SURAH AL-FIL Chapter 105

This blog is part of a series of blogs based on my research and compilation of surahs of the Quran, in an effort to understand these surahs in an easy way. Today's effort is on SURAH AL-FIL Chapter 105, hope going through it will be a learning journey for all of you. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen).

Introduction:

Surah Fil, (The Elephant) is Chapter 105 of Holy Quran and it has 5 Verses. This Surah, as its name indicates, refers to the well-known historical event that happened in the year of the birth of the holy Prophet (S) when Allah protected the Kaaba against the attack of the army of pagans who, riding on the backs of elephants, came from Yemen intending to destroy it.

This Surah is a recollection of the miraculous event which many people of Mecca remember, because it happened not so long ago.

Its remembrance is a warning against the proud, arrogant pagans to make them aware that they have no power to stand in the way of the Power of Allah, who destroyed that great army of elephants by little, tiny birds who pelted them with 'small stones of petrified clay' and He can punish these stubborn oppressors, too. Their equipment was no more than that of Abrahah nor did the number of their fighters match his. In other words, they had seen that event with their own eyes and yet, were so arrogant.

Background to the revelation of Suratul  fiil.

This event happened in the year of the birth of the Prophet (S.A.W)

Ø  Abraha, a Christian governor of Yemen wanted to destroy the Al-kaaba (Baitul Haram) the sacred house of Allah that was honored by the Quraish.

Ø  Abraha built a house in Yemen that resembled the Al-kaaba and asked Arabs to visit the house for pilgrimage instead of Al-Kaaba.

Ø  An Arab man defiled the inner walls of the newly build structure in Yemen with human waste.

Ø  This angered Abraha and made him attack the Al-Kaaba with his army using elephants.

Ø  Abraha left Yemen for Makkah to destroy the Kaaba with an Army of 13 elephants. When he reached the outskirts of Makkah, he told the chief of Makkah Abdul Mutwalib to leave with his people and hide in the mountains

Ø  Abdul Mutwalib pleaded with Abraha but could not convince him to stop from destroying the Al-kaaba.

Ø  When Abraha with his army was approaching the city of Makkah, they were suddenly attacked by flocks of birds raiding them with tiny hot clay like stones. The whole army was distorted.

Ø  The surah was given the title “Al-Fiil” in reference to the elephant mounted by Abraha.

Message of Surah Al Fil:

The message is that Allah (swt) destroyed and ruined the plans of the enemies who wished to destroy the Ka'ba. It is a message to the believers that Allah (swt) can ruin the plot of the disbelievers, so never lose hope in the assistance of Allah (swt). The moral lesson associated with this Surah is that, however, Allah misguided their plan and punished them with flocks of birds that threw them with stones of hard clay till they perished. Lesson of Surah Al-Fil is a lesson for every person on the power of Allah and that He (SWT) protects His sacred places and, most importantly, His believers. This surah was therefore revealed, comforting the Prophet and assuring him of the abiding and profuse goodness which Allah had chosen for him and of the deprivation and loss awaiting his persecutors. This Surah refers to the story of the People of the Elephants who came with an army of elephants for the purpose of destroying the House of Allah in (The Holy Ka'bah) in Makkah. But their plan backfired and the Divine scourge overtook them. Allah destroyed the army with a flock of ordinary birds.

Benefits of Surah Al Fil:

Surah Fil, the 105th surah of the Quran with five verses, offers various benefits upon recitation. Here are some of the benefits:

Ø  On the virtue of reciting this Surah, a tradition from Imam Sadiq (as) says:

"He who recites Surah Fil in his obligatory prayers, any level land, mountains or any clods of dirt will bear witness for him, on the Day of Judgement, that he has been one of the prayerful (believers). and on that Day, a herald calls saying,

 

'You are right about My servant I accept your witness for him or against him Let him enter Paradise without Reckoning him. Verily, he is the one of whom he and his action I like.'"1

 

It is obvious that these magnificent, abundant bounties and rewards are for he who, with its recitation, gets down from the horse of arrogance and goes on the right path alongside which he seeks the satisfaction of Allah.

Ø  Rewards in the Hereafter: The act of reciting Surah Fil during obligatory prayers is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound spiritual endeavor. By engaging in this act, believers are not only fulfilling a religious duty but are also drawing closer to Allah.

Ø  Prayer Requirement: The combined recitation of Surah Fil and Surah Quraysh serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of the Quranic chapters, where each Surah complements and builds upon the other. Secondly, it underscores the importance of adhering to religious guidelines.

Ø  Protection from Enemies: The act of reciting Surah Fil 98 times on a Wednesday is a specific ritual that underscores the power of intention and focused prayer.

Ø  Safety from Drowning: The promise of protection from drowning associated with Surah Fil is a testament to Allah’s encompassing mercy. It serves as a reminder that divine protection can manifest in various forms, from guarding against physical dangers to providing spiritual and emotional safety.

Ø  Enhanced Faith and Reliance on Allah: By reflecting on this event, believers are reminded that no matter how insurmountable challenges may seem, with faith and reliance on Allah, they can overcome any adversity.

Few Facts about the Surah:

o   Fil” means “the Elephant”.

o   Abraha was a slave in his early life.

o   He built a large temple and wanted people to worship there instead of the Kaaba.

o   The attack on the Kaaba happened just 50 days before Muhammad (pbuh) was born.

o   Abdul Muttalib prayed only to Allah to save the Kaaba, forgetting all other idols.

o   After this incident, for the next 7 to 10 years, the people of Quraish recognized Allah as their God.

Researched & Compiled by:

OVAIS ASAD KHAN