadership, and he played a significant role in protecting the Kaaba during a time of crisis.

In the year 520 CE, a tribe called the Banu Hawazin sought to destroy the Kaaba and attacked Mecca with a large army. The Meccans, led by Muttalib, prepared to defend the Kaaba and gathered at the outskirts of the city. Muttalib made a vow to Allah that if He granted the Meccans victory, he would sacrifice his most beloved possession.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Meccans were able to repel the attack and defend the Kaaba. This event, known as the Sacrifice of Muttalib, is considered a significant event in the history of Mecca and is often cited as an example of Muttalib's courage and devotion to the Kaaba.

There is only one verse in the Quran that specifically mentions the People of the Elephant, and it is Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), which is the 105th chapter of the Quran. It explains how Allah saved Kaaba. The verse is:

"Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the People of the Elephant?" (Quran 105:1)

This verse refers to the miraculous event when Allah sent flocks of birds to defeat the army of Abraha, the Christian ruler of Yemen, who attempted to invade Mecca with elephants. The story is often recounted in Islamic history and serves as a reminder of Allah's power and protection over His sacred house in Mecca.