THE SŪRAH THAT TELLS US THE STORY OF HOW THE KA’ABAH WAS DELIVERED FROM DESTRUCTION IS

• A. al-Fātihah
• B. al-‘Alaq
• C. al-Fīl ✓
• D. ‘Abasa

 

The answer to the question is: C. al-Fīl

The Sūrah that tells us the story of how the Ka’abah was delivered from destruction is:

Sūrah Al-Fil (The Elephant)

Background and Context:

Sūrah Al-Fil (Arabic: سورة الفيل) is the 105th chapter of the Qur’an and consists of five verses. This Sūrah is named after the “Army of the Elephant,” which refers to an event where an Abyssinian (Ethiopian) army, led by a commander named Abraha, marched upon the Ka’abah in Mecca with the intention of destroying it. The Ka’abah is the most sacred site in Islam, regarded as the “House of Allah” and the direction towards which Muslims around the world face in prayer.

The Story in Sūrah Al-Fil:

According to Islamic tradition, this incident occurred in the year of Prophet Muhammad’s birth, which is referred to as ‘Am al-Fil (the Year of the Elephant). Abraha had built a magnificent church in San’a, Yemen, with the intention of diverting the Arab pilgrimage from Mecca to Yemen. However, his plan failed as the Arabs continued their annual pilgrimage to the Ka’abah. Enraged by this, Abraha gathered a large army that included elephants (uncommon in Arabia) to demolish the Ka’abah.

Upon reaching near Mecca, Abraha sent a messenger to inform Abdul-Muttalib, who was then the custodian of the Ka’abah, about his intent and offered him safety if he did not interfere. Abdul-Muttalib replied that he had no intention of fighting them because he knew that if God willed to protect His house, He would do so.

As Abraha’s army approached Mecca, they were met by a miraculous event. The Qur’an narrates that Allah sent birds called ‘Ababil’ carrying small stones in their beaks and claws. They dropped these stones on Abraha’s army, which led to its defeat. The stones were said to have struck with such force that they penetrated armor and flesh.

Verses from Sūrah Al-Fil:

Here are the verses from Sūrah Al-Fil which recount this event:

1. Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?
2. Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?
3. And He sent against them birds in flocks,
4. Striking them with stones of baked clay,
5. Then made them like eaten straw.

Significance of Sūrah Al-Fil:

The story serves as a reminder of God’s power and protection over His sanctuary. It emphasizes that He alone controls all matters and can defend what is His without any need for human intervention. This event is also significant historically as it marks a pivotal year—the year when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born.

Lessons Derived from Sūrah Al-Fil:

Muslims derive several lessons from this Sūrah:

• The importance of trusting in God’s plan and protection.
• A reminder that no power can prevail against divine will.
• The significance of respecting and protecting holy sites.
• A demonstration that God defends those who are devoted to Him.